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We did it!


11 Nov 19
by Billie Jones

Nathon collecting his award from Cathy Agnew, Chairperson of DG Unlimited

We're thrilled to announce that Trad Music Trust's Project Co-ordinator and Festival Director for Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival, Nathon Jones, won the Culture Champion of the Year award at the D&G Life Awards last Friday night.

It was a fantastic night at Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries, for the 10th anniversary of the Dumfries & Galloway Life Awards and we're delighted for Nathon who has worked tirelessly, since 2014, to build what is now acknowledged as one of Scotland's most popular traditional music & dance festivals.  With the opening of the The Vault Arts Centre this year too, it has been a wonderful year for the organisation and, we're sure, the start of many things to come.

We'd particularly like to thank the Paula Herries School of Highland Dancing, the wonderful communities and businesses of Newton Stewart & Minnigaff who have been so supportive of the festival and the charity, the amazing audiences, musicians and artists who make the festival so enjoyable and without whom we wouldn't exist, Dumfries & Galloway Council, The Holywood Trust, Baillie Gifford, Belhaven Brewery, Creebridge House Hotel, Stables Guest House, Norman Furnishings and Montpelier Accountants, all of whom helped us acheive this award.

We'd also like to thank everyone at D&G Life Magazine for another fantastic awards night and for their very generous hospitality throughout the evening.

D&G Life

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!

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