A big online vote from music fans across Scotland has landed a Galloway venue a finalists’ slot in a top national competition.
The Vault Arts Centre has been announced as a contender at the Molson Coors Scottish Entertainment and Hospitality Awards – Best Newcomer and Best Events/Entertainment Venue.
Now it’s up to the competition judges to rate the Newton Stewart traditional music mecca through a tough assessment process.
Nathon Jones, director of the Trad Music Trust – the social enterprise which operates the venue – was thrilled when the results were declared.
He said: “Everyone involved at The Vault Arts Centre couldn’t believe the news.
“A huge thanks goes to everyone who took the time to vote for us.
“Just getting to the finals stage is a mega-deal for us.
“It has been a difficult two years for our venue.
“We really want to put Newton Stewart and Dumfries and Galloway on the map this year.”
Category finalists vying to be top of the pops can now expect a visit from a panel of industry experts.
Contenders could also be asked to take part in live competitions.
Mr Jones said: “The support we’ve received has been outstanding.
“That’s reflected in the popularity of The Vault which is now attracting acts from all over the world.
“We’ve put so much hard work into the project.
“It’s our audiences that have helped us reach the finals though.
“We are hugely grateful for their support.
“We couldn’t have done it without their votes.
“Now we’ve got everything crossed for this year’s awards ceremony.”
He added: “Now it finally feels as if it’s starting to pay off in terms of supporting performing artists and entertaining audiences.
“Also, because it’s run as a social enterprise project, it provides the organisation with a regular source of income to support its running costs and to further develop and grow.”
The finalists were announced after gig lovers, diners and pub goers from across the country voted for their favourite local and national businesses via an online ballot.
The awards attract over 5,000 businesses to the competition annually.
The winner will be crowned at a Gala Final in Glasgow later this year.
