Festivals
South West Scotland plays host to a range of different festivals celebrating everything from our local artists and food produce to toasting Scotland's National Bard, take a look below to find out more about each individual festival.
Big Burns Supper: January
Celebrating the birthday of Scotland's National Poet, Robert Burns, the Big Burns Supper Festival takes place in Dumfries and Galloway with a variety of music, art, theatre and food events at various venues around the region.
For more information on all the events taking place please visit www.bigburnssupper.com
The Wild Spring Festival: Easter
The Wild Spring Festival usually takes place around Easter each year.
Celebrating all of Dumfries and Galloway's creatures great and small this festival has a range of events taking place around Dumfries and Galloway including guided nature walks, exhibitions, craft activities, demonstrations, badger watches, open days and films.
For a full list of Wild Spring Festival events, please visit www.wildlifefestival.org.uk
Kirkcudbright Summer Festivities: Summer
The first festival was a small affair over a few weeks in the summer and over the years it has continued to grow not just in length but also in its reputation and stature. Festivities events now commence in Kirkcudbright at the beginning of May and continue throughout the summer with a final flourish of a Grand Parade and magnificent Tattoo at the end of August. During the course of the summer there is a 4 day art and craft trail, a 2 day Garden and Countryside Fair, nights of Scottish mucic and dance, a half-marathon, vintage car and tractor rallies, riding of the marches ceremony, decorated vehicle parade, and much much more
For a list of all events taking place visit www.kirkcudbright.co.uk/summerfestivities.asp
DG Arts Festival: May / June
The DG Arts Festival usually takes place at the end of May until the beginning of June.
This 9 day festival has taken place annually at the end of May since 1979. Its aim is to bring international performers of high quality to Dumfries and Galloway. As well as performers from outside the region the festival also presents artists and performers from within the region. It offers a wide range of classical, jazz and folk, dance, theatre, literary, visual arts and films. The events during the festival take place in a range of venues throughout Dumfries and Galloway.
For a full list of events please visit www.dgartsfestival.org.uk
Spring Fling: May
The Spring Fling takes place at the end of May every year.
In addition to the core open studios trail, where artists and makers not normally open to the public will be welcoming visitors to their studios, the festival will also be running a series of additional events. These include a guided walk, talks, bus tours and more.
For More Information please visit www.spring-fling.co.uk
Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival: June
The first Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival took place over a Friday evening and Saturday, at one venue, during September 1997. The event was billed as "Bonnie Galloway's First Festival of Jazz at Kirkcudbright" with six bands showcased playing mainly Dixieland and classic New Orleans jazz. The "headline bands" were the Chicago Teddybears Society Jazz Band and Brian Carrick's Heritage Hall Stompers.
Over the intervening years the Festival has gone from strength to strength and now takes place over a four day weekend. The event takes place over the second weekend of June each year, Thursday night through Sunday.
For more information please visit www.kirkcudbrightjazzfestival.co.uk
For more information please visit www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk
Kirkcudbright Arts and Crafts Trail: August
The Artists’ town of Kirkcudbright in South West Scotland is always worth a visit and there is no better time to come than during the town’s Art and Crafts Trail.
From small beginnings the trail has grown and grown, moving out from the High St to other areas of the town. All venues are accessible on foot, or, if you wish, you can ride on the free bus.
Enjoy the creative heritage of Kirkcudbright as you wander into hidden gardens and closes. Visit studios and homes not generally open to the public. You will be invited to ‘have a go’ at a number of the venues, encouraged to watch demonstrations at others. Wherever you wander there are opportunities to buy a work of art or relax over a cup of tea and a cake.
Do be sure to bring your camera along with you. The photographic opportunities are endless at this unique and friendly event. If the fancy takes you, then stop and listen to the music being
performed along the trail .... or even do some busking yourself!
To Find out more about the Arts and Crafts Trail visit www.artandcraftstrail.co.uk
Dalbeattie Walking Festival: August
The walks and events held over four days allow visitors and locals to take in some spectacular scenery, diverse wildlife and learn about the heritage and history of Dalbeattie and the surrounding area. There are activities and walks for everyone to enjoy.
For more information go to www.dumgal.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=8444
Stewartry Agricultural Show: August
Taking place at the beginning of August the Stewartry Agricultural Show has a range of things to see and do including Livestock judging, horse events, dog show, crafts, trade stands and tug o' war.
For more information visit: www.stewartryas.co.uk
Dumfries Agricultural Show: August
Taking place at the beginning of August the Dumfries Agricultural Show has a range of things to see and do including the milking competition, showjumping, home and garden arts, walking sticks and crooks, crafts and food.
For more information on the event visit: www.dumfriesshow.co.uk
Flavour Fortnight: August / September
Flavour Fortnight is organised by regional food and drink group Savour the Flavours and takes place at the end of August including the August Bank Holiday Weekend.
All the events within Flavour Fortnight are hosted by members of Savour the flavours, the organisation that supports Dumfries & Galloway's food and drink industry. Each event is focussed around quality Dumfries & Galloway food and drink.
Delve into Dumfries & Galloway's food and drink industry during your stay and discover something deliciously different.
For more information please visit www.flavourfortnight.co.uk
Wigtown Book Festival: September / October
Wigtown, Scotland's National Book Town, is a book lover's haven. With over quarter of a million books to choose from, old and new, it is impossible to escape empty-handed. The Festival has events with storytelling, talks, theatre, plays, craft activities and of course books.
For more information please visit www.wigtownbookfestival.com
Kirkcudbright Food Festival: September / October
The summer might be over by October, but the festivities in Kirkcudbright aren't finished yet! In October Kirkcudbright will be holding their annual Kirkcudbright Food Festival in the Town Hall. There will be a mouth watering and educational experience with local chefs competing in Ready Steady Cook on the Saturday plus two top chefs demonstrating their skills on the Sunday. Cafe downstairs and upstairs food stands and demonstrations by around 20 local food producers.
For more information please visit www.kirkcudbright.co.uk