Opening night is always special, and this year is no exception with the incredible Ciarán Ryan Band plus support from Elizabeth Davidson-Blythe & Daniel Quayle. Book early to avoid disappointment.
10 Nov 22by Nathon Jones
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.
Already a veteran performer having toured the worlds stages for a decade, predominantly as a founding member of world-folk band Dallahan and as a highly sought after session musician, Ciarán Ryan is quietly becoming recognised as one of the foremost tenor banjo players the UK has ever produced.
The live outfit “Ciarán Ryan Band” was formed in Edinburgh, Scotland following the release of his debut solo album "Banjaxed" in late 2019. The album was shortlisted for "Album of the Year" at the Scots Trad Music Awards.
He now brings his prolific writing and stage experience firmly to the front with his own solo show of all-original music, loosely grown out of his traditional Irish music upbringing that nods towards the idioms of rock, EDM and post-punk music.
The band had an explosive start with a headline show at Celtic Connections and other UK festivals. The live show is a high-octane spectacle of ferocious banjo led music and sheer instrumental brilliance!
BUY Weekend Pass
Multi award winning Scottish folk band RURA and new kids on the block KICK have just been confirmed as performing at this year's Summer Trad Festival over the 10th-12th July 2026. WOW! There's still time to save BIG with a Weekend Pass, but you'll have hurry as that offer expires at 6pm!
10 Jun 26Nathon Jones
Over 10-12th July 2026, the very best in traditional music returns to Newton Stewart for the 13th annual Summer Trad Festival at The Vault Arts Centre, one of the regions best grassroots music venues. You can save BIG with a Weekend Pass but you'll have to hurry as this offer expires on 10th June!
9 Jun 26Nathon Jones
SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival celebrates is 5th year in 2026, bringing the very best in UK and International bluegrass/Americana/old-time music to you with concerts, workshops, open mic and pickin' sessions all weekend, LIVE in the Festival Marquee and The Vault Arts Centre in beautiful Galloway.
7 May 26Nathon Jones
Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival will celebrate its 13th year over 10th-12th July 2026. 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!