25/26/27 September 2026
Share Brilliant Bluegrass Music With The Community In Moniaive
Dumfries & Galloway DG3 4EJ
Bonnie Scotland
Friday & Saturday evening concerts @ Glencairn Memorial Institute, Chapel Street,
Saturday morning workshops, Saturday afternoon open mic concert, jam sessions in The George and The Masonic Hall
Sunday morning Gospel concert Church of Scotland
camping & great local facilities
Visit our vibrant and historic Scottish village in Dumfries and Galloway for a truly memorable family friendly Bluegrass music festival in a stunning rural location.
Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Music Festival is back by popular demand after a year off. We are under new management with funding from the Scottish Charity, Bluegrass Music Scotland, SC054282. The trustees, with years of experience and international awards in promoting Bluegrass, are working in association with broadcaster and events organiser Hugh Taylor and Scotland’s first family of Bluegrass, Alan and Louise Mairs.
Hugh lives in Moniaive, created Moniaive Folk Festval, Moniaive Guitar Festival and was co-founder of Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Festival. He has over fifty years’ experience of organising festivals, clubs and concerts. Recently he curated Celtic Music Radio’s ten day event, with over sixty guests at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall as part of Celtic Connections.
Alan & Louise Mairs are recognised pioneers of Scottish Bluegrass. They began their musical journey in the 70’s with the Old Hickory Band. As The Mairs Family Band they continue to make inroads in the genre along with their younger members; Hazel, Darren and Calum. They are organisers of the very successful ‘Acoustic CafeNights @The Granary’ in Strathaven. They also showcase Bluegrass talent on their popular radio show, ‘Bluegrass Beats’ broadcast on avondaleradio.com.
The new management team wish to acknowledge the work of Paul Lyttle and his wife Anja who were co-founders of the festival in 2009. They were tireless workers and Paul’s management expertise and artistic direction built up the festival’s reputation for top class performers. Anja made sure that everything ran smoothy from organising the office rota, stewarding, hall set up and so many other tasks. In 2025 Paul received the prestigious Jan Jerrold Award for the promotion of Bluegrass music from the British Bluegrass Music Association. We wish Paul and Anja well in their retirement.
Moniaive is recognised internationally as Scotland's music village due to the number and variety of successful music festivals and events. It is a friendly and welcoming village in a stunning location. The George Hotel, with its café and beer garden, offer great hospitality and a fantastic selection of beers. Thanks to one of our local farmers we have a very convenient festival campsites next to The George.
Our main venues are the Glencairn Memorial Institute and the Masonic Hall and of course the ever popular Sunday Morning Bluegrass Gospel Service will return to the local parish church under the Rev Mark Smith .