Michael Biggins (BBC Radio Scotland Young Trad Musician of the Year 2021)

Multi-instrumentalist Michael Biggins recently graduated from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow and in 2021 won the accolade of BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year – the first pianist to do so since the competition began.

Michael is originally from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne but now resides in Glasgow. He currently plays and tours with TRIP (performing at this year's Festival) The Canny Band, Tom McConville, Northern Company and Irish Celtic – Spirit of Ireland Dance Show. Michael has developed a unique approach to traditional music on the piano, drawing influence from classical music and his own traditional roots in Northumbria. As well as performing, Michael also teaches piano, piano accordion and music theory and has done for several years.

With support from Creative Scotland, this year's Festival has a significant focus on showcasing some of Scotland’s best young folk musicians of the last few years, giving long overdue exposure to Scottish artistes whose careers and profile building were halted by the pandemic. This will include a special feature concert hosted by Hands Up for Trad Director, Simon Thoumire, and will feature the winners from the last three years (and hopefully the title holder announced in February 2023 too!)