Arts events will ‘transform’ Dumfries

This year’s Big Burns Supper has seen the launch of Transform – a regional development programme established to empower eight community ‘Transformers’ to create, host and run their own events in local venues.
Big Burns Supper community producer Cara McNaught said: “These Transformers are all passionate about their wee and local communities.
“The best thing about this project is that the events are created for the community, and by the community.
“I am buzzing for it.’’ A total of 38 different events are taking place in housing estates throughout Dumfries in what was originally meant to be eight.
And the team behind the Big Burns Supper say they hope the Transformers continue to develop and host events when Big Burns Supper comes to a close at the end of January.
Cara said: “Part of the magic of these events is that these communities are getting ready to show off.”
And highlighting one event this weekend, she added: “Over at Georgetown and Calside hub we have a cracking little tea dance which takes place on Saturday January 14 at 1 pm which is completely free, so get over there.” The Burns Night Carnival takes centre stage on the Dumfries High Street on January 22 at 5 pm, and is the festival’s largest community participatory event. It involves eight local schools, over 400 young people and 30 creative organisations and groups within the area.
Everyone is encouraged to take part in the carnival, and to join in by taking part in a lantern-making workshop.
The projects are supported by the Holywood Trust, and the festival is also supported by Awards for All and the ANCBC who are supporting the Transform Leaders.
For more information visit the Big Burns Supper website.