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Paisley will be rolling out the red carpet for Scotland’s traditional music stars as it is officially confirmed as the host of the 2026 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.The biggest awards night of the year for the country’s traditional music scene will celebrate the people and places powering the country’s thriving folk scene at Paisley Arena (Lagoon Leisure Centre) on Saturday 5 December.
Categories at the awards, which welcome nominations until 18 October, include Album of the Year, Musician of the Year, Venue of the Year, Festival of the Year, and more.
Na Trads, or the ‘folk Oscars’ as it’s fondly known, will also welcome performances from celebrated names across the night.
Electrotrad group Valtos and Gaelic vocal trio Sian – two acts who have just made the Scottish Album of the Year long list – will be taking to the stage. Valtos’ performance comes off the back of a sensational set showcasing Scotland at its best at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.
Orkney folk quartet Gnoss will also be showcasing their upbeat sound, alongside folk fusion online sensations Spodo Komodo, and BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2026, Rachel Groves. Youngsters from Renfrewshire's Fèis Phàislig, which celebrated 10 years last year, will also get the chance to share their talents with attendees.
Long-time hosts Mary Ann Kennedy and Alistair Heather will be at the helm once again, as Paisley hosts the night showcasing the remarkable breadth and array of talent within Scotland’s contemporary folk music scene.
Paisley last played host to the Trad Awards back in 2017. Tickets for the event’s comeback to the town are on sale now.
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Event venue
Paisley Lagoon Centre, Paisley, Renfrewshire, United Kingdom
Tickets
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