Doonhame Festival in Dumfries cancelled
Organisers say they've taken the 'difficult decision' due to rising costs and personal commitments
Last updated 25th Jan 2024
The Doonhame Festival in Dumfries will not be returning this year, with organisers saying they have taken the “difficult decision” not to continue the event.
The festival at The Crichton was introduced in 2019, with the aim of promoting and supporting local talent.
Following two years of Covid-enforced shutdowns it returned in 2022 and again in 2023, welcoming acts including The Waterboys, Cast, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, GUN, The Feeling, Bad Manners, and Skerryvore.
"Difficult decision not to continue"
But in a Facebook post on Thursday it was confirmed the festival would not be continuing.
“Following much deliberation we have taken the difficult decision not to continue the Doonhame Festival in 2024 due to escalating costs and personal commitments.
“2023 was a hugely positive experience for us with the festival taking shape and finding its format, however balancing ticket price with the rising costs of putting a festival together and looking at our own limited availability to dedicate the necessary time to the project sadly makes it unsustainable,” said Co-Director, Sandy Sweetman.
Organisers thank local community and sponsors for support
“Mark & myself cannot be more grateful to all the people who supported us throughout this journey, from the dedicated team who put so much time and energy into helping us throughout the last 5 years, the Crichton for accommodating us, sponsors and everyone who committed by buying tickets”.
It is the latest blow to Dumfries and Galloway’s cultural scene, after the popular Big Burns Supper was cancelled due to a failure to secure vital Events Scotland funding.