Festivals and Events in and around Newton Stewart in 2011 / 2012

Upcoming Events in 2012:

GALLOWAY FOREST PARK - Events throughout the year

Too many to list here - details are available on the Forestry Commission Scotland Website
where you will find, blogs, podcasts & an events newsletter.

CURRENT LOCAL 'WHAT'S ON' GUIDE:

For a comprehensive listing of current local events, visit the Machars Action website Whats on Guide

ANNUAL FESTIVALS are particularly popular in the Dumfries & Galloway region, with themes based on outdoor activities and nature as well as food, books, music, arts and crafts. Here are a just few of the year's events:

SNOWDROP FESTIVAL: 4 February - 18 March 2012

Enjoy the earliest blossoms of the year with beautiful gardens, magnificent castles, stately homes and local exhibitions or simply step into nature and wander through the woodland. And afterwards, you can warm up with a cup of coffee and traditional shortbread biscuit in a fine Scottish tearoom.
For snowdrop gardens and woodlands in Dumfries & Galloway see the VisitScotland Website

GALLOWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL: 5th - 9th March 2012

Predominantly for schoolchildren and amateur musicians, grades & trophies are awarded.
Members of the public are most welcome to attend all events during the festival, both daytime and evening sessions; admission to all events except the Festival Concert is FREE.
This year the Festival Concert will be held in the Cinema, Newton Stewart, on Saturday 10th March 2012 at 2pm. Tickets are £5. Admission for school children of any age and all performers is free. Website

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY WILDLIFE FESTIVAL: 31st March – 15th April 2012

Region-wide events. This festival offers a great opportunity to see some of our fantastic wildlife and the work that is going on to care for it across Dumfries and Galloway. This is the biggest festival ever with over 60 events included in the programme. Look out for species such as geese, badgers, salmon and of course red kites! Website.

SAVOUR THE FLAVOURS, TASTER WEEKEND: 4th - 7th May 2012

An introductory weekend to whet your appetite with a programme of events that’s jam packed with opportunities to try, make and enjoy Dumfries & Galloway food and drink. The main annual focus, Flavour Fortnight, follows in the autumn. Website

WIGTOWN SPRING BOOK WEEKEND: 5th & 6th May 2012

(details to follow)

NEWTON STEWART WALKING FESTIVAL: Friday 11th - Thursday 17th May 2012

This is the 10th Annual WalkFest and is now firmly established as the biggest walking festival in the South of Scotland. Galloway is a wonderful location for walking and whether you enjoy the challenge of our true hill walking experiences or our lower-level themed routes, there is sure to be something for everyone. Make a date in your diary and join our action packed walking week in the Galloway Hills and surrounding area. You will soon realise why we call this area Scotland's best kept secret!
:: 28 walk routes over 7 days
  :: Fully guided walk routes for all abilities
  :: Hill routes guided by Galloway MRT
  :: Linear, coastal and themed routes
  :: Many favourite classic walking routes
  :: Social Events throughout the week
  :: Transportation included
Telephone: 01671 404500
Website: www.newtonstewartwalkfest.co.uk

SPRING FLING OPEN STUDIOS: 2nd - 5th June 2012

Annual 3-day event in which artists and craftspeople across the Dumfries & Galloway Region open their studios to the public. A chance to see, and buy, some of the best creative work in Scotland, in some of the most beautiful settings, from painters, sculptors, furniture makers, jewellery makers, photographers, basket weavers, ceramicists, glass and textile artists.
In addition to the core open studios trail, there will also be a series of additional events. These include a guided walk, talks, bus tours and more.
Website: www.spring-fling.co.uk

10@KIRROUGHTREE: 7th July 2012

Mountain biking event. The second in the 3 '10 series' at a venue famous for its fast flowing singletrack and superb mountain bike trails. Individuals and teams of 2, 3 or 4 complete as many laps as they can of a 10 mile course in 10 hours. Website

GALLOWAY PAGEANT: Sunday 22nd - Saturday 28th July 2012

Newton Stewart hosts the annual Galloway Pageant in July, with a programme of social and sporting events, culminating in a parade of highly decorated floats and the crowning of the "Queen of Galloway".
Website: www.gallowaypageant.com

WIGTOWN AGRICULTURAL SHOW: Wednesday 1st August 2012

The longest-running Agricultural Show in Galloway, which has built up a distinguished history over the past 200 years. A variety of attractions and entertainment, some of the best livestock from all over south-west Scotland and beyond, showjumping, a dog show, exhibitor and trade stands with the very best in locally-produced food, crafts, farm machinery and other products. A great family day out!
Website

THE WHEELIE GOOD BIKE SHOW: August, provisionally on the 5th

The only street motorcycle show north of the border - a gathering of motorcycles of all types, sizes, colours and shapes, parked in the street. A good day out for the whole family. Entry free, but donations for charity. Website

WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL: 28th September - 7th October 2012

In the past 12 years, Wigtown Book Festival has blossomed into one of the most vibrant literary events in Britain. The Festival showcases writers old and new, with events for adults and children.
Website

Dates to be confirmed for:

NEWTON STEWART HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY SHOW: September

The annual show, early in September, where you can see the best local garden produce and flowers.

THE ARMSTRONG GALLOWAY HILLS RALLY: October

is open to car club members from Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North of England. Based in Castle Douglas, with over 40 forest stage miles. Website