Welcome to MacArts
MacArts is run by the Duncan MacKinnon Music and Arts Trust - a charitable organisation inspired by the visionary spirit of Dunc MacKinnon, a prominent Borders promoter who brought high profile acts to the Scottish Borders in the 1960s. The Trust was formed to fulfil an ambition to create a state-of-the-art music and arts venue and community space in a disused listed building of historic and architectural significance in the centre of Galashiels with a emphasis on involving everyone in the community ;
this space is now known as MacArts.
MacArts is run by the Duncan MacKinnon Music and Arts Trust - a charitable organisation inspired by the visionary spirit of Dunc MacKinnon, a prominent Borders promoter who brought high profile acts to the Scottish Borders in the 1960s. The Trust was formed to fulfil an ambition to create a state-of-the-art music and arts venue and community space in a disused listed building of historic and architectural significance in the centre of Galashiels with a emphasis on involving everyone in the community ;
this space is now known as MacArts.
We currently have two Crowdfunders that we are participating in. Our own "Help Mac Arts Venue survive Covid 19" and The Music Venue Trust campaign that includes the T-shirt offer. All the money from both Crowdfunders comes direct to Mac Arts. Thank you for all the fantastic support we received.
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Dear Friends
Due to the current worldwide situation, and in line with advice, we like all venues going in to a period of lockdown. The Mac Arts team are working closely with artistes/ promoters to reschedule events for later in the year wherever possible. As you can imagine, this is a mammoth task, and we thank you for your patience and understanding in these unprecedented times. With the health and safety of our staff, volunteers and customers being paramount, please bear with us whilst we update our Website / Facebook / Twitter/ Instagram with updates as soon as we can.
If you have already purchased tickets for an event then the original tickets will still be valid for the new date. If you cannot attend the new date, a full refund will be given.
In the meantime: Be safe, be kind and keep smiling
Team Mac Arts
xxx
Due to the current worldwide situation, and in line with advice, we like all venues going in to a period of lockdown. The Mac Arts team are working closely with artistes/ promoters to reschedule events for later in the year wherever possible. As you can imagine, this is a mammoth task, and we thank you for your patience and understanding in these unprecedented times. With the health and safety of our staff, volunteers and customers being paramount, please bear with us whilst we update our Website / Facebook / Twitter/ Instagram with updates as soon as we can.
If you have already purchased tickets for an event then the original tickets will still be valid for the new date. If you cannot attend the new date, a full refund will be given.
In the meantime: Be safe, be kind and keep smiling
Team Mac Arts
xxx
2/9/20 The Wandering Hearts UK Tour
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Signed to Decca Records (discovered a mere 30mins after uploading their first track to Soundcloud), the London-based band had a whirlwind 2018. They won the coveted Bob Harris Emerging Artist Award at the UK Americana Awards before heading out on a sold-out album tour.
After being personally invited to the US by music legend Marty Stuart, The Wandering Hearts became the first UK band to debut at two of the most prestigious venues in Nashville – The Ryman Auditorium and The Grand Ole Opry – in the same week. Receiving a rapturous welcome and standing ovation, the band were invited back to the Opry the following week, after a trip to Memphis to support Marty Stuart at Graceland – live recordings from this show feature on the Deluxe album. A busy summer of UK festivals followed, including Latitude, Black Deer and BST Hyde Park, before the band whipped back to Nashville for Americana fest, then returned home to finish the year with their second sold-out UK headline tour. Time: 8pm Doors: 7:30pm Tickets: £15 booking fee applies Buy Tickets |
13/9/20 W3L WRESTLING SHOWDOWN
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Live American Wrestling action from the World Wide Wrestling League, back at Mac Arts for the 3rd time!
Great fun for all the family (as seen on TV) matches to be filmed forpopular YouTube show W3L Wrestling Showdown. General Admission: £13.50 // Concession: £11.50 //Family of Four: £44 Ringside Front Row (includes "backstage pass"): £15.50 Sunday 13th September Time: 3pm Doors: 2:30pm Tickets: Via W3L website ONLY Tickets from: www.W3LWrestling.com Mac Arts is not selling tickets! |
26/9/20 Pygmy Twylyte Frank Zappa tribute + South of Sanity
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Navigating the vast Zappa oeuvre then is no mean feat, but Scotland’s Pygmy Twylyte have embraced the challenge with gusto. Since their inception in 2018, the band have selected a core body of classic material, complemented with a rotating offering of more obscure cuts, and blasted this to delighted audiences across
the UK. With guitars, keyboards, saxes and a xaphoon at their disposal, the band has a (stink)foot planted in the camp of several of Zappa’s most memorable touring line-ups. Head to MacArts on September 26th to nod along to rock numbers, lose count during jazzy interludes (after all, it’s not dead – it just smells funny) and evade the infamous Frunobulax. Officially licensed by the Zappa Family Trust, Pygmy Twylyte present a must-see event for local music fans. Support from 'Mac Arts' House Band' South of Sanity Over 14s only // Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult Time: 8pm Doors: 7:30pm Tickets : £10 Advance //£14 on the door Buy Tickets |
2/10/20 The Golden Age of the Silver Screen with The Andy Lawrenson Trio
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The Golden Age of the Silver Screen is an eclectic mix of popular sound tracks arranged and adapted from the great Hollywood Musicals
Andy, Simon and Paul have taken a selection of these inspirational pieces of music, and arranged them here for Violin, Acoustic Guitar, Double Bass and Vocals. The outstanding level of musicianship exhibited by these three musicians could perhaps best be described as inspired musical telepathy. However, this show is not just about the music, there is great entertainment in the on-stage banter and interplay between songs, which never fails to draw in an audience and get everyone involved in the fun. We are thrilled to be welcoming back our old chums! Time: 8pm Doors: 7:30pm Tickets: £12 // £10 + *booking fee Buy Tickets |
4/10/20 Mulan Film as part of Puppet Animation Festival
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Mulan - Classic Disney Film
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16/10/20 North Atlas +VENLAW
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Scottish alternative rock trio North Atlas are back on the road! Championed by the likes of Planet Rock and BBC Introducing, the band of brothers make their Scottish Borders debut at Mac Arts ahead of their highly anticipated new single.
Support from local lads, VENLAW! Sign up to their mailing list and receive a free download here Check out North Atlas here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwMD7ybH9Kk Time: 8pm Doors:7:30pm Tickets: £6 Advance (will be £9 on the door) Buy Tickets Over 14s (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult) |
24/10/20 The Complete Stone Roses
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The Complete Stone Roses are one of the UK’s most well-known, most seen and most successful tribute bands. Selling out venues across the UK
The Stone Roses played a pivotal role in the history of the UK’s indie music scene. Famous hits like Fools Gold, I Am the Resurrection and I Wanna Be Adored are as recognisable now as they were in the heyday of Madchester and the Hacienda, the cultural icons from which the original band were born. Complete Stone Roses play to acclaim from fans themselves, the press, and even original Stone Roses band members. Stone Roses bass player Mani says "they do our songs real justice. At times, they play even better than we did.” Doors: 7:30pm Time: 8pm Tickets: £12.50 + booking fee Over 14s gig Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9oWi_rR2NU Buy Tickets |
3/4/21 The Polis (Police Tribute Band) +Dylan Paterson
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The Polis are Scotland's No.1 Police tribute act. Join them on a journey from Roxanne to the iconic Every Breath You Take as they perform an energetic and dynamic live set with all the urgency and angst of The Police at their very best. Listen out for a few B-sides, classic album tracks and live arrangements, a treat for the true Police aficionado.
Whilst deliberately not a look-a-like act, The Polis do tip their hats to the original Police with their instantly recognisable and striking on-stage look. Musically the band have rehearsed tirelessly to bring a reality and likeness to the sound that originally brought The Police to massive global popularity in the late 70's and early 80's. Check them out here: www.thepolis.co.uk Time: 8pm Doors: 7:30pm Tickets : £11 Advance // £14 OTD www.ticketsource.co.uk/macarts |
6/11/20 The Unthanks
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The Unthanks make Art Folk. Their approach to storytelling that makes easy bedfellows of polar opposites such as staunch traditionalism and sonic adventure, sophisticated harmony and direct social commentary, glacial minimalism and heartbreaking empathy, earning them an army of notable fellow artists and storytellers, including Mackenzie Crook, Maxine Peake, Nick Hornby, Martin Freeman, Elvis Costello, Robert Wyatt, Rosanne Cash, Dawn French, Adrian Edmondson, Stephen Mangan and members of Portishead and Radiohead. Their Spring tour will draw from recent projects and favourites from their fifteen-year repertoire.
“Few of their contemporaries, within both folk music and the wider artistic spectrum, have such a keenly-honed ability to locate in a song the emotional essence that can, in just a single phrase or vocal elision, cut one to the quick.” The Independent “The Unthanks are capable of such beauty that sometimes I can hardly bear to listen to them.” Martin Freeman “There are few times when you discover a band and they stalk immediately to the heart of everything you love and hold dear.” Maxine Peake Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/TheUnthanks/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/theunthanks?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunthanksband/?hl=en Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1luY92PbdGWRyBRY1ZR7o1 Website: http://www.the-unthanks.com/ Time: 8pm Doors: 7:30pm Tickets: £23 + booking fee Buy Tickets |
8/11/20 Horse
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A glorious celebration of the 30 year anniversary of the classic album ‘The same sky’.
In March 1989, the first single, “You could be forgiven”, was released and it was so different from anything else at the time - thrilling first plays on Radio 1 - the track absolutely setting the bar - an incredibly unique Scottish voice and brilliant band. The first major UK tour followed and in 1990, tours across Europe, including opening for artists such as Tina Turner and BB King. There are many great songs on this album but arguably the ultimate song from this album and possibly any of her albums, is “Careful”, a beautiful and timeless song. This is a very special night which will inevitably conjure up treasured times from over the years for the entire audience. It’s a rare evening, celebrating and playing the album in its entirety - the full band show - a set choc-full of the classic songs. Time: 8pm Doors: 7:30pm Tickets: £18.50+ booking fee Buy Tickets |
11/11/20 The Wildhearts
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For 3 decades The Wildhearts have remained at the forefront of the British rock scene. From their classic debut album ‘Earth Vs’ (voted number one album of the year in Kerrang! back in 1993, and number 20 in the best rock albums of all time in a Kerrang! Special in 2006), through to now with the release of “Renaissance Man’, their first full-length studio album in 10 years, their creative output and legendary live shows have been second to none. Although the 90’s saw the band covered like a living soap opera in the press with tales of sex, drugs, bust ups, fights (both with labels and themselves), splits, more drugs and a lot more controversy (one such incident including entering and then proceeding to trash the Kerrang! Offices!), the recent years have seen the band more focused than ever before and firing on all cylinders. The Wildhearts and their incendiary shows have cemented their reputation and legacy as one of the best bands the UK has ever produced. Time: 8pm Doors: 7:30pm Tickets: £24 +Booking fee Buy Tickets or https://www.seetickets.com/event/the-wildhearts/macarts/1506481 |
21/11/20 Family Silent Disco by Silent Knights
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fter the success of their first Family Silent Disco in Galashiels they are back in November!
Children Children aged 12 and under are the responsibility of their parents/guardians. For younger children we keep the sound level at the recommended level of 84db, it is parent/guardian’s responsibility to control child’s volume, this can be adjusted on the individual headphones. This event is recommended for ages 4+ All children must be accompanied by an adult. Time: 2pm to 4pm Tickets: £5 (all attendees must purchase a ticket for entry ) Buy Tickets or https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-big-silent-disco-macarts-galashiels-tickets-81926334873 |
21/11/20 Silent Disco by Silent Knights
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f you haven't participated in a silent disco before it's simple, on arrival you are given your headphones and music is transmitted to them, you will be able to flick between 3 different channels of music being played by 3 different DJ's!
RED CHANNEL: 80's, FUNK & GUILTY PLEASURES GREEN CHANNEL: INDIE, CHART & POP BLUE CHANNEL: DANCE CLASSICS & R&B Time: 8pm to 12am Tickets : £9 Advance https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-big-silent-disco-macarts-galashiels-tickets-81926334873 Buy Tickets |
22/11/20 Gary Meikle - Comedy
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fter his meteoric rise through the ranks, Scottish Comedy Award winner and viral sensation Gary Meikle is back with his second tour show Surreal! It’s a word that perfectly describes Gary’s last twelve months. He started the year performing in comedy clubs, and ended it selling out big theatres in the UK as well as tours in America, Canada and Europe!
Not one for mincing his words, Gary has been described as “playfully dark”. His cheeky chappie nature and ability to get away with talking about anything will have you laughing at things you probably shouldn’t be! As always, Gary will draw material from his own real-life experiences, including his unique family dynamic and his rapid rise to online fame. Quickly putting his audiences at ease, a night of stand up with Gary feels like a night in the pub chatting with friends! Time: 8pm Doors: 7pm Tickets: £20* (*booking fee applies) Buy Tickets |
28/11/20 Holy Moly & The Crackers
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HMATC have toured the UK repeatedly, selling out venues across the country, and made successful debuts in The Netherlands, France, Germany and Italy as well as continuing their success on the festival circuit. In 2017 and 2018 they’ve pulled off an accoladed appearance at Glastonbury, appeared at Boomtown Fair, Bestival + Camp Bestival and graced the main stages at festivals such as Beautiful Days, Bearded Theory, Moonbeams + Colours of Ostrava (CZ).
Time: 8pm Doors: 7:30pm Tickets: £12 Buy Tickets |
5/12/20 Wrest
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wrest are a hotly-tipped Scottish indie folk-rock band, making music from Edinburgh's Old Town. Their sound combines soaring guitars with layered lyrics and heartfelt melodies, reminiscent of bands like Frightened Rabbit, The National, Idlewild, Snow Patrol and We Were Promised Jetpacks.
Don’t miss this must-see gig from one of Scotland’s most exciting emerging live acts. Support by Hawick band The Boy With the Lion Head YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FD5XJt57lx8 FB : https://www.facebook.com/wearewrest/ INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/wearewrest/?hl=en Time: 8pm Doors:7:30pm Tickets: £10 Advance // £13 On the Door Buy Tickets |
9/12/20 Roddy Woomble
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Known for his enigmatic lyrics, warm baritone voice and consummate gift for a tune, Roddy has released five solo albums to date - 'My Secret Is My Silence' (2006), ‘Before The Ruin’ (2008, with Kris Drever and John McCusker), 'The Impossible Song & Other Songs' (2011), 'Listen To Keep' (2013), and ‘The Deluder’ (2017).
For the past two decades Roddy has also been the frontman of much loved Scottish alternative rock band Idlewild, releasing eight studio albums, and touring worldwide as a headline act, but also in support to R.E.M., Pearl Jam and U2 amongst others. Time: 8pm Doors: 7:30pm Tickets: £17.50 Buy Tickets |
12/12/20 Goodbye Mr Mackenzie
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Scottish Music legends return to Mac Arts after a string of sell out shows including the Barrowlands. "A staggering thrill-ride, a phenomenally unforgettable evening"
Time: 8pm Doors: 7:30pm Tickets: £22 Buy Tickets |
24/2/21 Why Henry is SO Weird Theatre
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Have you ever heard anyone say “If I knew then what I know now”? Well this is the life that young Henry Babbitt actually has. His imaginary friend is an older version of himself from the future.
It is 1989 and Henry is a lonely twelve-year-old boy: He lives with his mum and has an encyclopedic knowledge of EVERY Godzilla film. At school he is a magnet for bullies and his life lurches from one anxiety-inducing situation to the next. That is until he wakes up one morning to find an older version of himself in his room. But no-one else can see him: Is he real? Is he imaginary? One thing’s for certain, he has a lot to say about the way Henry is living his life. But young Henry isn’t the only one who needs help… This charming family comedy-drama talks kindly about the importance of looking after your mental health, and the real-life magic that comes from simple kindness. From RJ Flynn, the writer of The Smallest Story Ever Told, Hidden in this Room and 2018’s hit musical Sam and Isla Forever, The Tideline Runners return for their brand new show that is set to be the feel-good family hit of the summer. "A stunning and powerful piece of theatre" - S Duke, Berwick Advertiser (Human Interest Stories) "Wonderfully witty, smart and delightful. There is real magic at work here." Geoff Newton (C4) (The Words in the Wires) ".. packs a mighty punch… the play made you grateful for health, happiness and memories.” **** Emma K Robertson - Cairns Theatre Passion (The Smallest Story Ever Told) "From horrifying to hilarious, RJ Flynn plays arpeggio with his audience’s feelings. This is interspersed with sudden flashes of utter genius, where he combines all the notes into one great mis-matched chord. " S Campbell - The Berwickshire News (The Smallest Story Ever Told) Time: 7:30pm Doors: 7pm Tickets : £12 / £10 /£8 / £25 Family of 4 * *booking fee applies Buy Tickets |
April 2021 date coming soon Phil Kay Cosmicomic Storyteller Tour
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Phil Kay is a cosmically iconic comic storytelling mind on legs…speaking about his day, and his adventures…calamities and hair-brained schemes…buying machetes is Venezuela…
‘…Primal Scream threatening his puppy…’ ‘…arguing with the police whilst in his bath…’ ‘…Trainspotting Rap Party Speed in the Sherbert Dip Debacle…’ PLUS: ULTRA ALL NEW ASIAN TOUR STORIES: ‘Stroke Victim Casing Phil With a Stick…’, ‘…Sleeping With Keira Nightly…’ It just doesn’t stop; the man may improvise a song of his journey to the gig…ABOUT YOU ….and your friends…It’s Planet Anecdote and positivity is Wholly Viable! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXRajZ1QpBc Time: 8pm Doors: 7pm Tickets: £15* Advance *booking fee applies (£20 On the Door) Buy Tickets |
19/04/21 Grace Petrie UK Tour
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A folk singer, songwriter and activist from Leicester, UK, Grace has been writing, recording and touring relentlessly for ten years. Her unique takes on life, love and politics, and the warmth and wit with which they are delivered, have won over audiences everywhere, across the alternative, folk, political and comedy scenes. She has racked up tour supports with Emmy the Great and Billy Bragg, and in 2019 supported Frank Turner on his UK arena tour. She has made her mark in the comedy scene regularly supporting comedians Robin Ince and Josie Long on tour and she has also collaborated with some of the most respected names in folk, including Leon Rosselson, Roy Bailey and Peggy Seeger. Top 10 Folk Album of 2018 - Mojo magazine. Time: 8pm Doors: 7:30pm Tickets : £12.50 +booking fee Buy Tickets |
23/4/21 Raymond Mearns: Everybody Hates Raymond
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This is the ultimate self-help comedy show that teaches you one simple truth in a hilarious way but, if you want to know what that truth is, then you just have to come along and see this great new show from one of Scotland's finest live stand-up comedians.
As seen on “Limmy’s show” and BBC Scotland’s “Breaking the News”, Raymond Mearns is regarded as one of the very best live stand-up comedians in the country. He’s a regular at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe every year where he combines great story telling with finely crafted gags and razor-sharp improvisation, and now he’s coming to a venue near you! “I Loved watching Him” Kevin Bridges “A personality so huge it fills the room” - The List “A man who knows how to swear properly” – Billy Connolly A Genuine Improvisational Genius” – Frankie Boyle “Enjoyable & Cathartic” – The Skinny “Exceptionally Funny and Cathartic” – The Scotsman www.raymondmearns.com Time: 8pm Doors: 7pm Tickets: £12 // £10 Buy Tickets |
4/6/21 Gary Faulds
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Best known for his viral Facebook videos, Gary’s material really comes to life on stage in front of an audience. Now embarking on his third live tour, Gary’s fantastic live shows continue to attract crowds in their thousands year after year.
Time: 8pm Doors: 7:00pm Tickets: £20 +BF Buy Tickets |
24/6/21 The Wedding Present
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"The Weddoes" have had eighteen UK Top 40 hit singles… not bad for a band that has, from its inception, stubbornly refused to play the record industry’s game. A pioneering spirit has been at the core of the band’s philosophy ever since. From GEORGE BEST, “an unmitigated delight” [NME], the first full-length release on their own Reception Records onwards, the band has charted an appealing, if often eccentric, course of its very own.
Time: 8pm Doors: 7:30pm Tickets: £20 +BF Buy Tickets |
