Dumfries Community Choir, founded by Dumfries-born creative producer Graham Main, is
celebrating its 15th anniversary with exciting new developments, including the launch of a
second performance choir and an open invitation for local people to come and celebrate 15
years.
The last time the choir did this was in 2017 where 180 local people came to sing a Stone
Roses song which went onto become a viral hit, clocking up nearly 300,00 views across the
globe.
What began as a simple idea – to create a space where anyone could sing – has grown into
one of the region’s most impactful cultural initiatives, bringing people together through
music, friendship, and shared experience, that has become a cornerstone of Dumfries and
Galloway’s cultural life.
Today, over 120 people a week are singing as part of Dumfries Community Choir – a level of
participation that has been sustained consistently for 15 years. This ongoing engagement
reflects the strength of the choir’s model and its deep roots within the community.
Producer Graham Main said:
“Inclusion is massively important to us. Anyone can come and sing with us. We do not
audition anyone, or ask them very much about who they are, we let people slip into the back
of the room and join in for two hours of high energy singing and we always tackle
contemporary pop or alternative to keep things accessible to a wide range of people. “
The choir is led by two of Scotland’s leading music directors, Gary Cameron and Kat Brooks,
whose expertise has elevated both the quality and ambition of the ensemble. Gary
Cameron is one of Scotland’s leading composers and sound designers working on major
Scottish productions as well as being the composer behind Burns Light which premiered at
Burns Mausoleum this year.
As part of its 15th birthday celebrations, the choir is expanding with the introduction of a
second performance choir, creating new opportunities for members to develop and perform
at an even higher level which will be delivered by Kat Brooks from Phoenix Gospel Choir in
Edinburgh.
Over the past decade and a half, Dumfries Community Choir has performed at major events
and venues across Scotland, including the Wickerman Festival, Celtic Connections, Eden
Festival and Big Burns Supper, collaborating with some of the country’s most exciting
musicians and sharing the stage with some of the UK’s biggest artists including Donovan, KT
Tunstall, Dougie MacLean and Skerryvore and even played on a BBC Christmas Eve special.
However, its greatest impact lies in the lives of its members.
For many, the choir is far more than singing. Elizabeth McGowan shared:
“You helped me at the lowest time of my life and for this I am eternally grateful. Thank you for giving me the joy I needed to carry on.”
Others highlight the friendships and shared experiences:
“So many wonderful experiences… lovely new friends and just joyous singing.”
And for some, it has been a constant source of support, said Vera who moved to Dumfries
10 years ago:
“You guys have been my absolute rock for the last 10 or so years.”
The choir has become woven into the social fabric of the region, creating a welcoming,
inclusive space where people of all ages and backgrounds can find connection, confidence,
and joy.
Reflecting on the choir’s impact, Graham Main said:
“This has always been about community. The music brings us together, but it’s the
connections, the friendships, and the shared experiences that really matter. Part of that
vision was always making sure people could find us easily which is why we have occupied
town centre sites, which means at least one night a week our town feels a wee bit alive”
Even to this day, the Choir meets in the former River Island shop on the High Street, but over
the last 15 years they have met in spaces across Dumfries, including the Coach & Horses, The
Oasis Youth Centre, St. Georges Hall, Theatre Royal and also the Loreburn Hall.
To mark this milestone and support its continued growth, Dumfries Community Choir is
extending an open invitation to anyone who would like to get involved. Prospective
members are invited to meet the choir at the Supper Club on Tuesday 12th May at 6pm as
part of its second Open House event – an opportunity to experience the choir, meet the
team, and discover how to take part.
Music Director Gary Cameron added:
“What makes this choir special is the standard we’re able to achieve alongside that sense of
openness and belonging. It’s rare to see something that combines musical ambition with
such a strong community spirit – and that’s what makes it so powerful.”
The introduction of Dumfries Vocal Collective, the brand-new project which has been
developed for more confident singers through a weekend workshop. It differs from the
original Community Choir in that the project is audition based, reflecting the ambition for
this
As it celebrates 15 years, Dumfries Community Choir continues to grow, evolve, and
welcome new voices – ensuring its legacy of community, creativity, and connection continues for years to come.
To find our more check out www.dumfriescommunitychoir.com
To take part in the Open House event, head along to 70 High Street at 6pm on Tuesday 12th
May.
One partner. No competitors. Full visibility across the region.
