WE’LL MEET AGAIN . . . Councillor Craig Peacock, left, and Councillor Richard Brodie woo Amanda Hutchinson
Planned by the two communities in which it will take place, the four-day wartime nostalgia festival celebrates 100 years since Gretna and Eastriggs were incorporated as townships and built in tandem with the rapid development of HM Factory Gretna.
The festival, which kicks off today, aims to be a showcase for the fascinating World War I and social history in the area and it is hoped it will appeal to residents and visitors alike.
Annandale East and Eskdale councillor Craig Peacock, who has been active in compiling the festival programme, said: “There is keen interest in the festival and so many community and church groups are pulling together to put on a great range of fun, good natured events.
“The Pack Up project is really bringing our heritage to life and telling our story in an informative way.
“Our World War I themed cafe at the Richard Greenhow Centre, for example, is taking place in the original reading room of the factory munitions girls as the Centre itself dates back to World War I.”
Among the many nostalgia themed events taking place is a vintage rally tomorrow at Gretna’s Raydale Park, which is sure to recreate an affectionate return to the ‘good old days’.
John Grierson, site director of Magnox Limited Chapelcross, who have contributed£1000 of sponsorship, added: “Magnox prides itself at being at the heart of the community and the Pack Up Your Troubles Festival is exactly that – a genuine, affectionate community response to living in Gretna and Eastriggs today and valuing the area’s history from the start of the 20th century.
The festival is well worth a visit and I’m sure it is going to be infectious and good fun.”
Full details of the festival can be found at www.dumgal.gov.uk/packup2015
