Festival Forecast In The Heart Of Galloway

From Sid Ambrose Wigtownshire Area Arts Convenor

Nostalgic acts booked for several of the regions festivals

Music lovers and festival fans may have noticed a strong nostalgic vibe emanating from some of our region’s major events being held in deepest grooviest Galloway this summer.
Lulu, Status Quo, Grandmaster Flash, Squeeze, the Waterboys and Big Country are like a who’s who of bygone rock royalty. In search of meaning l read some tea leaves and consulted with the bones to find out why, it appears that a frothy cloud of nostalgia has been snagged on the lofty peak of the Merrick and looks to be settled in place for our northern summer. However fans of contemporary and new music need not be alarmed as strong westerlies have blown in a smattering of current acts such as Example, Tom Odell and The Cat Empire.

This retro and newbie mash up may have been influenced by the Gulf Stream which flows northward past our shores, but it is more likely that the population demographic of ageing stalwarts and bright young things have championed for a series of line up’s that reflect the eclectic musical tastes of our collective shires and dales. Wickerman, Eden and now Palmerston Park may have secured some of the music industry heavy artillery but let’s not forget the likes of Knockengorroch who have booked timeless acts such as Shooglenifty and the Peatbog Faeries for their World Ceilidh in May. Electric Fields who champion new Scottish music have just released their line-up of new pretenders and our "way out west" event Park Fest in Stranraer will probably combine a weekend of Young Guns and veteran performers in late August. Youth Beatz are building a national reputation amongst a tween audience whilst Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival continue their 30-year run of bringing quality and diversity to pocket sized venues all along the A75 corridor.

So what’s the long range forecast for the regions festivals and events l hear you ask. Well barring external factors such as those that affect the economy and travel l feel that future of our festival industry is so bright we are probably going to need shades, the combination of niche market events, family friendly gatherings and rock offerings means that we must be several isobars above other comparable regions when it comes to outdoor live music. In my experience live performance can never be matched by pub jukeboxes or in- car stereos and luckily for us you can hardly swing a selfie stick in Galloway without hitting a festival.

Inspire Youth Dance end of term Fundraiser

From Emma at Inspire Youth Dance

Join the DG People...

From Sid Ambrose, Wigtownshire Area Arts Convenor and Matthew Shelley

One of the fundamental aims of DG Unlimited is to provide a showcase for members and for the creative sector in D&G. The Unlimited People section of our new website is one of the ways we can do that – it gives people a chance to talk about themselves and their work to a wider audience. At the same time it allows us to build up a library which shows just how broad and deep the talent of our creative sector runs.

This week we are introducing you to Gina Lawson who runs Gina Lillycrop Designs from Wigtown. Gina describes her work as home wares and interior decorations, such as lampshades, children's rugs, cushions and wall art. But like many of our creatives, that’s just the start. Scratch a little deeper and you discover that she designs her own range of home furnishings from a remote Farm studio near Wigtown and that she has done some unusual work for royalty. In addition to being a designer, mum and farmer’s wife she is also a qualified nursery nurse and sings in a Meat Loaf tribute band – one of their biggest fans is David Coulthard.

It’s lives and stories like these which make Dumfries and Galloway such a special and inspirational place. DGU really wants to hear more of your stories and to bring them to a wider audience. If you would like to be featured in the Unlimited People section of the website then fill in the form and send it to us with a picture of yourself or just email and we’ll send one through.

And, over the next couple of weeks you can also meet Glentrool photographer Dave Currie who has taken some amazing shots of the Galloway night sky (among many other things) and Arts and Crafts inspired craftsman Tom Goff from Moffat.

Earlier this week Sid set up sessions in Stranraer and Newton Stewart where Matthew provided attendees with a free session on how to publicise their events or businesses. Around 16 people attended, from all sorts of different backgrounds, despite some dreadful weather. Again, it was great to hear so many different stories and hopefully have the chance to help people find ways to gain some media attention for all they do.

DG Arts Festival Programme Announced

From DG Arts Festival

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra and comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli will be among the headliners at the Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival.

A total of 82 acts will perform at 42 venues across the south-west over 10 days at the end of May. The event, which is in its 36th year, will also feature performances by the award-winning folk singer Bella Hardy and Scotland's Makar Liz Lochhead.

Young musicians: John Gilderdale-Smith, from Castle Douglas; Zoe Bestel, of Wigtown; Robyn Stapleton from Stranraer; and Deri Ronan, of Thornhill.

The programme was launched at Loch Arthur, Beeswing, on Wednesday. Organisers have pledged to showcase world-class music, theatre, comedy and literature in towns, villages and remote rural areas across the region.

Highlights include:

HARDEEP SINGH KOHLI – HARDEEP IS YOUR LOVE
FRIDAY 22 MAY, 7:30 PM. £15
THE CORNER HOUSE HOTEL, HIGH STREET, ANNAN DG12 6DL
Master of pace and quick-witted patter, there’s much more to Hardeep Singh Kohli than being a media funny man in a colourful turban.

SCOTTISH ENSEMBLE FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE
FRIDAY 22 MAY, 8:00 PM. £20
EASTERBROOK HALL, THE CRICHTON, BANKEND ROAD, DUMFRIES, DG1 4TA
This event was kindly supported in memory of NLH.

A celebration of two of Russia’s most celebrated composers heralds the sensational start to this year’s Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival.

KIDDER THEATRE NORMAL / MADNESS
SATURDAY 23 MAY, 7:30 PM. £10
THE SWALLOW THEATRE, MOSS PARK, WHITHORN, NEWTON STEWART DG8 8DR (also showing in New Galloway)
Kidder Theatre brings the very best in drama to the region with its critically acclaimed humorous and heart-breaking play Normal / Madness.

GAVIN MARWICK’S – JOURNEYMAN SPECTACULAR
SUNDAY 24 MAY, 7:30 PM. £15
CASTLE DOUGLAS TOWN HALL , ST ANDREW STREET, CASTLE DOUGLAS DG7 1DB
Described as ‘a folk festival on stage’, Gavin Marwick’s Journeyman Spectacular is a phenomenal musical experience of short sets of 10 performers and a constantly changing musical line-up.

STANLEY ODD
SUNDAY 24 MAY, 8:30 PM. £12
THE CORNER HOUSE HOTEL, HIGH STREET, ANNAN DG12 6DL
5.00PM – WORKSHOP WITH DAVE HOOK
Alternative Scottish hip-hop with heart, mind, wit, grit, conscience and superb live musicianship, Stanley Odd’s sound is reaching well beyond the rapidly burgeoning subculture from which it emerged, borne on an escalating grapevine buzz that’s set to ramp-up several notches further, with the release of their second album Reject.

Interns Wanted

From the Wigtown Book Festival

Wigtown Festival Company has launched three new internships with some of the flagship festivals in the region.

Available to people aged 15-25 in Dumfries & Galloway, Spring Fling, Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival and Wigtown Festival Company are all offering opportunities to gain a variety of skills and experience. 

Spring Fling is looking for a social media coordinator to work before and during Spring Fling weekend. This will include blogging about activities including poetry collected by the Writer in Residence on her visits to various artists and The Stove's food and drink project where a chef will cook seasonal, local produce in artists' studios. 

Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival offers the opportunity for the intern to learn about PR and Marketing and work in the office before the festival and to write reviews of shows aimed at young people during the Festival. 

Wigtown Festival Company will run its annual Writers' Gathering and is looking for an intern to support the event, taking responsibility for key tasks, including meeting and greeting authors and marketing the event beforehand. 

Full details can be found on the Wigtown Book Festival website here

Showbiz in Stranraer

From ITV

Dumfries and Galloway could be the setting for a new multi-million pound film about the flight of Bonnie Prince Charlie to Skye.

Filmmakers, including Producer Mairi Sutherland and Fight Arranger Seoras Wallace, have been in Stranraer today to discuss how the area could be used in the production of The Great Getaway.

They're hoping the area could be used to film the infamous Battle of Culloden.

The film will follow Charles Edward Stuart, also known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, from the moment his Scottish forces lost the last battle on British soil, against English troops.

Producer Mairi Sutherland was born in Dumfries, and is hoping to film in the region, and train extras: "The nearby West Freugh aerodrome hangers make this all a definite possibility, when travel to the Highlands could put up costs and add to the journey times of cast and crew.

Seoras Wallace Credit: Seoras Wallace

"Not only that Dumfries and Galloway has a certain quality of light that is good on film and is a popular destination with film makers."

Full story on the itv website here

Job Opportunity with the Wigtown Book Festival

From Wigtown Book Festival

Wigtown Festival Company Ltd
Portfolio Manager (Young People)

Region: Dumfries & Galloway
Location: Wigtown
Contract Type: Part-time
Hours per week: 26
Salary: £13,500 (£20,769 pro rata)
Closing Date: Friday 13 March 2015

Wigtown Festival Company is seeking an inspirational individual to help develop its year-round programme of activities for children and young people throughout Dumfries & Galloway and to create opportunities for 0- to 25-year-olds to participate in literature and associated art forms as creators, organisers and audience members.

The successful candidate will take a leading role in managing WFC's children's, education and young people's programmes, and will be expected to work closely with the Literature Development Portfolio Manager, Artistic Director and our team of young people's Project Officers, young people aged 14-25.

The candidates are expected to show an understanding of the aims of Scotland's national youth arts strategy, Time to Shine.

The post holder should be able to demonstrate:

· A passion for and knowledge of literature, especially writing for young people
· Experience of working with children and young people
· Organisational and planning skills
· Excellent verbal and written communication and listening skills
· The ability to build good relationships and earn trust and respect
· The ability to relate to people from all backgrounds
· Ability as a self-starter with the capacity to work alone or as part of a team
· A commitment to equal opportunities and diversity

This post is subject to a Disclosure Scotland check and a driving license is required.

The deadline for applications is Friday 13 March 2015. Applications in writing only, complete with CV and 2 references. These should be addressed for the attention of Anne Barclay, Operational Director, Wigtown Festival Company, County Buildings, Wigtown, DG8 9JH or emailed to anne@wigtownbookfestival.com.

Full job description available on the book festival website here

Ryan Youth Theatre And Dumfries Junior Guild In Double Performance

From Sid Ambrose, DG Unlimited Wigtownshire Area Arts Convenor

My head was very warm recently, which was no doubt due to the fact that l was in Stranraer's Ryan Theatre whilst wearing two hats. Hat number one represented my role as Wigtownshire Arts Hub Convenor, while hat number two signified the work l do for the Kirkcudbright based South West Scotland Sectarian project. In my case this explains the line from the old song “Where did you get that hat”.

Anyway moving on, The Ryan Youth Theatre delivered a powerful performance, on their home turf to a packed audience. Their production called Freedom Square was inspired by the turbulent events which took place in George Square, Glasgow on the eve of the Scottish referendum. Sectarianism, bigotry, love and nationalism were the key themes in the script which was written by celebrated playwright Des Dillon.

the cast from Ryan Youth Theatre rehearsing for Freedom Square

The play was commissioned by Wigtown Festival Company which received a grant from the Voluntary Action Fund small grants to sectarianism programme. Joining them in a double bill were young people from Dumfries junior guild under the tutelage of James Napper who delivered a performance titled “Unite Don't Fight” which was based around sectarianism and gang culture. The two shows were followed by a lively audience discussion on sectarianism and tolerance which was chaired by literature development officer Carolyn Yates.

James Napper who worked and starred with the Junior Guild

My twin hatted role involved linking the Ryan Youth Theatre up with the Stranraer based African Drummers, for both groups this created a new working environment and the sum of the parts i.e. youth theatre and percussion based performers was very definitely greater than the whole. I also suggested the double billing show which saw young people from Dumfries travelling across to Stranraer to perform in tandem with their counterparts. Similarly all three groups worked together to perform in New Galloway the following evening.

Carolyn Yates felt that the performances had been a credit to all of the young people involved and she was keen to thank all of those who had worked hard to bring the script to life, the Ryan Centre staff were singled out for special praise for their input on technical production, catering and general support.

The Ryan Youth Theatre performances in Stranraer saw young people working alongside a professional director in the form of Chris Taylor, the script was devised by Garlieston based playwright Des Dillon who is most famous for his comedy show called “Singing I’m no a billy he's a tim”. In addition they received direction from a specialist in stage movement and Blocking and they were able to choreograph the scenes to a live music accompaniment. All in all these skills and new working relationships incrementally strengthen the arts sector in Wigtownshire, and l am happy to play my part in supporting this even if it does require the odd change of hat.

Chrys Salt - Dancing on a Rock

From Chrys Salt

“Chrys Salt, a wonderful and unique poet, reaches her zenith. The past comes alive again, where dreams and desperations come hand in hand. Her work is poignant, full of anger, desire, and dreams that entice you to enter that world. This book touched me deeply.”

Bernard Kops
Dramatist, Poet, Novelist

From The Bronze Age to recent conflict, Chrys Salt's new collection explores distillations of memory, moments, lives, experience - the image of a fossil dancing on a rock reminding us of those things that are recorded, yet transient. Dancing on a Rock is Chrys’ fourth full poetry collection. Her work is widely published, has appeared in anthologies all over the world, been performed on BBC Radio 3 and 4, UK wide, in the USA, Canada, France, Germany and Finland. It has been translated into French and Arabic and is currently being translated into Hebrew. In 2014 her limited edition pamphlet Weaver of Grass (Hattericks House 2013, artwork Deirdre Carlisle) was shortlisted for the Callum Macdonald Memorial Award. She is a great supporter of Indigo Dreams and a frequent contributor (and winner!) to Reach Poetry magazine. IDP also published Chrys' previous collection Grass

90 pages of poetry, Dancing on a Rock can be ordered now online here. A taster of the poems included may be read there too. It's always good to work with Chrys and you will be able to catch her reading at a variety of places - a wonderful time will be had by all. Some venues below and many more to come.

March 7th/8th: Bath Literature Festival 
March 7th: Poetry Workshop 1:00pm – 4:00pm Holburne Museum
March 8th: Introducing Annette Badland who performs her script based on Vera Brittain's Testament of Youth 1:00pm – 2:00pm Guildhall
March 8th: Launch of new collection Dancing on a Rock with Rachael Boast. 5:00pm – 6:00pm Guildhall
April 14th: 'Whose Voice is it Anyway?' with novelist Margaret Elphinstone 7.30pm Scottish Writers Centre, Glasgow.
March 30th: Dancing on a Rock. Brioche, Hampstead 7.00pm
April 21st: reading from Dancing on a Rock with Bernard Kops 7.30pm Bar des Arts Guildford
April 23rd: Dancing on a Rock 7.30pm The Royal British Legion, The Quay, Wivenhoe:
May 2nd: Dancing on a Rock (time TBA) The Bank Bookshop, Wigtown, S.W Scotland.


Chrys was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for Services to The Arts. She receives this on Friday 6th February. Huge congrats from all of us Chrys - and don't forget that new hat!

Freedom Square and Unite Don’t Fight to Tour Dumfries and Galloway

From Carolyn Yates and Sid Ambrose

Two hard hitting new plays based on Sectarianism, will premier across Dumfries and Galloway over the month of February. Freedom Square and Unite Don’t Fight will be performed by young people from the Ryan Youth Theatre and Dumfries Junior Guild. The free shows will embark on a pan Galloway tour with performances scheduled to take place from Stranraer to Dumfries.

Freedom Square has been described in promotional material as “The spark of first love across Scotland’s New Divide in the incendiary week of the referendum. She’s a Yes, he’s a no, their parents are bigots, and the Orange Lodge are gearing up to attack the square – what can possibly go wrong”?

Dumfries Young Guild of Players

Whilst Unite Don’t Fight, portrays a gritty and extreme example of Sectarianism. It tells the story of how four siblings have their family and home destroyed as victims of a religious hatred attack.  What starts as banter results in an arson attack and the death of their parents.  Hear them tell their side of the story as their nightmare is relived over and over again in the mind of the killer.

Both plays are supported by grants from the Voluntary Action Fund, Scottish Government’s Tackling Sectarianism Small Grant Programme and have been assisted by the Kirkcudbright based South West Scotland Sectarian Project.

Chris Taylor ( Freedom Square Director)

Freedom Square has been commissioned by Wigtown Festival Company, It was written and devised by award winning playwright Des Dillon in conjunction with the Ryan Youth Theatre, and is directed by Chris Taylor. Unite Don’t Fight has been written and directed by Dumfries based James Napper who has had a long association with local youth theatre groups.

The intention of the performances is to raise awareness of sectarianism which blights many communities across Scotland. Stevie Carr from the South West Scotland Sectarian Project Commented “Sectarianism can take many forms, from so called banter to prejudice and violence, l believe the plays are a great way to communicate with young people and make them better informed about sectarianism which at the end of the day is just another form of bullying.”

The inaugural performance of both plays will take place in a double bill at the Ryan Centre Theatre Stranraer between 6 and 8 pm on the 16^th February. The free performances will be followed by a meet and greet session with the cast and crew, for those interested in finding out more about the plays and the issues raised.

Other double bill performances will take place on the 17^th February from 7 to 9pm in New Galloway Town Hall and on the 27^th February at the Brigend Theatre Dumfries. A further solo showing of Unite Don’t Fight is scheduled for the Old Well Theatre Moffat on February the 20^th starting at 7pm.

For further information on the performances please contact Carolyn Yates, Literature Development

carolyn@literaturedevelopment.org  Phone: 01988 402036, Mobile: 07717179653

Please note although these are free events you may need to register your interest first to guarantee entry.       

Wanted: Whithorn Trust Museum Attendant

From Julia Muir Watt

The Whithorn Trust has a Museum Attendant job on offer for the season, 35 hours per week, which is an opportunity for someone to act as custodian in our lovely museum to some of the most important early Medieval artworks and epigraphy in northern Europe !

If you are willing to post, or give our details, our e mail address is enquiries@whithorn.com

Silver Sceatta of King Eadberht and Archbishop Ecgberht - more details on The Future Museum