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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.

Ivan Drever Performing this April!

Ivan Drever has been singing, playing and writing since his early teens in his native Orkney. Now based in Orkney he continues to play live and record new music! Don't miss the chance to see an incredible, Iconic, prolific singer-songwriter live at The Vault on the 20th April 2024 at 7pm!  

22 Feb 24
Charlie McAdam

Folk Club Tomorrow Night!

Don't miss the incredible Folk Club tomorrow night at 7pm. Join local and visiting musicians for a night filled with live music, fun and banter! The music can range from traditional Irish/Scottish folk all the way to some modern folk and country! There is something for everyone at folk club!  

15 Feb 24
Charlie McAdam

Music Lessons Available!

The Vault is offering lessons in piano, guitar and violin currently, with ukulele lessons in the future if interest is shown! All of our teachers are incredibly talented and skilled musicians that can introduce you to the very basics or even provide seasoned musicians with great tips to improve!  

15 Feb 24
Charlie McAdam

Gráinne Brady & Luc McNally confirmed for July

Another fantastic act confirmed for this Summer's traditional music and dance festival, we are thrilled to welcome the incredible musician and composer Gráinne Brady with accompaniment from guitarist, bouzouki player, singer and composer/arranger Luc McNally. Weekend passes on sale now!  

31 Jan 24
Nathon Jones

Sláinte Mhath!

Today, the 25th January, is the anniversary of the birth of Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns, whose work is celebrated around the world. Trad Music Trust and Newton Stewart and Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival would like to wish you all a happy Burns Night. Enjoy your haggis!  

25 Jan 24
Nathon Jones

Ríoghnach Connolly and Ellis Davies confirmed for Summer Trad 2024

Ríoghnach is a professional vocalist, flautist, lyricist, tutor and activist. She has toured internationally and extensively, performing and recording in bands The Breath, HoneyFeet, Band of Burns and Afro Celt Sound System. Still looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Weekend passes on sale now!  

19 Dec 23
Nathon Jones

Juliette Lemoine and Chris Amer confirmed for Summer Trad 2024

Juliette performed at The Vault Arts Centre in April this year and it was such a good show that we simply had to invite her back. Juliette's debut album, Soaring, was long-listed for Scottish Album of the Year in 2023. Still looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Weekend passes on sale now!  

19 Dec 23
Nathon Jones

Happy St Andrew's Day

Trad Music Trust, The Vault Arts Centre and Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival would like to wish you all very blessed, peaceful and amazing day, this St. Andrew's day. We are very proud to be from Scotland, live in Scotland and have children and family in Scotland.  

30 Nov 23
Nathon Jones

Vote for Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival

Nominations are now open for the 21st MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards so if you enjoyed this year's festival, we'd really appreciate a vote for Event of the Year, Community Project of the Year or Venue of the Year. Finalists in 2022 for Event of the Year...can we go one better this year?  

10 Oct 23
Nathon Jones

White Katz ODonnell Are Performing Tonight!

Dont miss the incredible White-Katz-ODonnell tonight at 7PM. Long-time members of Scotlands seminal Battlefield Band, Mike Katz, Alasdair White, and Sean ODonnell have played together for nearly two decades. Only £7.00 Entry, Family friendly and a Fully stocked bar with all your local favourites!  

6 Oct 23
Charlie McAdam

South of Scotland Thistle Awards 2023

Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival heads to the Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries this evening for this year's South of Scotland Thistle Awards. The festival is a finalist in the 'Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival' category; another fantastic achievement for the event.  

5 Oct 23
Nathon Jones

D&G Life Awards Open for Entries!

The Dumfries & Galloway Life Awards 2023 are now open for entries.  

28 Jul 23
Nathon Jones

Trad Music Trust

The 10th annual Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival takes place over the 12th-14th July 2024. 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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