Businesses praised for Big Burns support

MORE than 140 businesses and groups are lending a hand to make the 2026 Big Burns Supper the best yet.

Now in its 14th year, the winter festival is a staple in Dumfries’ calendar with a variety of events taking place during its ten day run.

There will be 49 lantern making workshops before the lantern procession on Saturday January 17; with 17 businesses in the town centre transforming their windows into Northern Light displays; and 28 firms donating time, materials and services to make the event budget stretch as much as possible.

Among those lending their skills and expertise is Angie Briggs, a retired college lecturer. Alongside rehearsing with Dumfries Community Choir and LOKA girl singing group, she is volunteering to help make hundreds of costumes for the 2026 carnival.

Justin Hyslop, chair of the Big Burns Supper, praised her and said: “Our community are the only reason Big Burns Supper has survived, and the only reason it exists.”

Meanwhile, the Coach and Horses are preparing to light up their window and manager Robyn Cuddihy said: “Big Burns Supper has been a massive support in bringing tourism and opportunities to local groups and volunteers which we have enjoyed being part of.

“We at the Coach have benefited during what is normally a quiet time in the trade. We plan to continue to do so by getting involved in this year’s Northern Lights trail with a nod to The Bard’s questionable antics which took place upstairs.

“It’s been an accessible way to be involved in the community and we hope it continues for many years to come.”

Looking ahead to this year’s festival, executive producer Graham Main said: “The scale of the event makes it one of the largest major events in Scotland, but we don’t get anywhere near the public funding that other major events receive so our business partnerships make the festival possible.”