Big Burns Supper is off to a flying start as record numbers of people turned out in Dumfries for the opening weekend.
Britain’s biggest winter fringe festival, with 150 events at more than 30 venues, began on Friday and continues until February 2.
Highlights of the first few days included Dumfries Carnival with its lantern procession on Saturday, the first two supper clubs of the festival and a spectacular light show where still and video images of the Northern Lights, recorded last year, were projected onto five buildings in the town centre.
Graham Main, executive producer and founder of Big Burns Supper, said: “Thousands of people have attended the first three days, smashing all previous records since the festival began. It’s good to be back.”
Other events over the weekend included a rock fit workout with live band, family singalong bingo, a family silent disco ceilidh and silent audio tours.
The two supper clubs, featuring a jazz night and a unique Parisian cabaret experience with Sylvain Philippe, were hailed as a roaring success.
Big Burns Supper started in 2012 to celebrate the birthday of Scotland’s national bard, Robert “Rabbie” Burns, who is buried in Dumfries.
It had to be cancelled last year because of funding difficulties but is back with a vengeance in 2025 in what promises to be the best festival yet. The busy programme ranges from cabaret to comedy, music and entertainment.
Graham added: “This year’s festival has something for everyone whether you want to sample a Burns Supper on a bus tour or take part in one of three unique underwater Burns Night celebrations. But don’t delay because tickets are selling fast and some events have already sold out.”
Looking ahead, iconic Scottish band Wet Wet Wet performs a headline gig on Friday. Then on Saturday, Burns Night, the world’s largest Burns supper will be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube from Loreburn Hall.
The line-up for the five-hour spectacular, hosted by X-Factor star Michelle McManus, includes Eddi Reader and her band, Grant Dinwiddie and Lucky Doves, Claire Hastings, Girobabies, Culla, Diablo, Dumfries Community Choir and Hunter & McMustard. Tickets to attend are still available from £50.
The full programme is at online here.
The organisers have been working hard for months to make this year’s event a success and to involve and embrace the whole community.
Dozens took part in lantern-making workshops in the run-up to the Carnival parade, which featured floats and giant puppets as well as 1,000 lanterns.
