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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.

Happy New Year!

We'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone who visits the website, the wonderful audiences at the events we host and the sponsors and funders who so generously support what we do, a fantastic and happy new year.  

5 Jan 19
Nathon Jones

Live music at Blackhorse Hotel

It's the Christmas night out tonight, Fri 21st Dec, and we're all looking forward to a meal at the Blackhorse Hotel, Newton Stewart, and to celebrating a fantastic year for the organisation and the festival. Please bring your instruments and voices and join us for live music from 9:30pm!  

21 Dec 18
Nathon Jones

Tunes & Songs @ Bruce Hotel Tonight

Join Trad Music Trust for an evening of tunes and songs at the Bruce Hotel this evening, Saturday 15th December, from 8:30pm. Bring your instruments and voices too, as ever!  

15 Dec 18
Nathon Jones

Looking for the perfect Xmas gift?

How about tickets to see Dougie MacLean at Newton Stewart Cinema on July 14th 2019 or a Weekend Pass for the 6th annual Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival? Trad Music Trust has got your Christmas presents all sorted!  

12 Dec 18
Nathon Jones

Calling all 18-24 year olds!

We've had a fantastic response to the Newton Stewart Arts Centre Community Survey, with over 350 responses so far, but we want it to be as representative as possible - you'll help shape new music, dance, language and arts services in the region - so if you're aged 18-24 we'd love to hear from you.  

12 Dec 18
Billie Jones

Cancelled - Emily Smith Concert

It is with deep regret that, due to poor ticket sales, we're having to announce the cancellation of the Emily Smith Songs For Christmas concert due to be held this coming Saturday 15th December at Our Lady & St Ninian's Church. All bookings so far will, of course, receive a full refund.  

10 Dec 18
Nathon Jones

Registration Open for 2019

Registration is now open for Scottish Highland dancing competition, SOBHD Competition BJ4, on Saturday 13th July 2019 at Minnigaff Playing Fields, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland.  

8 Dec 18
Nathon Jones

Mànran Live at Stranraer

Don't miss the fabulous Gary Innes, Ewen Henderson, Ross Saunders, Ryan Murphy, Mark Scobbie and Craig Irving, otherwise known as Scottish supergroup Mànran, live at The Fitba Bar, Stranraer, this coming Friday 7th December from 7:30pm.  

29 Nov 18
Nathon Jones

New arts delivery in Newton Stewart

Please spare a minute to complete the 9 question Newton Stewart Arts Centre Community Survey. Your responses will help shape the delivery of new music tuition, arts and cultural events/activities and the development of a new arts centre in Newton Stewart.  

21 Nov 18
Nathon Jones

Emily Smith's Songs for Christmas

It has been a fantastic year for the Trad Music Trust and Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival so, to celebrate, we've reduced the price for the forthcoming Emily Smith Song's For Christmas show to £10 (Over 25's) and £8 (Over 65's / Under 25's). Merry Christmas!  

19 Nov 18
Nathon Jones

£130,320 economic impact in 2018

With support from Dumfries & Galloway Council's Major Events Strategic Fund it has been estimated that Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival had a total economic impact of £130,320 in 2018; a fantastic achievement for the event and a huge boost to the region's economy.  

18 Nov 18
Billie Jones

Wish us luck at the D&G Life Awards

Chairperson Billy and Festival Director Nathon are off to the D&G Life Awards this evening (9th Nov) to represent Trad Music Trust and the Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival which has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Tourism Champion category.  

9 Nov 18
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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