A total of 37 historic sites and visitor attractions are gearing up for Doors Open Days Dumfries and Galloway on September 4-5.
The official 2021 programme, launched this week, features castles, religious places, ancient forts, museums, art studios and heritage centres among others.
Highlights include performances by award-winning musicians and a circus workshop at the Quarrymen’s Arts Centre in Creetown, the New Galloway Story in the town hall, Lincluden Collegiate Church and behind the scenes tours of the Theatre Royal in Dumfries.
Co-ordinator, Creetown man Mick McLeod, hailed the “exciting programme” taking place over the two days.
He said: “I volunteer at Creetown Heritage Museum which has some great upgrades this year and has undergone extensive refurbishment.
“It’s always a great weekend for us.”
Inspired by Doors Open Days’ first ever digital festival in 2020, which welcomed 184,000 virtual visitors from across the world, the 2021 festival will have both online and in-person events and activities.
Mr McLeod, a volunteer with festival backers the Scottish Civic Trust, added: “The festival aims to ensure that Scotland’s built and cultural heritage is made accessible to everyone living in and visiting the country.
“It’s truly fulfilling to engage with visitors.”
Doors Open Days national coordinator, Scottish Civic Trust director Dr Susan O’Connor said: “Hundreds of venues across the country have been busy organising events, planning walking tours and creating videos and other virtual activities for visitors.
“We’re particularly excited to welcome visitors back into buildings for in-person events so we can all reconnect with our neighbours and local places.”
The Scotland-wide initiative sees hundreds of sites open to the public for free.
To view the full Dumfries and Galloway programme visit https://www.facebook.com/doorsopendaysDG/
