August 31st sees the seventh staging of Nithraid, Dumfries’ River Festival that takes place on and around the river Nith. Nithraid is a fun family event and a celebration of the town’s long relationship with its river, highlighting the way the Nith connected Dumfries to the rest of the world through trade, goods (including Coos) and sailpower. It is created and produced by The Stove Network who work in partnership with a diverse range of community groups, projects and local agencies to help deliver Nithraid every year and showcase the amazing community activity in our area.
Sal Cuddihy, Project Manager for Nithraid, commented: ‘It is really exciting to see the event grow and change with each passing year, and we are always so overwhelmed by the support of local businesses and community groups. This year, we are focusing on the theme of salt and rituals and using the local history associated with it.’
The day begins with a daring sailing race, starting from the Solway Firth and sailing right up to the River Nith in the centre of Dumfries, which is made possible by one of the highest tides of the year. Applications are now open to take part in this year’s race, and entry forms can be downloaded from the website (www.thestove.org/nithraid) or by emailing [email protected].
While waiting for the boats to arrive, visitors are invited to enjoy the Nithraid Arts & Food Village on the Mill Green, opposite the Whitesands between 12 noon and 5pm. Join in with art activities and demonstrations for all ages, listen to live music from local performers, eat from a range of Scottish food producers and watch the boats come in to the town.
The activities will continue into the evening for the third year in a row with ‘Nithraid Nighttime’ – this year many of the pubs in the town are getting involved and presenting an amazing array of local musical talent. Whilst you are wandering between gigs, also visit a specially commissioned light installation called ‘Nithlight’. The installation takes place on the Mill Green and the River Nith to be experienced from a distance and close up during the hours of darkness from 8pm. The commission is being led by a group of young artists that emerged from Blueprint100 Project ‘100 Moves’. Inspired by Celtic history, their installation will focus on mythology, Paganism and the Celt’s harvest and use of salt in the region, as well as a visual spectacle of a maze of masts, full of curiosity and light.
For more information, including how to take part, please visit www.thestove.org/nithraid
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