Arts & Culture

The festival, run entirely by volunteers, brings drama, music, comedy, kids' activities and much more to a variety of venues across Dumfries and Galloway.

The Festival launched at the Theatre Royal in Dumfries with a specially commissioned musical drama about the life of Robert Burns, 'A the Airts-Robert Burns, The Dumfries Years'.

Phil Kay

Other highlights include comedy from Phil Kay suitable for children and adults with two separate shows at The CatStrand in New Galloway as well as the Scottish touring premiere of Sister Queens, Miriam Cooper's play about Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth playing at Dundrennan  Village Hall.

Scottish culture minister Mike Russell who officially opened the festival said: 'This is a valuable link to the Year of Homecoming as we welcome visitors with a love of Scottish culture back home.  I am sure the Festival will enjoy continued success this year and into the future.'

Music on offer across the festival ranges from traditional Afghan tunes from the Qawali Sham Sufi Group to songs of pirates and tea from The Banana Sessions. Diverse drama is on offer including productions of  'Moll Flanders' and  'Captain Corelli's Mandolin'. Children can watch a wild balloon tamer, listen to stories from author Julie Hegarty or try some weather-based music. With more than fifty events happening across the festival something is bound to appeal.

Moll Flanders

The founding aim of the festival was 'to bring international performers of the highest quality to a region containing many scattered rural communities'. The festival has met its aim for the past thirty years, here's to thirty more.

For full list of events see: