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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.

Hohner Two Row Melodeon For Sale

We were absolutely bowled over this week to receive not one but three musical instrument donations to support the fundraising campaign for The Vault Arts Centre from the outstanding luthier David Mann at Hexham Violins; the star being this beautiful Hohner Pokerwork Two Row D/G Melodeon.  

13 Mar 19
Nathon Jones

Duncan Chisholm @TradFestival

We are absolutely thrilled to announce the headline act for the Saturday night concert at this year's Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival; one of Scotland’s most recognised and accomplished fiddle players and composers, the fabulous Duncan Chisholm.  

1 Mar 19
Nathon Jones

Knackerin' his'sel fir the airts...

Project Co-ordinator and Festival Director Nathon Jones will be taking to the Galloway Forest Park this coming May to run/cycle in the Galloway Hillbillies Kirroughtree Hillbilly Duathlon, a 10km run and 18km mountain bike, to raise funds for The Vault Arts Centre and annual music & dance festival.  

26 Feb 19
Billie Jones

Rockers raise £367.67

A fantastic turnout at the Belted Galloway on 23rd February saw a total of £367.67 raised for the proposed new arts centre in Newton Stewart. Huge thanks to The Dynamite Kings and Bad Reputation for the superb live music and to Darren, Calum and The Belted Galloway for making it all happen.  

25 Feb 19
Nathon Jones

Baillie Gifford Sponsors in 2019

We are delighted to announce a brand new partnership between Trad Music Trust and the wonderful Baillie Gifford who have come on board as official sponsors in 2019, supporting Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival and the work of Trad Music Trust.  

22 Feb 19
Nathon Jones

Rock out at the Belted!

Don't miss Bad Reputation and The Dynamite Kings live at the Belted Galloway, Newton Stewart, this Saturday 23rd February from 8:00pm; a live music concert with two of the region's most excellent rock/blues bands who are giving up their time to help raise funds for The Vault.  

22 Feb 19
Nathon Jones

£226.67 raised at Cree Inn event

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to the Cree Inn on Saturday 9th February and helped raise a brilliant £226.67 for The Vault Arts Centre project. That takes the running total to £496.67, which is a terrific start, with further fundraising planned over the coming weeks.  

11 Feb 19
Nathon Jones

Fundraising night at Cree Inn

This Saturday 9th Feb, Trad Music Trust will host an evening of live music and entertainment to raise funds for the proposed new arts centre in Newton Stewart. There will be live music from the Board of Trustees, family and friends plus a charity raffle with some amazing prizes up for grabs!  

6 Feb 19
Nathon Jones

Benedict Morris confirmed for July

It's the news you've all been waiting for; we have again managed to secure the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2019, Glasgow fiddle player Benedict Morris. Benedict will be performing with a trio at the opening night concert in the Festival Marquee on Friday 12th July 2019.  

3 Feb 19
Billie Jones

Sponsorship opportunities in 2019

There has never been a better time to get involved with Trad Music Trust and Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival, and to add your support to the growing list of sponsors and partners who are helping the charity deliver valuable arts & culture programming in Wigtownshire.  

2 Feb 19
Billie Jones

Overwhelming response to survey

With the survey now closed, and an amazing 449 responses in, it's time to analyse the results and find out exactly what you'd like to see happening in the region. Your support has been fantastic and will directly shape the delivery of future projects, so a huge thanks to everyone who participated.  

1 Feb 19
Nathon Jones

Last day for survey today!

Today, 31st January, is your last chance to have your say on the delivery of new music tuition, arts and cultural events/activities and the development of a new arts centre in Newton Stewart with a chance to win tickets for this year's festival too!  

31 Jan 19
Billie Jones

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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