Big Burns Supper comes back after year's absence

The Big Burns Supper festival is making its return to Dumfries after being postponed last year due to a lack of key funding.

Support from some organisations was "rolled over" for 12 months in order to allow it to get back in action.

In total, 150 events will be held between 17 January and 2 February across a number of venues in the town where Robert Burns wrote some of his most famous works.

Director Graham Main said it was returning to a format last used some time ago and should have something for everyone.

"We're returning to a large scale festival model which is the first time we've done that since Covid and it's the first carnival we've had since 2017," he said.

"So people can expect a full-on weekend for our opening"

The event was cancelled in 2024 but a number of supporters agreed that funding committed could be carried over to this year in order for it to resume.

The event is known for its eclectic range of entertainment with funfairs, cabaret, supper clubs, panto, bus tours and a quirky underwater Burns Supper all featuring this year.

Music is also a main attraction and performers this year include Wet Wet Wet, ska band Bombskare, the Cinelli Brothers and the Belfast Community Gospel Choir.

Mr Main said they were also highlighting some of the well-known spots around the town.

"To mark the launch of the festival, we've got five sound and lights installations that happen all across Dumfries," he said.

"This is about looking at empty spaces and hidden spaces like Burns Mausoleum, the former Junction night club and Greyfriars Church and we've installed sound and lightscapes in there."

He said the spotlight would also be on locals who will be performing on a stage in the town centre and many local suppliers being used too.