Latest news with #KirkcudbrightFringe
Daily Record
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Hue and Cry and Timmy Mallet among Kirkcudbright Fringe 2025 attractions
The event is returning for its third year with a range of innovations, including a bigger and better programme. Hue and Cry, Timmy Mallet and a former First Minister are among the attractions at this year's Kirkcudbright Fringe. The event is returning for its third year with a range of innovations. The programme is bigger, better and more diverse with an increased number of performers and venues across the town, exciting developments such as a three-day beer festival and a wider range of stalls and food outlets over the fringe weekend, which runs from September 4 to 7. Co-founder, Gerry Hassan, said: Kirkcudbright Fringe builds on our fantastic reputation as an artists' town, bringing new voices and talents, and showcasing many local artists and the stories that help to make the town so special. 'Our programme continues to grow in range and ambition – showing our commitment to being contemporary, diverse and thought-provoking.' More than 60 events will be taking place in 25 venues, with full details available in the programme that features a stunning cover designed by Kirkcudbright Academy's Elena Gourlay. Highlights include 1980s pop sensations Hue and Cry; an expanded Late Night at the Fringe on Friday and Saturday with fabulous music; sensational magic and comedy from Pete Heat; stories of cycling and travelling from Timmy Mallet; Beatle biographer Philip Norman reflecting on the magic and enduring appeal of the Beatles and Peter Tatchell on a life campaigning for equality and human rights. There's also Gabriel Gatehouse on the threat of Trump and Trumpism; Scottish filmmaker Anthony Baxter talking about chronicling Trump in Scotland; broadcaster Lesley Riddoch and former first Minister Henry McLeish discussing the state of Scotland and next year's elections; and TV historian Kate Williams on Mary, Queen of Scots. The fringe has a host of events on local history, pioneers and storytellers – from remembering the last alleged witch killed in the town (Elspeth McKeown) to the woman car designer who built cars for women (Dorothée Pullinger) to the recent discovery that Dumfries and Galloway invented the game of football in Anwoth (with Phil Richardson and Julie McNeill) to the modern day with Kirkcudbright residents Graham and Anne Bryce telling their story of cycling from Scotland to the West Bank. Co-founder, Chris Walker, said: 'Kirkcudbright Fringe Festival aims to provide something unique and enjoyable in an intimate setting in a town that knows how to welcome and host. Our fringe goes from strength to strength, providing a wide range of events that aim to be fun, stimulating and sometimes challenging.' This year's fringe has received support from RSK, Dark Art Distillery, Castle MacLellan, Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival, SW Audio, Pioneer Foodservices, Wheatley Homes South, Beer Haul, Cairndale Hotel and Spa and many others. Physical tickets are available from Rhubarb, 25 St Mary Street, Kirkcudbright and Samphire Gallery, 149 King Street, Castle Douglas from July 1.
Daily Record
15-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Bid for financial compensation for those affected by Kirkcudbright Bridge closure
Around 120 people attended a meeting of the new Kirkcudbright Bridge Action Group on Monday night. A bid is being made to secure financial compensation for those affected by the closure of Kirkcudbright Bridge. Around 120 people attended a meeting of the new Kirkcudbright Bridge Action Group on Monday night. And one of the items up for discussion was help for those who have been hit in the pocket since the council closed the bridge in March due to safety concerns. Nick Morris from Station House Cookery School said: 'We're looking at getting financial compensation for both residents and businesses. 'Residents who live on the other side of the bridge, their milage has greatly increased. It's about a 10 mile detour – that's about £3 or £4 each way. 'That's £8 a day, which is quite a bit of money over the months. 'Footfall is down for businesses so we're looking at financial support as there are precedents around the country.' Mr Morris, Gerry Hassan from Kirkcudbright Fringe and Chris Walker from The Selkirk Arms were among those who organised Monday's meeting in the Johnston. A new Kirkcudbright Action Group Facebook page has now been launched, attracting more than 200 members within 12 hours. Mr Morris added: 'We brought the group together to support local residents, tradespeople and businesses in Kirkcudbright on both sides of the bridge. 'We are looking at issues such as improving the signage on the A75. We're looking at getting nice, big signs saying Kirkcudbright is open for business – the bridge may be shut but Kirkcudbright isn't. 'We're also looking at how to keep things in the media because we don't want this issue to just die away. 'We've a great amount of events going on over the summer. We have Spring Fling next week, which Kirkcudbright is a central part of. We have all of the Summer Festivities activities, we have the arts and crafts trail and we have Kirkcudbright Fringe. 'We really want the message out these events are on, please do come and support. 'We've had really good support from MSPs Emma Harper and Finlay Cousin and our councillors, Dougie Campbell, John Denerley and Andy McFarlane have all been really supportive Andy was at the meeting and taking questions. 'We were collecting ideas from everyone who attended – what they think could help and what we could do to facilitate that.' 'The majority of people were really positive and the feedback we've had is really positive.' A new email address – kbtbridge@ – has been set-up for anyone who would like to make suggestions or receive updates. Mr Morris can also be contacted at Station House Cookery School on 07493 242792.
