The extensive and diverse portfolio of events which attract visitors to Dumfries & Galloway continues to prosper thanks to EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.
Eden Festival, Moffat and the World Gold Panning Championships, Moffat, are two of 12 events taking place across the country this summer which have received a share of £140,000 thanks to the latest round of EventScotland’s National Funding Programme.
The Eden Festival, which takes place from 8-11 June, showcasing Scottish music, theatre and art has received £12,500.
Scotland’s second largest music festival of 2017 will be returning to the Raehills Meadows of Dumfries & Galloway for its ninth year. Hosting twelve different stages with 300 performers, Eden Festival hosts an eclectic mix of music as well as free workshops, theatre, art and activities for the whole family.
Music fans are in for a treat at Eden festival with a strong line-up of acts including Alabama 3, British Soul singer Alice Russell and HorseMeat Disco. The festival features a mixture of music genres, from hip hop and dance to jungle, balkan beat and African dance.
Eden Festival Founder and Head of Production Adam Curtis said: “We are extremely pleased and grateful that EventScotland have supported the festival in its development and incorporation of its heritage. With the funding we will be constructing ‘The Great Mountain Stage’ which is modelled on the Motte of Urr in the Haugh of Urr (Dumfries & Galloway). The new stage will feature a fantastic selection of traditional Scottish musicians from folk, classical, Celtic and acoustic music.”
The World Gold Panning Championships in Moffat from 7-12 August has received £10,500. It is the first time the unique event has been hosted in the Dumfries & Galloway town and will see competitors from around the world pan for gold in specially made pools for the chance to become World Champion.
Richard Deighton, Chair of Moffat Gold 2017 SCIO, said: “We would like to thank EventScotland for their generous support, which will be invaluable in ensuring we have the necessary infrastructure needed to run the World Gold Panning Championships 2017.
“This prestigious international sporting event will see gold panners and prospectors from all over the world descending on Moffat from Monday 7 August until Saturday 12 August. Participants will be competing to find gold from native sand and gravel in a record time for the chance to become a World Champion.
“Moffat will be the most vibrant place in southern Scotland, and Hope Johnstone Park will be buzzing with children’s entertainers, a free gold panning school, a variety of stalls, and entertainment each evening. To find out more and to register for the competition, visit www.moffatgold2017.com”
Manuela Calchini, Regional Partnerships Director for the South of Scotland, said: “The Eden Festival has become a popular festival for families and children attracting people from across the country to enjoy the wide variety of entertainment on offer. It is also the first time that Moffat will host the World Gold Panning Championship, helping to showcase Dumfries & Galloway on the global stage and provide a major boost to the local visitor economy.
“I am pleased that these events are two of a dozen across the country to be selected to receive this funding support. They are both fun events so I hope as many local people and visitors from further afield will be able to come along to enjoy the great entertainment and events planned.”
“The National Funding Programme plays a vital role in maintaining our region’s reputation as a great destination for events which celebrate our culture and heritage whilst delivering economic benefits.”
The National Funding Programme supports the strategic delivery of events taking place outside Edinburgh and Glasgow with the aim of driving domestic tourism, delivering economic impact for local communities and generating media profile for Scotland.
Enabling existing events to expand what they offer visitors, extend their marketing reach and enhance the on-site experience of attendees are just some of the ways that National Funding Programme support is used to help regional events continue to flourish and grow further. This in turn strengthens Scotland’s overall events portfolio – a major contributor to our national economy.
The National Funding Programme also plays a vital role in maintaining Scotland’s reputation and media profile as a super destination for events. EventScotland positions the country as ‘the perfect stage for events’ so the funding is key to ensuring that all regions have an exciting, vibrant portfolio of annual events which offer something for everyone, celebrate our nation’s culture and heritage, and deliver positive impacts for local communities.
For more information on Eden Festival, visit www.edenfestival.co.uk
For more information on the Moffat Gold 2017, visit www.moffatgold2017.com
