Colourful costumed performers, floats, lanterns, bands and a big fireworks display helped marked Robert Burns’ heritage on Sunday in an event which is considered a highlight of the nine-day celebration.
Artistic director Graham Main said: “The carnival was, without a doubt, the biggest and best we’ve ever held and the fireworks were just incredible.
“There was such a huge crowd, with people from all over Dumfries and Galloway and far beyond coming together to celebrate the spirit of Rabbie Burns.”
The carnvial theme was musical revolutions, with the procession winding through the streets of the town where Burns lived, worked and died.
It was led by Dumfries Provost Ted Thompson, Big Burns Supper chairwoman Maureen Farrell and children’s mascot Hamish the Haggis.
And schools, community groups, charities and families had created 4500 lanterns at special workshops that have been taking place across the area in recent weeks.
Floats included festival headliners the Bay City Rollers’ cat, which celebrated the sounds of the 70s.
The festival also includes Sean Ryder’s band Black Grape, stand-up Jason Byrne, singer Eddi Reader, group Dublin Legends, The Treacherous Orchestra, performer Camille O’Sullivan, comedian Andrew Maxwell and ska sensations The Beat.
The 2016 Big Burns Supper concludes on Saturday.
