• 01671 404924
  • 07970 359557

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.

LAS Live - Friday 6th July 2018!

We are thrilled to announce that we have LAS booked for 2018 supporting Tim Edey at the opening night concert on Friday 6th July 2018 in the Festival Marquee. LAS are Joy Dunlop, Edel Ní Churraoin, Gráinne Brady, Suzanne Fivey and Catherine Ní Shúilleabháin.  

23 Nov 17
Nathon Jones

The Barr Stools & Us Live!

Barr Community Association presents an evening of music to celebrate St. Andrew's with The Barr Stools and our very own Nathon & Rhona Jones this coming Saturday 25th November, 8pm-Midnight, at Barr Village Hall in aid of Barr Primary School.  

22 Nov 17
Nathon Jones

Tim Edey Live - Fri 6th July 2018

Absolutely thrilled to be able to announce that Tim Edey will be making it to Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival next year with a headline performance on Friday 6th July 2018 in the Festival Marquee.  

22 Nov 17
Nathon Jones

Go Wigtownshire at DG Life Awards!

It wasn't to be, this year, for the festival but we'd like to wish the best of luck to Wigtownshire nominees - Catriona McGhie, Briars Engravers, Life o' Reilly, Kirkcolm Village Shop, Whithorn Trust, Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, House O Hill Hotel, Logan Botanic Gardens & Stranraer Oyster Festival.  

22 Nov 17
Nathon Jones

Emily Smith in Concert

Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival are proud to present Emily Smith's annual Christmas show 'Songs For Christmas' live at Crafty Distillery, Newton Stewart, on Friday 22nd December 2017 from 7:30pm featuring Emily Smith, Jamie McClennan and Anna Massie. Book now!  

20 Oct 17
Nathon Jones

Film review of 2016 & 2017

We are delighted to present to you a fantastic film which was made this year to showcase Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival. If you've never visited the festival, we hope this will give you a taste of the activities, events and general craic' that takes place every year.  

5 Oct 17
Nathon Jones

Dumfries & Galloway Life Awards

We'd really appreciate your support with a nomination for a DG Life Award this year; for the work that we've done to get the festival to the stage it's at and that we continue to do to further develop the event, promote our region and the fabulous, talented, people that live and work here.  

4 Oct 17
Nathon Jones

Scots Trad Music Awards Nominations

The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are open for nominations and if you've enjoyed and/or benefitted from the Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival we'd really appreciate your support with a nomination for Community Project of the Year and/or Event of the Year.  

4 Oct 17
Nathon Jones

Old Blind Dogs headlining in 2018!

We are absolutely thrilled to have secured the fantastic Old Blind Dogs for Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival 2018. The Dogs will perform at the finale concert on Saturday 7th July 2018 at the McMillan Hall, Newton Stewart. Early bird weekend passes on sale now!  

20 Sep 17
Nathon Jones

Unbelievable weekend!

What an absolutely fantastic weekend. 6 concerts, 7 workshops, sessions all over the place all weekend, beautiful sunshine, fabulous musicians...there's so much to report back on, and we will do in due course, but some rest and relaxation is definitely needed for a few days.  

10 Jul 17
Nathon Jones

Ross & Ali to perform on Saturday!

Absolutely chuffed to bits, and relieved as you like!, to have secured the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners for Best Duo 2017, Ross Ainslie & Ali Hutton, who will perform at the finale concert tonight at the McMillan Hall. What a treat!  

8 Jul 17
Nathon Jones

Programme Update - Tim Edey

Due to circumstances entirely beyond his control, we are sad to announce that Tim Edey is unable to be here today for the workshop or concert. We wish Tim's wife Isobel, and baby who is on the way, well and we will announce a rescheduled performance by Tim in due course.  

8 Jul 17
Nathon 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!

Subscribe to Newsletter

* indicates required
Commercial Sponsors:
  • Five Kingdoms Brewery Logo
  • Crafty Distillery Logo
  • WEST Brewery Logo
Funded by:
  • Dumfries & Galloway Council Logo
  • The Holywood Trust Logo