New Dumfries and Galloway music festival to celebrate the “very best” in contemporary country music

A new Dumfriesshire festival for the summer will celebrate the “very best” in contemporary country music.

The first ever Country at The Castle Festival will take place on Friday and Saturday, July 8 and 9, at Hoddom Castle Caravan Park near Lockerbie.

It is the brainchild of Carol and Doug Brotherston who run the site’s Coach House and their aim is to offer a world class “country music experience” in the hope fans from all over the UK will come to the event.

Acts already confirmed for the two day festival include headliners Raintown, also Katy Hurt, Two Ways Home, Kate Kyle and Gary Quinn with other names to be announced soon.

Carol, who is the festival’s director, said: “We are massive country music fans and the genre is currently enjoying a real resurgence with a huge fan base.

Carol Brotherston can't wait for the festival to begin (Jim McEwan)

“Contemporary country music appeals to all ages and this event really lends itself to the beautiful surroundings of Hoddom Castle Caravan Park.

“We are able to offer festival entry and accommodation packages meaning festival goers can make a real weekend of it.

“There are so many things to do close by such as golf, fishing, cycling or even walking in the beautiful countryside and the festival is dog friendly too.

“We hope it will bring several hundred visitors to the area for the weekend which will have a massive knock on effect for the local economy.”

Tickets have gone on sale this week via the website: www.countryatthecastle.co.uk.