Dalry, Kells, Hardgate, Springholm, Colvend and Kirkgunzeon pupils set to take centre stage at Dumfries and Galloway Carnival

From the Glenkens to the edge of Dumfries, pupils from Dalry, Kells, Hardgate, Springholm, Colvend and Kirkgunzeon are coming together for Dumfries and Galloway Carnival.

Representing rural communities across the Stewartry, the young people are being supported by three dance teachers: Ashley from Attitude Dance Studio, Zoë Leigh Gadd from Cumbria-based Dance Ahead CIC, and Emma Abel from Newton Stewart’s Emma Louise Dance Club.

By taking workshops directly into each school, the project is making sure pupils in rural communities have the same chance to take part in the region-wide Carnival, with rehearsals building towards their performance in the Carnival parade through Dumfries town centre on 30 January.

Taking workshops into rural schools is helping ensure that young people from every part of the region can be part of Carnival.Young people from 58 schools and nurseries across Dumfries & Galloway are already getting ready to take part in January's Carnival - making it the festival's biggest youth participation programme to date.

Artists from across Dumfries & Galloway are travelling far and wide to get young people ready for January’s Carnival. With 58 secondary schools, primary schools and nurseries already involved - and more joining - children from across the region will come together to light up Dumfries town centre for the Carnival Parade on Saturday 30 January, expected to attract more than 18,000 people.

Alongside the schools programme, young people are taking part in 12-week after-school Academies in Costume Design and Digital Arts. Twenty-three pupils from Dumfriesshire, Stewartry and Annandale are already signed up, creating work that will premiere as part of what is expected to be one of Scotland’s biggest street parades.

This year’s theme is Legends of Dumfries & Galloway, with young people bringing local stories, heroes and legends to life - from Spitfire Spies commemorating RAF Dumfries to the Protectors of Sweetheart Abbey in New Abbey.

Dumfries & Galloway Carnival is the new name for Big Burns Supper. The completely free festival runs from 29-31 January 2027 and includes the return of Northern Lights Dumfries, the Winter Village and Burns Light at the Burns Mausoleum, alongside the world premiere of the new 360° Rave Experience Dumfries & Galloway Carnival’s young people’s programme is made possible with the generous support of The Holywood Trust.