Dumfries Museum’s windmill tower is to be transformed on Sunday into an illuminated beacon of hope for the future.
The Stove Network and the council’s museum staff are encouraging residents to join in the family-friendly Tower of Light event.
The iconic 18th century tower will be illuminated by 1,000 candles for one night only from 5pm to 7.30pm.
People are invited to visit the site throughout the day to observe the installation and go back as darkness falls to see the full effect of the illuminations.
They can go along to light a candle, make a Christmas wish, and leave their own “message of hope”.
The event will be live streamed on The Stove’s social media channels, thanks to Derry and the Battlestations Team, to enable people to watch the unveiling from home.
The same event was supposed to be held last year but it had to be cancelled because of Covid restrictions.
Kevin Stewart of The Stove is delighted it can go ahead this time around.
He said: “It is a visual event designed to bring joy to the people of Dumfries at Christmas, a much needed escape from the gloom of the pandemic.
“The museum will be open during the day with special activities for families to enjoy, including traditional puppet shows from Clydebuilt Puppets at 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm, and free drop-in crafting workshops from noon to 5pm with artist and maker Helen Walsh to make felt robins, suitable for hanging on a tree at home or decorating windows.”
He added: “It is hoped that the Tower of Light will be a way to connect the community and bring hope to those who visit, despite the difficulties faced by many over the past two years.”
Visitors will be entertained by the Cairn Chorus choir, led by musical director Kate Howard, from around 5pm.
The Jaggy Thistle Bistro will selling hot drinks and festive food from 4pm onwards.
No booking is needed for the event. There will be a one way system which involves entry to the museum grounds from the corner of Church and Primrose Streets and access via the garden steps to the tower. An alternative route is available for visitors with limited mobility.
Anyone arriving by car is asked to park on the Whitesands or Mill Road car parks.
