Big Burns Supper have launched a new project enabling eight new community producers
The new 10-day format festival in Dumfries, running between the 20th – 29th January has become Scotland’s largest Burns Night celebratory cultural events.
The festival that is largely community driven, is engaging over 5000 participants, volunteers and young people throughout the region.
Transform is part of a regional development programme looking to bring all communities within Dumfries closer together. Eight new community leaders have been inspired to create, host and run their own events in local venues like community centres, public houses and in one case, taking to the fields of Lochside with an interactive nature walk and bird of prey experience.
Cara McNaught, Community Producer for Big Burns Supper said:
‘’These Transformers are all passionate about their wee and local communities. The best thing about this project is that the events are created for the community, and by the community. I am buzzing for it.’’There are a total of 38 different events taking place in housing estates throughout Dumfries in what was originally meant to be 8. We hope that these Transformers continue to develop and host events when Big Burns Supper comes to a close, at the end of January.
Continued:
‘’Part of the magic of these events is that these communities are getting ready to show off. Over at
Georgetown & Calside hub we have a cracking little Tea Dance which takes place on Saturday 14th
January at 1pm. Which is completely free so get over there.’’
The Burns Night Carnival which takes centre stage on the Dumfries High Street, 22nd of January at 5pm, is the festivals largest community participatory event, working with 8 local schools, over 400 young people and 30 creative organisations and groups within the area. Everyone is encouraged to take part in the carnival and you can join in by stopping by your local lantern workshops. Information on lantern workshops closest to you, can be found on the Big Burn Supper website.
The projects are supported by the Holywood Trust supports the festival and invests into Burns Night
Carnival.. The festival is also supported by Awards for All and the ANCBC who are supporting our
Transform Leaders.
Highlights include
Locharbriggs & Heathall
A Special Locharbriggs BIG SOCIAL at the Locharbriggs Social Club takes place on the 24th of January at 6.30pm – 9.30pm. Live music, dancing and song, the event is compered by local man, John Caskie. Tickets available at the bar, or you can call on 01387 710 677
Georgetown & Calside
Over at Georgetown & Calside hub we have a cracking little Tea Dance which takes place on Saturday
14th January at 1pm. Which is completely free so get over there.
Lincluden
In Lincluden on Friday 20th of January, there is an after dark tour of the 15th century Collegiate Church Walk with the Mhostly Ghostly for Historical and Supernatural Investigation team who explore the Lincluden Abbey.
Troqueer
Fae the Bedroom Tae The Big Room: A DJ workshop hosted by Disco Shiva at The Normandy, is open to
young people interested in DJ-ing on Saturday 21st of January.
Lochside
Lochside host a free Wild Walk, starting at St Ninians Primary School on Sunday 15th of January at 12
noon, and will include an interactive tour and Bird of Prey Experience.
