Supper finishes but Carnival is next course

IT’S the end of an era for the Big Burns Supper, as plans to expand the Dumfries Carnival take shape.

Over its 15-year history, Big Burns Supper welcomed artists including KT Tunstall, Donovan, Deacon Blue, Morcheeba, Keb’ Mo’, Nicola Benedetti, Bill Bailey and Ed Byrne.

Festival favourites such as Skerryvore, Eddi Reader and Camille O’Sullivan became regular highlights, while the award-winning Le Haggis show reached thousands each year.

Now Big Burns Supper has reached its final curtain, as organisers focus on the ever-growing Dumfries Carnival instead.

Founder and producer Graham Main this week said: “Big Burns Supper achieved more than we ever imagined and we are incredibly proud of the impact it had on Dumfries and Galloway over the past 15 years. What excites us now is the future.
“Dumfries and Galloway Carnival - pictured- represents a new kind of cultural celebration. It is free, accessible and built by the people who take part in it.

“We want Dumfries and Galloway Carnival to become a winter tradition that belongs to the whole region.”
Running from 29–31 January 2027, it will feature a carnival parade through Dumfries alongside immersive light experiences, live performance, music, food and family activities.

The event will involve 26 schools from across the region, as well as community groups, artists, volunteers and performers.

Rehearsals and creative workshops start in September as part of a five-month build-up.

Organisers believe the expanded carnival model will increase participation and create new opportunities for all ages to engage with culture and creativity.

Justin Hyslop, chair of the board of trustees added: “Some people may see the end of Big Burns Supper as the end of something. We see it as the beginning of a new chapter. The organisation is continuing, and many of the programmes that people know and value will continue to thrive.
“This transition allows us to build on everything we have achieved over the past 15 years while creating a sustainable future that enables more people across Dumfries and Galloway to take part, contribute and benefit.”