Getting ready for return of the town carnival

IT’S T-minus two days until the return of the Dumfries Carnival and the final preparations are underway. Making its triumphant return in spectacular style, this landmark celebration will see over 2,500 performers flood the streets in a breathtaking procession. An anticipated crowd of more than 9,000 spectators will line the town’s High Street to welcome the carnival back in all its glory. [caption id="attachment_65861" align="aligncenter" width="579"]

LANTERS . . . busy at work on the lanterns last weekend [/caption] This year’s carnival will showcase a constellation of talent. And under this year’s space theme, participants are sure to look out of this world as lantern and costume makers have been hard at work to make this years event a success. Community groups will be the central part of this year’s return with 34 from across the region coming together for the dazzling celebration. Some of the group taking part include Dumfries Young Carers, Solway Disability Sport and Troqueer and Caerlaverock Parish Church. [caption id="attachment_65865" align="aligncenter" width="571"]

BIG TASK . . . carnival creator Ryan watson along with his volunteers have made over 200 costumes over the last few months [/caption] Looking ahead to the weekend’s festivities carnival founder Ryan Watson said: “We are thrilled to return with such a diverse and vibrant line-up. “Our theme of space allows communities to dream big, to imagine and illuminate, to bring together different voices from across Dumfries and Galloway and beyond. “This carnival is about connection, creativity, and celebration.”