The countdown is on to the grand opening performance of Scotland’s largest performing rural arts festival Right here in Dumfries and Galloway
The Scottish Ensemble will bring From Russia With Love in the splendour of the Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries, on Friday, May 22, which heralds the start of a 10-day-long festival of world class acts in theatre, music, comedy, dance, literature and film.
An unprecedented investment of £30,000 from Dumfries and Galloway Council has ensured the continued development of the Festival, which is bringing top performing artists to the region this year and will be a major selling point for Dumfries and Gallowayfor many years to come.
Highlights include comedy from TV funnymen Hardeep Singh Kohli and Des Clarke; world-acclaimed theatrical performances, including Dogstar and Mimika theatres and the hilarious Reduced Shakespeare Company; a diverse programme of top quality music from classical, to jazz, to hip-hop to traditional; a stunning and colourful children’s programme; a specially commissioned project of traditional songs from Dumfries and Galloway as never heard before; a lively festival fringe; plus a special, enhanced programme and ticket concessions for the under 26s.
Council events champion, Colin Smyth, said: “The council is delighted to fund this rich and diverse arts festival programme that I am sure will entertain thousands of people across Dumfries and Galloway at the end of this month.
“The arts festival, like many other festivals and events organisations in the region, is becoming more financially sustainable, dynamic and customer focused as a result of their own hard work, skills and expertise and the assistance they receive from the unique Dumfries and Galloway Major Festivals and Events Strategy.
“It is laying a very solid foundation to attract high numbers of visitors to our region as it grows in scope, prestige and national profile.”
Thirty three events are supported by some of the region’s individual promoters; the festival fringe includes nine partners; 24 shows will be available at half price to the under 26s; the festival is able to support its first major commission and a three-year classical residency of Scotland’s only string orchestra.
New this year is a special commission of an historically and culturally significant song project featuring seven of Scotland’s top traditional musicians. Macmath: The Silent Page will enjoy its world premiere in Stranraer’s Ryan Centre on May 24.
The Scottish Ensemble will be resident in Dumfries and Galloway over the 2016 to 2018 festival periods. They will be performing one major concert and a series of workshops, tea dances and outdoor shows, bringing a personal experience of the highest quality classical music to the region’s audiences.
Festival programme director, Peter Renwick, said: “Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the Dumfries and Galloway Festival is able to improve its programme year on year, becoming more ambitious in its delivery and widening the scope of our audiences.
“We are delighted with the support shown to us through Dumfries and Galloway Council.
“We are able to continue to invest in a programme that brings the best of performance art to Dumfries and Galloway and supports the region’s artists and promoters to stage their own events.”
“For 2015, we have developed our biggest and broadest programme to date, with artists including Edinburgh-based rap impresarios Stanley Odd, a brass band from Rajasthan, Broadway sell-out hit The Tailor of Inverness and the national music companies such as Scottish ensemble and Scottish Chamber Orchestra.”
The Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival takes place between May 22 and 31. Tickets from the Midsteeple box office, Dumfries, 01387 253383. For full programme details see www.dgartsfestival.org.uk
Caption: Back row, from left: Ian Barr, principal officer, events, Dumfries and Galloway Council Lee Medd of Alive Radio; Councillor Colin Smyth, Dumfries and Galloway Council events champion; Peter Renwick, festival programme director; Al Collins, musician; Alex Murray, manager, Midsteeple box office.
Front row, from left: Elaine Carruthers, Easterbrook Hall; Carolyn Yates, Literature Development Office, Dumfries and Galloway; Sara Lockwood, Dance Galloway; Lou Davies, festival co-ordinator; Ali Burns, musician of the Macmath project.
