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Latest Festival News

All the latest festival news as well as news and updates from the traditional music scene in Dumfries & Galloway including concerts, workshops, artist updates, new music releases, music reviews and more. We'll also be featuring news and views from some of our favourite traditional music artists and traditional music news from around the world.

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Bluegrass workshops all weekend at top local festival

This year's SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival 16th-18th May 2025 gives you the chance to learn from the very best bluegrass musicians on the scene right now including Charlotte Carrivick (guitar), Evan Davies (mandolin), Eleanor Wilkie (bass), Kieran Towers (fiddle) and Eilidh Patterson (songwriting).  

12 May 25
Nathon Jones

Best Events Venue in Scotland 2025?

Huge congratulation to our colleagues and friends at the wonderful The Vault Arts Centre in Newton Stewart for reaching the finals, yet again, of the Scottish Entertainment & Hospitality Awards in the Best Events Venue category.  

19 Mar 25
Nathon Jones

Incredible line-up announced for SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival 2025

Tickets are on sale now for SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival which takes place over 16th-18th May 2025 at The Vault Arts Centre in Newton Stewart and features musicians from Scotland, Ireland, England, USA & Canada who will perform and teach bluegrass/Americana/old-time music throughout the weekend.  

19 Mar 25
Nathon Jones

Jarad Rowan to perform on Burns Night

Adding to this weekend's fantastic Burns Night celebration event, Jarad Rowan is known for his passion for Scottish culture, particularly in reviving traditional tunes. Jarad will provide musical entertainment following the Bladnoch whisky tasting and will be a performance not to be missed.  

22 Jan 25
Nathon Jones

MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2024 - Vote Now!

This year, 10 years since the very first Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival, we need your support more than ever. Despite continued funding cuts the event was still glorious, and the music absolutely mighty. Vote now to help save this vital traditional music festival!  

1 Oct 24
Nathon Jones

Outstanding sponsorship support from Five Kingdoms Brewery

Serving local produce ensures that the project supports local businesses and the local community. A huge favourite are the beers from Five Kingdoms Brewery which are brewed in Isle of Whithorn. We are hugely grateful to Alastair and his team for their very generous support for this year's festival.  

12 Jul 24
Nathon Jones

Workshops at this year's festival

With so many outstanding musicians in Newton Stewart this weekend it would be foolish not to take full advantage, and we've done just that with a superb programme of traditional music workshops which are included as part of the Weekend Pass ticket, £10 per adult or £Free for under 25s.  

11 Jul 24
Nathon Jones

Highland dancing competition unable to go ahead this year

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the postponement of this year's Highland dancing competition at Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival. Continued funding cuts have meant some very difficult decisions have had to be made, however we do hope to bring this back in 2025.  

26 Jun 24
Nathon Jones

Be inspired at SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival

On Saturday 18th May from 12noon, there are a feast of workshops to choose from! Acoustic Guitar with Timmy Allan and Scott McPherson, Mandolin with Willem McKee, Upright Bass with Christopher Quinn, Fiddle Workshop with Roo Geddes and Group Workshop with The Often Herd!  

16 May 24
Nathon Jones

Don't miss the 49th Girvan Traditional Folk Festival this weekend!

We've got lots going on at The Vault Arts Centre this weekend, but if you're of a folk music persuasion then make sure you get along to Girvan Traditional Folk Festival which runs from 3rd-5th May 2024 and features concerts, session trail, workshops, competitions, festival fair and family events.  

1 May 24
Nathon Jones

Singing Session with Jim Bainbridge this weekend!

Join Jim Bainbridge and his wife Francie on Sunday 7th April at 2pm for an afternoon of songs from all genres and a chance for singers, accompanied or not to add to the welcoming musical tradition of The Vault Arts Centre!  

3 Apr 24
Charlie McAdam

Line-up for this year's SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival announced!

Over 17th-19th May 2024 we welcome the very best in UK & International bluegrass acts for the 3rd annual SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival at The Vault Arts Centre, Newton Stewart, and what a line-up it is this year featuring The Black Denims, Rain of Animals, Sarah-Jane Scouten and The Often Herd!  

22 Mar 24
Nathon Jones

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Trad Music Trust

Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary over 11th-13th July 2025. It's an incredible achievement. The charity has created a viable, sustainable, event that continues to grow and develop, proudly celebrating the very best in traditional Scottish, Irish and World music. Make sure you book early for what is shaping up to be the biggest event yet!

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