Dumfries town centre will be surprisingly inspiring this Summer.
That is the clear and confident message from Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Dumfries Retailers Association as they launched the Summer Entertainment and Events Programme for Dumfries Town Centre.
The Council is providing £15,000 of funding to stimulate and support an eclectic and colourful season of entertainment for local people and visitors to take in and enjoy.
A choc-a-bloc calendar of events will take place in the town centre from June through to early September, including live music, street entertainment and popular festivals and events such as Guid Nychburris, the Scottish Rally, Youthbeatz, the Nithraid and a Busking Competition during the August Bank Holiday.
Provost of Dumfries and Chair of Nithsdale Area Committee, Councillor Ted Thompson said; 
“The Council is committed to supporting the creativity and energy that abounds among local people to make our town a really enjoyable and inclusive place to live. The programme of town centre and Dock Park entertainment we are funding is part of this ongoing effort, and I’m really pleased that I’ve been able to take a hand’s on role to get things moving in my role as Provost.”
An inspirational summer highlight will be endurance cyclist Peter Smith’s Lap the Planet Challenge – Peter is aiming to smash the World Record for cycling around the globe, and will depart from the Midsteeple on Saturday 25 July. Peter’s plan is detailed, ambitious and achievable.
Peter said;
“Lap the Planet has been a long time in the planning. As well as the physical and mental aspects there are also huge logistical and technical challenges. I have a great team behind me and our intention is to set a new Guinness record for cycling around the World and, if all goes to plan, to become the first cyclist to ever lap the planet in less than 100 days. I am delighted to be starting and finishing in Dumfries. This is where I have chosen to live and raise my family. I am hoping local people right behind me and spur me on. The ‘Grand Depart’ is on 25th July in Dumfries town centre. Once the clock starts ticking it doesn’t stop until I get back to the Midsteeple. I can’t wait to get started!”
Another daring event taking place in the town is the 2015 Nithraid.
Tabitha Mudaliar, the Nithraid Event Manager at the Stove Network said;
“This year, on Sunday 2 August The Stove Network is inviting the public to ‘sail into town’ to watch the annual Nithraid boat race and enjoy the entertainment and festivities on the banks of the River Nith. Nithraid 15 attendees will be treated to a colourful spectacle of sails lining the banks of the river, a charming pop-up village of artisan crafts and food producers, and they will be entertained by some of our best local musicians. Nithraid 15 is shaping up to be an exciting family event which offers something unique to entice all the senses. And watch out for the Salty Coo, she will be making a star appearance again this year!”
Rab Smith of Dumfries Retailers Association said;
“We are really looking forward to a great summer this year in Dumfries Town Centre and would encourage everyone to support the businesses and ‘Shop Local’. The 
summer entertainment package that has been put together in partnership with many local groups and is really special, with a varied programme of events, music and theatre. It’s especially good that the entertainment is spread all round the town which will benefit more local businesses.”
To check the listings throughout the summer for Dumfries town centre entertainment go to www.dumfriesnow.com
Main photo Photo includes;
representatives of Mostly Ghostly, the Stove, QOSFC and the Dumfries Art Trail joined endurance cyclist Peter Smith, Rab Smith of Dumfries Retailers Association and Councillors Colin Smyth (the Council’s Events Champion) and Ted Thompson (Dumfries Provost) to launch the exciting and inspiring Dumfries Summer Entertainment Programme
