The Scots Trad Music Awards are to be held in Paisley in 2017 for the first time.
The news was announced by event founder Simon Thoumire at this year’s Gala Concert and Awards Ceremony in Caird Hall, Dundee on Saturday, December 2.
The MG ALBA Scots Trad Awards are considered a major highlight in the traditional music calendar. The aim of the annual awards is to highlight Scotland’s wonderful traditional music in all its forms and to create a high profile opportunity that will shine a light on talent as well as the industry in general.
From its inception in 2003, the awards have steadily grown in popularity and prestige attracting television coverage by BBC ALBA in 2007 and major sponsorship from MG ALBA in 2008. This year’s awards will be broadcast to the world (via bbc.co.uk/alba) and it is hoped this will afford Scotland’s largest town an opportunity to share news of its bid to become UK City of Culture 2021 with a global audience.
The is also further evidence that Paisley is capable of hosting high profile music events – it hosted both the British Pipe Band Championships and the Scottish Album of the Year Awards this year, with both returning in 2017.
It is also proof of Paisley’s burgeoning music scene. Renfrewshire’s talents have featured heavily in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Awards in recent years with The Scott Wood Band nominated for ‘Folk Band of the Year’ in 2014 while Johnstone Pipe Band are in contention for ‘Pipe Band of the Year’ this year (see separate release for results).
Simon Thoumire said, “Hands Up for Trad are really delighted that the 2017 Scots Trad Music Awards will be hosted by Paisley, currently bidding for the UK City of Culture title in 2021, home of The Spree, and the birth place of some of Scotland’s finest musical talent. We’re really looking forward to working with Renfrewshire Council to make the Scots Trad Music Awards in 2017 the best yet”.
Welcoming the Trad Awards announcement, Renfrewshire Council leader, Mark Macmillan, said, “We are delighted to be hosting the Trad Awards in 2017 and look forward to welcoming fans from all over the world. Paisley’s music scene is thriving, offering formal concerts and more impromptu gigs in local cafes, bars and restaurants, as organisers grow in confidence. Add several major music events in 2017 and the reasons to visit have grown enormously.”
For more information on the Scots Trad Music Awards visit: https://projects.handsupfortrad.scot/scotstradmusicawards/
Notes to Editors
Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 will use the town’s unique and fascinating story to transform its future – by putting the town in the international spotlight, attracting visitors creating jobs and using culture to make people’s lives better.
The one-time global textile hub and birthplace of the Paisley Pattern is also home to stunning architecture, an internationally significant museum collection, Glasgow Airport, University of the West of Scotland. PACE Theatre Company and a thriving contemporary art scene.
The UK City of Culture competition is run by the UK government. The shortlisted cities will be announced in spring 2017, and the winner at the end of the year. To find out more about Paisley’s story go to www.paisley2021.co.uk where you will find a message of support from Paolo Nutini for Paisley’s bid recorded last month.
For further information and high res images for the Trad Awards contact Gillian@wire-media.co.uk
For further information on Paisley’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2021 contact tom@amarr.associates