• 01671 407352
  • 07970 359557

Autumn Trad Festival 2025 update


9 Oct 25
by Nathon Jones

Autumn Trad Festival 2025

Despite best efforts to promote this year's Autumn Trad Festival - an event that champions young people in traditional music and which was due to celebrate its 5th annual event this year - a lack of funding and poor ticket sales may see the event cancelled.

Due to take place over 17th & 18th October, and featuring two exciting talents in TARRAN (Trio) and Swinging on Birches as well as the outstanding tune and song sessions which are always a highlight of the traditional music festivals in Newton Stewart, the charity had hoped to continue the hard work it has done over the past 5 years to establish this event as a regular weekend in the traditional folk music calendar in Scotland.

However, despite having two of the best young bands in Scotland booked, poor ticket sales combined with a failure to secure funding have left organisers in a difficult position.

Festival Director Nathon Jones said "Autumn Trad Festival features some of the best young traditional music talents in Scotland, some of whom have gone on to win awards for their music at national level, and this year is no different, with two fantastic young bands heading to Newton Stewart for another weekend of quality traditional music.

"We rely on audiences to support these events, and events at the venue are usually very well attended, however if people do not book in advance it makes it difficult to know whether or not to go ahead as you can't always rely on walk-ups."

Organisers have, with agreement from the artists, decided to delay any decision until Monday 13th October to see if any sales come in over the weekend so if you do plan on attending please select from either, or both, of the events below and book now.

If you do make a booking and the event does end up being cancelled you will receive a full refund.  We're hoping it doesn't come to that!

TARRAN (Trio) - Autumn Trad Festival 2025
Friday 17th October 2025 / Doors 7pm / Entry £10
Book online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-vault/t-nollegq

Swinging on Birches - Autumn Trad Festival 2025
Saturday 18th October 2025 / Doors 7pm / Entry £10
Book online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-vault/t-qjrrqqa

Book Online

In Other News


RURA and KICK to perform at Summer Trad Festival 2026

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 26
Nathon Jones

Last chance to save with a Weekend Pass for Summer Trad Festival 2026 - extended to 6pm!

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 26
Nathon Jones

World-class bluegrass festival returns to Newton Stewart over 15-17 May 2026!

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 26
Nathon Jones

Trad Music Trust

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!

Subscribe to Newsletter

* indicates required
Sponsored by:
  • Circa 16 Sound Recording Logo
  • Galloway Distillery Logo
Funded by:
  • Culture Ireland Logo