Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival returns with new 2021 summer programme

The Firelight Trio are one of the acts performing at this year's festival

Scotland’s largest rural performing arts festival will return this summer with a series of outdoor and online events.

The Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival will celebrate the people and creativity of the south west of Scotland, with an outdoor travelling stage, pop up performances in unexpected locations, and an exciting digital programme.

The festival, which takes place between July 16 and 25, will feature 60 events blending music, theatre, dance, comedy and spoken word, with the lineup specially curated with in person and at home entertainment in mind.

The 42nd programme – centred around the theme Hame’ll Dae Me – is a tribute to the burgeoning artists and world class performers of the region and a celebration of the diverse culture found across Dumfries and Galloway. Every event is made by, featuring or directly engaged with artists and audiences from the area.

The programme includes a live stand up set from comedian Mark Nelson, a new album showcase from Smith & McClennan, a celebration of European music from The Firelight Trio, and a sneak peek into the exciting world of emerging five piece band, The Lucky Doves.

Melanie Purdie, Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival’s new strategic and creative director came into the role in March of this year.

Inheriting some of the 2020 programme cancelled due to Covid-19, she is both welcoming back and presenting new artists through a unique programme specific to the times in which we’re living, giving the region a voice on a national and international platform.

She said: “We are proud to welcome you to join us for a refreshed programme that places artists and audiences from the region first and foremost. We paused, we reflected and reimagined a Festival that sits at the heart of communities across the area.

“We have envisioned the future of the Festival and what we would like to see in our changed world. Hame’ll Dae Me celebrates and promotes world class artists from across Dumfries and Galloway and connects you with nationally renowned performing arts companies.

“We are bringing you a safe, secure, and engaging programme to experience locally, or from the comfort of your own home. Enjoy!”

For the full programme, visit dgartsfestival.org.uk