• 01671 407352
  • 07970 359557

Culture Champion Finalist


1 Oct 19
by Billie Jones

Duncan Chisholm performing to a captivated audience at the McMillan Hall in 2019

It was with much delight that we heard last week that our Festival Director, Nathon Jones, has been selected as a finalist in the Culture Champion of the Year category at the Dumfries & Galloway Life Awards 2019, and will head to Easterbrook Hall on 8th November for the prestigious awards ceremony.

A panel of independent judges chose their shortlists from more than 600 nominations received from Dumfries & Galloway Life readers across 20 categories, in the sectors of Community, Food & Drink, Culture & Sports, Enterprise, and Young People so it's a real honour for our Director to have been picked from those entries as a finalist and in what is an extra special year - the 10th Anniversary - of the Dumfries & Galloway Life Awards.

Those of you that know Nathon will know that, after self-funding the festival in 2014, he has worked tirelessly, driven by a passion and committment to bringing high-quality, traditional music, dance and language to Dumfries & Galloway, to deliver what is now Internationally recognised as one of Scotland's best traditional music & dance festivals.

It is a fantastic achievement to be shortlisted and we would like to wish him the very best of luck this November and hope that he can finally bring home an award for the festival and Trad Music Trust.

Home Page

In Other News


Don't miss the 51st Girvan Traditional Folk Festival over 1st-3rd May 2026

51 years of traditional music, arts and culture in Southwest Scotland, and with a line-up that includes Tim Edey, Robyn Stapleton, Maggie MacInnes, Caoimhin O Raghallaigh & Mick O'Brien, Len Graham, Alan Reid, Janice Burns & Jon Doran, and many more, 2026 is one not to be missed! Save the date!  

13 Feb 26
Nathon Jones

Vote for Summer Trad Festival and The Vault Arts Centre

If you've enjoyed any of the events, festivals and/or tuition at The Vault Arts Centre this year, please drop us a wee vote for this year's MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. Event of the Year? Venue of the Year? Tutor of the Year? Please vote, and share, and let's grab an award for Galloway!  

18 Oct 25
Nathon Jones

Full steam ahead for Autumn Trad Festival 2025

What a wonderful community of musicians, music lovers and supporters of arts and culture in Dumfries & Galloway we have! Tickets have been flying out the door for the 5th annual Autumn Trad Festival which will take place over 17th & 18th October featuring Tarran (Trio) and Swinging on Birches.  

14 Oct 25
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
Commercial Sponsors:
  • Circa 16 Sound Recording Logo
  • Annandale Distillery Logo
Funded by:
  • The Holywood Trust Logo