Dumfries and Galloway’s events portfolio continues to prosper, and this year the World Gold Panning Championships, are to be held in Moffat thanks to EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.
Many events taking place over the coming months have received a share of £140,000 of funding from EventScotland’s National Programme Fund to support event delivery and help develop Scotland’s varied and boundary-pushing events portfolio.
From music to food and drink to panning for gold, these events offer something for everyone to enjoy this summer in towns all over the country.
EventScotland’s National Programme Fund is designed to specifically support the strategic development of events which occur outside of Edinburgh and Glasgow, with the aim of driving domestic tourism, delivering economic impact for local communities and generating media profile for Scotland.
Building upon existing event activities, extending marketing reach and enhancing the on-site food and drink offer are just some of the ways national programme funds are often put to use.
Stuart Turner, Head of EventScotland, said: “We are delighted to be supporting these 12 events through our National Programme Fund to expand their offer, extend their reach and enhance the experience of attendees and participants.
“Scotland is the perfect stage for events and our National Programme plays a vital role in maintaining this reputation by ensuring we have a vibrant portfolio on annual events that celebrate our wonderful heritage and bringing beneficial impacts to all areas of the country.”
Among those to receive funding is the World Gold Panning Championships in Moffat this August. This is the first time this unique event has been hosted in Moffat and will see competitors from all 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.”
Other events to receive funding include Ballantrae Festival of Food and Drink, and the East Lothian Battle Weekends: 2017 Pinkie Cleugh, as well as Bonfest, the Dundee Design Festival, Oban Live, ButeFest and Powerboat P1 Scottish Grand Prix of the Sea, who all previously received funding from the National Programme for their event in 2016.
A number of the events will also be celebrating Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017 as part of its partner event programme. The Year builds on the momentum generated by previous themed years in Scotland including the 2015 Year of Food and Drink, Homecoming Scotland 2014, and the 2013 Year of Natural Scotland.
EventScotland National Programme Round 34 funded events:
- Bonfest, Kirriemuir* 28 – 30 April £12,500
- Dundee Design Festival 24 – 29 May £20,000
- Mhor Festival, Balquhidder 26 – 28 May £4,500
- Oban Live* 2 – 3 June £10,700
- Eden Festival, Raehills Meadows, Lockerbie 8 – 11 June £12,500
- Ballantrae Festival of Food and Drink 11 June £5,000
- Powerboat P1 Scottish Grand Prix of the Sea, Greenock 24 – 25 June £13,000
- ButeFest, Rothesay 28 – 30 July £7,000
- Southern Fried 10 Year Anniversary, Perth 27 – 30 July £8,000
- World Gold Panning Championships, Moffat* 7 – 12 August £10,500
- Amazing Ages!, Fort George* 12 – 13 August £25,000
- East Lothian Battle Weekends: 2017 Pinkie Cleugh* 16 – 17 August £12,000
*Part of Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology partner event programme
