Organisers gathered on Tuesday to unveil details of the 2020 event, which will feature 41 performances across 29 venues over ten days. It will run from May 22-31 and will include award winning performances.
And to celebrate the size and diversity of the region, there will be two opening events, in Annan and Stranraer. The festival will kick off with The National Theatre of Scotland’s legendary show The Cheviot, The Stag and The Black, Black Oil at Annan Academy, back by popular demand. And in Stranraer, the region’s very own young magician, Brandon Barrett, will stage his Brain Access show at the Millennium Centre.
In addition, Dumfries town centre will be the subject of a take over on Saturday May 23, courtesy of folklore giant Storm, leading pop up protests, choirs, dance shows, pipe bands and a community event based around climate change.
Almost every postcode across the region will be touched by the festival and other highlights will be the return of Team Viking with three performances; award winning poet Hollie McNish at Moat Brae; local poet Chrys Salt and harper Wendy Stewart are teaming up for a rich and enthralling exploration of mental health; the Scottish Dance Theatre will put on Looping: Scotland Overdub embracing ceilidh dancing and Brazilian street festival vibes; the Metamorphosis show; Radio Scotland host Ashley Storrie will take to the stage with comedy; there will be music from Sons of Flynn; and Lockerbie Town Hall will take on a magical vibe for a collaboration evening.
It will close with a musical extravaganza at the Crichton Church on May 31.
A festival spokesman said: “The 2020 programme has a number of sensational surprises that are sure to entertain all ages and offer something exciting, even for those that have never experienced the festival before. “The ten day long programme showcases the very best of music, comedy, spoken word and theatre.”
