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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.

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Kelton arrives safe and sound

Many thanks to J&J Currie Ltd and the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership for their support in ensuring that the fabulous 'Kelton' arrived safe and sound at Minnigaff Playing Fields for this year's Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival...and doesn't he look wonderful?  

7 Jul 22
Nathon Jones

Official programmes available from Friday 8th July

Hot off the press, the official programme for this year's festival will be available from The Vault Arts Centre from 1pm tomorrow and at the evening concert events in the new Festival Marquee.  

7 Jul 22
Nathon Jones

Fiddle workshop with Megan Níc Fhionnghaile

Currently studying Irish Music at the Irish World Academy in the University of Limerick, Megan Níc Fhionnghaile - who is performing at the Saturday night concert - will be hosting a fiddle workshop at 10:30am on Saturday 9th July 2022 at McMillan Hall. FREE for under 25s or £12 for everyone else.  

7 Jul 22
Nathon Jones

Festival workshops announced

It wouldn't be festival Saturday without the workshops which, as always, are completely FREE for under 25s and just £12 per person, per workshop, for everyone else. Learn flute/whistle with Sarah Markey, tenor banjo with Marty Barry and bodhrán with Michael Drain.  

28 Jun 22
Nathon Jones

Kelton confirmed for Highland Dancing Competition

Trevor Leat's incredible wicker sculpture of a Belted Galloway will be appearing at Minnigaff Playing Fields on Saturday 9th July 2022 to accompany, and oversee, the Scottish Highland Dancing competition which kicks off from 11:15am.  

24 Jun 22
Nathon Jones

A feast of Highland dancing this July 9th

Registered with the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing, reference BJ4, applications are now open in Primary, Beginners & Novice, Intermediate & Premier sections for this year's Scottish Highland Dancing Competition which looks set to be another fantastic event this year.  

23 Jun 22
Nathon Jones

Shout out to local accommodation providers

As this year's festival draws ever closer, we've seen a big increase in accommodation enquiries at the festival office. If you're a local accommodation provider and you're not currently listed on the festival accommodation page, please get in touch and we'll be happy to add your details.  

16 Jun 22
Nathon Jones

New Website Launched

It has taken a significant amount of work but we're finally LIVE! All the festival information you need; who's performing, how to book tickets, session information, where to stay, eating out and lots more.  

8 Jun 22
Nathon Jones

Funding joy for Highland dancers!

Trad Music Trust, in partnership with the Paula Herries School of Dance, have been awarded a National Lottery award from The National Lottery Community Fund to purchase staging for the Highland dancers and Highland dancing competition at Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival!  

26 Aug 21
Billie Jones

Live trad music tonight!

Looking forward to another night of tunes and songs with local and visiting musicians at The Vault Arts Centre from 6pm this evening (Friday 20th Aug). Folk club takes place on the 2nd last Friday of every month and musician's are always very welcome.  

20 Aug 21
Nathon Jones

Open Mic Night

This Friday 6th August, from 6pm, sees local and visiting talent take to the stage at The Vault Arts Centre, Newton Stewart, for the regular open mic night. Spaces are limited, as we're still in Level 0, so advanced booking is recommended. We also still have some performance slots available!  

6 Aug 21
Nathon Jones

HUGE news for The Vault Arts Centre

Yesterday's announcement by the Scottish Government, further easing restrictions and allowing venues to fully re-open, is fantastic news for The Vault Arts Centre as we prepare a packed Autumn programme of live events including rock/metal, folk, comedy, open mic, music shop, TVYP and much more!  

4 Aug 21
Nathon Jones

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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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