It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Dumfries town centre.
Festive lights have been strung around the High Street and an inaugural Winter Gaitherin’ was a success on Friday.
Produced by The Stove Network and supported by Dumfries and Galloway Council, the festive community event offered a variety of family-friendly activities, live music and performances in Fountain Square, below the Midsteeple.
There was hands-on activity for all ages at both outdoor and indoor venues, and many of the shops, businesses and cafes extended their usual trading hours to offer people a spot of late-night retail therapy or a tasty supper while they enjoyed the festivities.
Matt Baker, of The Stove, said: “We were thrilled to be able to produce an event for the people of the town, that brings communities together in a celebratory fashion and that supports the businesses on the high street.”
Some workshops took place indoors and spaces were monitored to help keep everyone safe and comfortable.
Mia Osborne and the BBS team showed the public how to make paper lanterns in the run up to Big Burns Supper’s parade, The Dumfries Carnival, coming in the new year.
Artist Andy Brookes held Advent Window Silhouettes workshops in The Smithy and The Stove Cafe invited the public in to print and decorate candle-themed Tower of Light Christmas cards and badges.
Moat Brae presented a performance of Pirate VS Pixie, an epic “tory off” between GeeGee McGee (the cousin of Smee) and Cinnamon the Pixie, while Scots musicians and performers Susi Briggs and Alan McClure shared their love of song and story for young listeners.
Summerhill Youth Group were among those providing the entertainment, along with singer Michael Grant, folksy Doonhamers Bogle Mufty, Dumfries Community Choir with festive favourites and campy Christmas classics, and the King’s Coffee shop presented their jazz house band, Kings Own Blend.
