ATTENTION . . . Councillor Archie Dryburgh gets into the spirit of the festival
Dumfries and Galloway Council is supporting the Pack Up Your Troubles Festival, which will run in Gretna and Eastriggs from August 28 to 31.
Organised by the communities in which the feel good festival will be held, it marks the 100th birthday of the two communities, which were built to support the influx of workers to HM Factory Gretna during World War I.
Annandale East and Eskdale councillor Archie Dryburgh, who is the council’s armed forces champion, said: “After the sober commemorations of the Quintinshill railway disaster, it is good to move onto the much more positive celebration of Gretna and Eastriggs joint 100th birthday.
“I know the Pack Up Festival will be of interest to many people and organisations linked to the armed forces, and I’m convinced that many hundreds of people will enjoy taking part in our great programme of events.”
The range of events, which are designed to lift the spirits, include an old style music hall concert, wartime tea-room, classic bus tours, concerts, cookery demonstration, educational workshops and other community events.
Annandale South councillor Richard Brodie, who is chairman of the Devil’s Porridge museum, added: “Gretna and Eastriggs made a huge contribution to the World War I effort; a contribution that is beautifully detailed and told in our new museum.
“We look forward to welcoming old friends and new during the Pack Up Festival weekend, and to evoking the spirit of an era that is integral to our nation’s historic sense of pride in itself.”
A major advertising campaign promoting the festival to local residents and potential visitors is now underway and full details can be found at www.packup2015 or by requesting a brochure from the Midsteeple Box Office on 01387 253383.
Annandale East and Eskdale councillor Craig Peacock, who is also the council’s depute events champion, said: “The council has got right behind the Pack Up Your Troubles Festival and is fully supportive of local people’s desire to celebrate their heritage and birthday in style.
“I’m delighted that such active and exemplary community planning for this Festival is coming to fruition in a very positive and upbeat way. We have a terrific festival programme with broad appeal.”
