Nithraid - its back!!

A Public Celebration of the River Nith in Dumfries

Nithraid happens every year on the highest tide of the Autumn Equinox – celebrating the past, present and future role of the river in the flourishing of Dumfries. A ‘dangerous sailing race’ challenges skippers to navigate the currents and obstacles (eg low bridges) to bring their art cargo up the Nith from Carsethorn on the Solway Firth into the centre of Dumfries – a journey made possible by the influx of salt water brought up the channel by the high tide. No motors are allowed. Enter the race!

Come along …… and join the fun waiting to welcome the boats. There is lots to do for all the family – a Procession with a marching band and dancers will parade the ‘Salty Coo’ through the town and down to the Whitesands where it will form the finish post for the race. Down at the Whitesands the carpark becomes a street market for a day including demonstrations of Skateboarding, Roller Derby, Metal Casting, Tai Chi and Baby Slings. See the Whitesands as never before!

Last Years inaugural Nithraid was a huge success with more than 2500 people lining the riverbank and enjoying the fun. They cheered home the winning boats, encouraged the sea cadets, and also saw one of the boats come to a soggy end under one of the bridges. Brand new for this year’s Nithraid is a street market and food stalls on the Whitesands where, amongst many other things, visitors will be able to try their hand at metal casting, knot-tying, wall climbing, carrying babies in a nautical sling, a fire engine and fire boat, skateboarding and Roller Derby

The whole event has been made possible by the involvement and support of local people such as Nith Navigation Commissioners, Sleeping Giants, Doonhame Derby Dolls, Local Skateboarders, Scouts, Sea Cadets, Local Sailing Clubs.

Nithraid is designed and organised by The Stove Network artists collective who are based in the centre of Dumfries and working with Dumfries and Galloway Council on regeneration projects for the town centre that use the potential of some of Dumfries’ overlooked assets for the future prosperity of the town

The Stove are looking for volunteers to help with the event (from sewing, to Coo salting, to model boat building, to stewarding, to dancing and processing) if you would like to get involved in one of the most surreal events in the D+G cultural calendar then email info@thestove.org - all are welcome...it is a great team to be part of  

Nithraid is completely free to attend for the general public

SATURDAY 13th September

1.15 pm Boat Race Start - Carsethorn (The Steamboat Inn)
1.30 pm Salty Coo Procession and Marching Band Starts – Bandstand, Dock Park
2.30 pm Activities Start on Whitesands
3.45pm  Boats expected to arrive at Whitesands
4.30pm Finish

 

Nithraid is supported by:

With Special Thanks to ‘In Our Town’ and the Steamboat Inn (Carsethorn)