Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland – A major expansion of the Dumfries & Galloway Carnival has been announced for January 2027, promising to bring a spectacular free winter celebration to the region.
The event, which will feature large-scale light installations, music, street entertainment, food, family activities, and a town-centre parade, is set to become one of Scotland’s largest free winter celebrations, showcasing the creativity, community, and culture of the region.
Taking place from 29-31 January 2027, the carnival will involve 26 schools from across Dumfries and Galloway, including Sanquhar, Moffat, Annan, Castle Douglas, and Newton Stewart. Rehearsals and creative workshops will begin in September, allowing for a five-month build-up to the event.
Founder and Producer of the carnival, Graham Main, expressed excitement for the future of the event, stating, “Over the last few years, we have seen extraordinary growth in our carnival projects and Northern Lights programme. Thousands of people have become directly involved in creating, performing, and participating in these events. The response from communities across the region has been phenomenal.”
The announcement of the carnival’s expansion comes as the organisation behind it, Big Burns Supper, completes its 15-year journey. This allows the organisation to focus its energy on a growing programme of large-scale, community-led cultural activities.
Chair of the Board of Trustees, Justin Hyslop, reassured the public that the organisation’s commitment to culture, creativity, and community remains strong, stating, “What is changing is not our commitment, but how we deliver it. This transition allows us to build on everything we have achieved over the past fifteen years while creating a sustainable future that enables more people across Dumfries and Galloway to take part, contribute and benefit.”
The Dumfries & Galloway Carnival will feature a carnival parade through the heart of Dumfries, as well as the Northern Lights Dumfries trail, which will transform the town into a winter destination for residents and visitors alike. Organisers believe this expanded model will increase participation, strengthen community ownership, and create new opportunities for people of all ages to engage with culture and creativity.
The carnival’s final curtain marks the end of an era for Big Burns Supper, which welcomed renowned artists such as KT Tunstall, Donovan, and Deacon Blue over its 15-year history. The organisation successfully pivoted to digital delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, sustaining Burns Night celebrations and reaching a record-breaking 330,000 viewers worldwide with Janey Godley’s Big Burns Supper.
As the organisation shifts its focus to year-round creative programmes and ambitious community-led events, Dumfries & Galloway residents and visitors can look forward to a winter tradition that belongs to the whole region. The carnival will take place from 29-31 January 2027, with the Carnival Parade happening through Dumfries town centre on Saturday, 30 January at 5pm.
