25/26/27 September 2026  *A STUNNING SUCCESS  *                  

 The bands played brilliant  Bluegrass music for the community, the local primary school and for the myriads of concert going fans in delightful Moniaive.

Friday & Saturday evening concerts @ Glencairn Memorial Institute,  sold out 

Saturday morning workshops, Saturday afternoon open mic concert were busy and jam sessions in The George and The Masonic Hall were packed and had great atmosphere - The Masonic running til midnight on the Saturday.

Sunday morning Gospel concert Church of Scotland was a great and uplifting experience. Camping & great local facilities were enjoyed by all

  In association with Bluegrass Music Scotland SC054282

Sponsored by The British Bluegrass Music Association 

A truly memorable family friendly Bluegrass music festival  in a stunning rural location. 

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Moniaive Michaelmas Bluegrass Music Festival came back 2026 by popular demand after a year off and with significant funding from the Scottish Charity, Bluegrass Music Scotland, SC054282 and a BBMA grant. The whole event was guided and crafted by Bluegrass Music Scotland trustees, with years of organisational experience and international awards in promoting Bluegrass.  With great support from broadcasters and award winning events organisers  - Scotland’s first family of Bluegrass, Alan and Louise Mairs as well as the bands who played cutting edge Bluegrass.

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​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 Cafe Nights @The Granary’ in Strathaven. They also showcase Bluegrass talent on their popular radio show, ‘Bluegrass Beats’ broadcast on avondaleradio.com.  Host band Goldrush, founded by John Sheldon in 1987, along with stalwart helpers Anne & Tina guaranteed the success and smooth running of the whole event with their hands on help to cover practical aspects of the music programme.

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We all acknowledge the work of Paul Lyttle and his wife Anja who were co-founders of the festival in 2009 supported by The Scottish Bluegrass Association - the charity which has morphed into Bluegrass Music Scotland. Paul & Anja 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.

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Moniaive has in years gone by, been 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, offers great hospitality and a fantastic selection of beers. Thanks to one of our local farmers there is  a very convenient festival campsites next to The George. 

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The main venues of the Glencairn Memorial Institute and the Masonic Hall and of course the ever popular Sunday Morning Bluegrass Gospel Service  the local parish church under the Rev Mark Smith  were uplifted with the strains of great music. Bluegrass Music Scotland have this year, 2026 demonstrated that the resurrection of the event is wholly viable and of benefit to key village stakeholders and the general community. It is for the community to decide whether they wish to move forward to 2027  continuing with the festival and if they require support from Bluegrass Music Scotland this is open to teamwork, negotiation and further exciting development.

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