In March 2024, Sandy Sweetman and Simon Robertson had not long taken over the management of Loreburn Hall and they were looking forward to hosting their first event on Easter weekend They were full of enthusiasm and excitement about the potential of the venue, but more than anything they wanted the local community to get behind their venture and for it to become a cultural hub in the centre of Dumfries.
They wanted to reignite the energy and the community spirit that people associate with the Loreburn Hall, and they have not been disappointed.
Since April 2024, Loreburn Hall has hosted over 60 events including everything from live DJs and private parties to boxing competitions, music gigs, craft fayres, tabletop sales and most recently Scotland’s Weekend of Strength. Two part-time members of staff have been employed to support operations and the team have used the services of various local businesses and contractors to improve the building and infrastructure to make it more functional, customer-friendly and sustainable. This has included everything from additional toilet facilities, improved signage, a new stage, in-house sound and lighting equipment and improved accessibility. New partnerships have also been formed with local organisations wanting to relocate their clubs and organisation to Loreburn Hall. Nithvalley Amateur Boxing Club has already moved into the Lesser Hall at the back on the main hall. More recently the team from Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival have relocated to Loreburn Hall and they are excited about being part of its future. Other organisations are due to make the move later in the Spring.
There have been challenges along the way, but the team behind Loreburn Hall are positive about what has been achieved this year and they remain fully committed and optimistic about the future.
Sandy Sweetman, Director said: “While there has been a delay in formally transferring the lease to us, we are committed to Loreburn Hall for the long-term and we are grateful for our partnership with Dumfries and Galloway Council and for those working with us to progress this. In many ways this past year has given us a greater insight into how people want to use the building and what we need to do to facilitate this. We also feel confident that our community-led approach is the best strategy for the development of Loreburn Hall. Due to the community coming on board, the range and quality of events has been amazing this year and we are already starting to see more promoters from out with the area being drawn to Dumfries and Galloway to host their events at Loreburn Hall, which is great for us, local audiences and for the local economy. We are also experiencing an increase in demand from local organisations wanting to rent out spaces within the building, as well as from those who want to run regular activities and events in the hall. It’s fair to say that our cultural hub is well and truly off to a great start, but we will continue to listen and to learn as we go. With more time, investment and collaboration we know there is so much more potential, so we are excited to see what can be achieved in the year ahead and in the longer-term too. Our thanks to everyone who has supported us this past year and to all those who are making plans to join us in 2025 and beyond.”
The good times continue in Loreburn Hall with a busy schedule of events planned for 2025 including everything from live music, private parties, theatre shows, craft fayres, youth and community events, live boxing and more. The team are already receiving more enquiries coming in from local and national event organisers and promoters, which means we have a diverse programme of events to look forward to in 2025 including Nith Valley Amateur Boxing Club Show on 26th April, GUN Hombres Acoustic Tour on the 9th May, One Last Dance with The Lutras on the 23rd August to one of the biggest ever weekends of Warhammer in Scotland to be hosted by Dumfries Gamer’s Club and partners in Loreburn Hall from the 19th – 21st September, and much more.
To find out more, book the hall, hire a meeting room or browse what’s on in Loreburn Hall, visit www.loreburnhall.co.uk or email: [email protected]
