Hands Up for Trad today launch nominations for this year’s MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. The winners will be crowned at a glittering ceremony held at The Lagoon Centre, Paisley on Saturday 2nd December, as Paisley bids for UK City of Culture 2021.
The public have until Friday 13th October to cast their vote for who they want nominated in each category, including PRS Composer of the Year, Event of the Year, Instrumentalist of the Year and Gaelic Singer of the Year by visiting here.
Among the sterling list of nominees is the top 20 longlist for Scots Trad Albums of the Year 2017. Determined by a panel of industry experts, the standout category is arguably one of the most sought after awards and competition is tough this year, with the award being contested by “Mac Ìle” by The Islay Sessioners – the music of the late Fraser Shaw, “Cross the Line” by Fara and “Room with a View” by Old Blind Dogs, just to name a few.
Winners will be unveiled at the most prestigious date in Scotland’s cultural calendar, the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Award ceremony. Tickets to attend are on sale from on 0300 300 1210 or by visiting www.paisley2021.co.uk/events/the-mg-alba-scots-trad-music-awards and can also be purchased via Paisley Arts Centre.
Hands Up for Trad and sponsors work hard to provide a platform for Scottish talent, with the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2017. The awards make their debut in The Lagoon Centre, Paisley on Saturday 2nd December.
This year’s ceremony will see some of the biggest names in Scottish traditional music perform, including Elephant Sessions, The Shee Big Band and Siobhan Miller – who is regarded as one of the finest singers to emerge from Scotland’s music scene over the last decade – and many more.
Event founder and promoter, Simon Thoumire, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to bring the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards to Paisley. There is a real buzz around the town as they strive towards their bid for UK City of Culture 2021, and we’re delighted to be part of it.
A huge thanks to MG ALBA for their continued support – we’ve had a tremendous partnership with them over the years, and we will carry on promoting Scotland’s tremendous talent and bring traditional music in all its forms into the spotlight.
We can’t wait to celebrate at an outstanding ceremony, so make sure you get a ticket and join the knees up on Saturday 2nd December.”
Paisley 2021 bid director Jean Cameron said: “We are delighted to welcome the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards to Paisley for the very first time. The timing couldn’t be better, with the final decision due at the end of the year on our UK City of Culture 2021 bid.
“Bringing this live televised event here is another coup for the town as we establish ourselves as a key destination on Scotland’s musical map. Many of the acts on the album of the year longlist for this award have in recent years played Paisley’s Spree festival – which takes place this month – and the list showcases the strength of the country’s trad scene.
I would encourage the people of Paisley to cast their votes for the awards and come along on Saturday 2 December for what will be a lively night out with some great performers.”
For more information, contact Wire:
Gillian Lamont | gillian@wearewire.co | 0141 440 6761 | 07738 271 568
FULL LIST OF CATEGORIES HERE
Scots Trad Album of the Year
Afterlight by Ímar
All We Have Is Now by Elephant Sessions
An Dà Là – The Two Days by Mànran
An Dàn – Gaelic Songs for a Modern World by Mary Ann Kennedy
Bere by Saltfishforty
Bound by Jenn and Laura Beth
Cross the Line by Fara
Crossing Borders by Graham Mackenzie
Fetch! by Ewan MacPherson
Fiddle and Guitar by Ross Couper and Tom Oakes
In Buenos Aires by Fraser Fifield
Mac Ìle by The Islay Sessioners
Playing for Free by Snuffbox
Room with a View by Old Blind Dogs
Ryan Young by Ryan Young
Strata by Siobhan MIller
Vol.II Live! 1st Scottish Tour by Nae Plans – Adam Sutherland & Hamish Napier
Widdershins by Sarah-Jane Summers & Juhani Silvola
Windrose by The Routes Quartet
Yarrow Acoustic Sessions by Lori Watson
About MG ALBA
MGALBA is the operating name of Seirbheis nam Meadhanan Gàidhlig (Gaelic Media Service). MG ALBA works in partnership with the BBC to deliver BBC ALBA. Find out more about MG ALBA and the partnership at www.mgalba.com or visit www.bbcalba.co.uk for scheduling and programme information.