Now in its fourth year of operation, Wild Goose Festival shines a light on the unique habitats of Dumfries & Galloway that support local and migrating wildlife from across the globe. These habitats are so vital and make Dumfries & Galloway a truly unique and important area within the global ecology.
The festival runs from 19th – 29th October and is produced by The Stove Network, forms part of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2023, is supported by Dumfries & Galloway Council, TRACS – Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland, and the Youth Arts Open Fund, a Creative Scotland fund administered by Youth Link Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government.
Dumfries & Galloway Council sees the regions Wild Goose Festival as a key aspect of its regional Events Strategy supporting and contributing to nature / environmental tourism in region. With funding support from the council, this year’s Wild Goose Festival can offer many free and accessible events within its programme, that not only education, but allow participants to get creative and understand the significance of our region in a fun and engaging way.
Councillor Jackie McCamon, Vice-Chair of the Communities Committee said,
“The Wild Goose Festival is a superb promotion of Dumfries and Galloway’s stunning, pristine environment, and wildlife. It takes place during the tourist off season, at a dramatic time of the year and can help attract people into the region if it continues to grow and innovate. It has many great events to get out to and explore, and I’m sure hundreds of visitors will have a very rewarding experience at the festival this year.”
Attracting over 20 partners from across the region, Wild Goose Festival is shining example of local businesses and organisations working together to develop a regional network that celebrates nature, creatively and place. This year’s programme of activity includes exhibitions, guided walks, tours, creative workshops, interactive performances, film screenings, stargazing, literary events, lectures, and opportunities for see our local and visiting wildlife up close in their natural habitats.
The main festival activities which can be viewed at the festival’s dedicated website: www.wildgoosefestival.scot
This years’ key festival partners include; The Stove Network, BTO (British Trust for Ornithology), Cycling Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway Council Arts and Museums Service (East), ECO LG, Fair Scotland, Fife College, Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, LiftD&G, Loch Ken Trust, Moat Brae, MOOL (Massive Outpouring Of Love) National Trust for Scotland, NatureScot (SNH), Nith Life, PAMIS (Promoting a More Inclusive Society), Platform London, RSPB, Solway Firth Partnership, Species on the Edge, University of Glasgow, Upland, Wigton Festival Company, WWT Caerlaverock
This year’s festival programme is now live and can be viewed online at wildgoosefestival.scot and printed event guides can be picked up at The Stove Cafe on Dumfries High Street or at participating partner sites.
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