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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.

Extra days added for Early Bird discount on Weekend Passes

Due to the many requests we've had about the Early Bird discount for Weekend Passes for this year's Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival, we have decided to extend the discount period to the end of January 2023. Simply enter "CREEHERON" at checkout and save 10%!  

18 Jan 23
Nathon Jones

AGM of Trad Music Trust

Scottish charity Trad Music Trust (SC048610) invites its members and the public to its annual general meeting on Tuesday 14th February 2023 at 6pm at The Vault Arts Centre, Newton Stewart.  

10 Jan 23
Nathon Jones

Last minute Christmas Gift - Music Concert Tickets

Still looking for the perfect gift for your loved one this Christmas? Give the gift of music with concert tickets and a choice of two fabulous festivals in Newton Stewart next year - May's SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival and July's Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival.  

22 Dec 22
Nathon Jones

It wasn't to be...this time!

What a fantastic evening at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Sunday night at the Caird Hall in Dundee, and though the festival didn't come away with first prize, it was an absolute honour to be nominated alongside such incredible national events. Huge congratulations to winners HebCelt!  

7 Dec 22
Nathon Jones

Flook confirmed for @TradFestival 2023

We are absolutely thrilled to confirm Flook for next year's Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival - 7th-9th July 2023. Brian Finnegan, Sarah Allen, Ed Boyd and John Joe Kelly will perform on the Saturday of the festival in the Festival Marquee. Weekend passes on sale now!  

30 Nov 22
Nathon Jones

Trad Music Trust joins Green Arts Initiative

Trad Music Trust is committed to improving its environmental efforts and to reducing its carbon footprint and, to that end, has recently joined the Green Arts Initiative. We report back to the Green Arts Initiative on the efforts we've made and look at what else we can do to improve year on year.  

22 Nov 22
Nathon Jones

Ciarán Ryan Band confirmed for @TradFestival 2023

Delighted to confirm the Ciarán Ryan Band for opening night at next year's Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival. Ciarán is an outstanding banjo player and we're sure you're going to love them, LIVE in the Festival Marquee next July. Weekend passes are on sale now.  

10 Nov 22
Nathon Jones

Newton Stewart & Minnigaff festival nominated for national award

Voting is now open for the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, and Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival has only gone and been nominated for Event of the Year (sponsored by VisitScotland)! Wow! Vote now and show your support for one of the best trad festivals in Scotland.  

7 Nov 22
Nathon Jones

Don't miss Autumn Trad this weekend!

Over 21st-23rd October, the very best in young traditional music talent - Eryn Rae, Michael Biggins, Lewis McLaughlin and Binky Blue - all take to the stage for the 2nd annual Autumn Trad festival at The Vault Arts Centre, Newton Stewart. There'll also be fantastic tune sessions all weekend.  

19 Oct 22
Nathon Jones

Event of the Year nomination?

Did you enjoy this year's Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival over 8th-10th July 2022? If so, then please take a moment to nominate the event for an award at this year's MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. Nominations close on 16th October, so please get voting!  

11 Oct 22
Nathon Jones

Lewis McLaughlin confirmed for Autumn Trad!

We are very excited to present Edinburgh-born singer-songwriter and instrumentalist Lewis McLaughlin who is confirmed for this year's Autumn Trad Festival on 21st-23rd October. Lewis will be performing live on Saturday 22nd October at The Vault Arts Centre, Newton Stewart. Tickets on sale now!  

6 Oct 22
Nathon Jones

Announcement - Ryan Young Postponement

Due to personal circumstances beyond his control, Ryan has had to postpone his performance at Autumn Trad festival this coming 21st-23rd October. If you know Ryan, you'll know how disappointed he'll be about this, but he's promised to reschedule. Meanwhile, we'll announce a replacement very soon.  

3 Oct 22
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!

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