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Collage of photos of Wigtown for the Wigtown Fringe 2024

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WHAT IS THE WIGTOWN FRINGE?

Friday 27th September to Sunday 6th October 2024

The Wigtown Fringe is an open access festival, meaning that anyone can take part. The Fringe started in 2023 to run alongside the annual Wigtown Book Festival, providing alternative entertainment and arts-based experiences for the local community and visitors alike. By popular demand, we’re now back for our second year.

The Wigtown Fringe is a small and friendly festival, with an intimate venue and a welcoming atmosphere.

Tickets are on sale NOW!

Norman Patterson live at the Wigtown Fringe

FRIDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER

14:00 - 15:00 LIVE MUSIC  - WITH NORMAN PATERSON

Norman will be performing a selection of his own songs based on St Kilda, The Iolaire Disaster, Crofting and The Herring industry as performed at Celtic Connection in January 2024.

Like a fine Scottish whisky from his homeland, Singer Songwriter Norman Paterson has really set the tone for an artist that only makes their mark after years in the creative barrel. Originally from the windswept islands of the Outer Hebrides and now based in Glasgow, he penned his first song at the age of 65 and now has two albums in the pipeline!

Crafting songs in the style of Scottish Folk and Country, he is inspired by artists such as John Prine, Guy Clark and Leonard Cohen. Incorporating the acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo and accordion as they sweep through his songs, Norman is making the kind of music that stirs the ancient soul. Painting memories of a nostalgic island life, his lyrics and signature vocals are warm, authentic and deeply intoxicating.

Acknowledging himself that he is a late starter, he is one of the best examples of ‘its never too late to try’. Cascading melodies and a delightful collection of intoxicating songs, his forthcoming debut album titled Torn with a July 2023 release date will deliver on all fronts. Perfect for those moments of quiet indulgence, Norman’s songs are a glimpse into a world that few will have experienced.

Website:  www.normanpaterson.com
Youtube Channel: Norman Paterson Youtube

Kroovan Wings Wigtown Fringe 2024

SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER

Various FREE performances in front of County Buildings

VISUAL POETRY - KROOVAN WINGS

Kroovan Wings is a homage to trees. Gaelic craobh (pronounced kroov) means ‘tree’. It is a celebration of two magnificent trees in particular that stand at the gateway to the Galloway Forest Park and at a meeting point on the Southern Upland Way below Culmark Hill. This is a performance project that uses dance, song, costume and storytelling to discuss what it is to be a tree.

Near where Oceanallover has its studio on the edge of the Galloway Forest Park there are two trees, an ash and a sycamore; both trees produce seeds that have wings (Samara fruit). The trees are growing one on either side of the road to St John’s Town of Dalry and alongside the Southern Upland Way. Both trees are about two hundred and fifty years old and stand alone and together, surrounded by upland grazing. This project is both about and for these trees.

About the performers:
Alex Rigg has been making live events since 1982. These have taken a number of forms and been shown in several different countries. If there is a common thread to the style and content of these events then it must be a strong need to push boundaries around, to set foot on unknown soil and generally to play with our concepts of art outside its accepted form. He trained as an archaeological illustrator, drystone dyker, blacksmith, fine-artist, dancer, timber-framer and costume maker/designer. His performance work, has been shown in many countries and to many kinds of people. His approach is off-beat and either enigmatic or impenetrable…… decide for yourself.

Website: www.oceanallover.co.uk
Facebook: oceanallover.co.uk
X:  @hes21
Instagram: @oceanallover

Dragon Tale Wigtown Fringe 2024

SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER

14:00 - 15:00 PERFORMANCE - DRAGON TALE

A girl faces a dragon, songs and stories are her armour and weapons. Join storyteller Daiva Ivanauskaitė-Brown for a magical tale about courage, friendship and dreams of a peaceful and green future. Tales and tunes from Lithuania and Scotland come together, with live music from Gaynor Barradell. The audience will be invited to draw and tell their stories that the dragon might like to hear. ​
Website:  https://daivathestoryteller.com/
Facebook: daivathestoryteller
X:  @DaivaStories
Instagram: @daiva_the_storyteller

Fire from the Woods Wigtown Fringe 2024

SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER

19:00 - 20:00 FIRE FROM THE WOODS

Evelina ventures into the woods to rescue her father, held captive and silenced by a terrifying old man with a hunger for stories. To avoid the same fate, Evelina must tell the old man a tale he’s never heard before.

By reimagining old stories from Lithuania and around the world, storyteller Daiva Ivanauskaitė-Brown and musician Gaynor Barradell explore the silence between generations. Let them take you into the deep dark woods in search of a fire that can warm and heal.
Directed by Lauren Bianchi. Supported by The Village Storytelling Centre. Originally commissioned for the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2023.
Website:  https://daivathestoryteller.com/
Facebook: daivathestoryteller
X:  @DaivaStories
Instagram: @daiva_the_storyteller

Poppy Stories Hazel Stevens Wigtown Fringe 2024

SUNDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER

11:00 - 12:30 ACTIVITY - POPPY WANTS TO BAKE A CAKE

Join local author Hazel Stevens as she reads from her latest Poppy storybook Poppy Wants to Bake a Cake and then join in icing some delicious cupcakes.

Poppy is a rag doll and the book follows her adventures when left ‘Home Alone’ by her owner Lucy, until Tom, the family cat, makes his appearance.

The book is illustrated by up and coming young artist Roberto Minguzzi.

This is an event for all the family, the children will love to hear Hazel reading the story and meet the characters from her book about the adventures of Poppy the rag doll.

Jazz in the Afternoon Wigtown Fringe

SUNDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER & TUESDAY 1ST OCTOBER

14:00 - 15:00 SOCIAL & LIVE MUSIC - JAZZ AFTERNOON TEA

Take Two present a special new Jazz Afternoon Tea as part of the Wigtown Fringe this year. Come along for afternoon tea with delicious sandwiches and mouth-watering cakes, tea or coffee or perhaps a refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail - whilst you listen to an hour of beautiful relaxed acoustic jazz. Take Two is an ever-evolving duo, featuring for the Fringe Jan Winder (piano) and Gaynor Barradell (tenor sax and vocals). There may even be a local guest or two....

Gaynor Baradell from Glasgow is a well known multi-instrumentalist, composer and arranger, bringing the beautiful evocative tones of the tenor sax to the Jazz Afternoon Tea . A frequent visitor to Wigtown, Gaynor has recently also run successful Baby Music Groups at Foggie Toddle. Jan Winder is a talented local musician who plays a wide range of instruments. She plays all styles from ceilidh to jazz, but her first love is always the piano, providing a sympathetic jazz sound which weaves in and around the tenor saxophone or voice. There will definitely be tunes you recognise, some slow and soulful ballads and a few toe-tapping favourites from the swing era to the heyday of cool jazz.

From the darkness into the light Wigtown Fringe 2024

SUNDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER

19:00 - 21:00 FILM - FROM THE DARKNESS INTO THE LIGHT

This film is about the controversial life and career of James Ramsay MacDonald, Lossiemouth’s most famous son. The film was produced in Moray by Yvonne M Findlay as a tribute to Ramsay MacDonald Britain’s first Labour Prime Minister and friend of Sir Alexander Grant of Forres.
It is on tour throughout the UK to commemorate the centennial of his election in 2024.
The discovery of a box of cine films under the stairs of The Hillocks, Ramsay MacDonald’s Lossiemouth home, inspired Yvonne to make the film. The cine reels had been filmed by Ramsay’s daughter Ishbel and provide fascinating insights into his remarkable life and times. The film has been produced in collaboration with the MacDonald family.
The documentary includes exclusive family photos and family cine footage filmed by his daughter Ishbel MacDonald. There are interviews with his family and members of the Moray community including Hugh Robertson former well-respected teacher of Forres Academy. This achieves a glimpse into the private social world of Ramsay. The documentary therefore aims to provide a more complete and balanced view of his life and legacy.
A discussion will follow the film with Director/Producer Yvonne M Findlay and Iona Kielhorn Ramsay MacDonald’s Grand-daughter. Refreshments will be provided.
Website:  www.creativevisionsmoray.co.uk
Facebook: Creative Visions Moray

Tim Stead Wigtown Fringe 2024

WEDNESDAY 2ND OCTOBER

19:00 - 21:00 FILM - TIM STEAD: MAGICIAN WITH WOOD

The film is about the innovative creativity of wood sculptor and furniture designer Tim Stead and how he inspired the creation of the first community woodland in the UK at Wooplaw in the Borders.

A rollercoaster story of how Maggy Stead fights to secure the future of the “A’ listed home her husband, wood sculptor and furniture designer Tim Stead, created in the Scottish Borders. The Steading is a work of art in itself. Tim also created some of the most popular public art in Scotland. The film explores Tim’s creative process with wood, the rebellious path he carved away from urban minimalism and conceptualism to work closely with nature, how he developed as a furniture maker, sculptor and environmentalist, how he started the community woodland movement and inspired a generation of people working in and with wood. As Maggy faces constant rejection to secure Tim’s legacy for the people of Scotland, can The Steading and Tim’s extensive sculpture collection be protected to inspire future generations?

Website:  https://trixpixmedia.com/
Facebook: trixpixmedia
X:  trixpixmedia
Instagram: trixpixmedia
Youtube Channel: https://vimeo.com/user9802221

Stacey Joy Wigtown Fringe 2024

THURSDAY 3RD OCTOBER

19:00 - 21:30 LIVE MUSIC - STORIES AND SONGS WITH STACEY JOY

Award winning Americana artist Stacey Joy shares her songs and stories. From the dusty sun scorched lands of the Western United States to the mysterious jungles of South America she will take you on an unforgettable toe tapping journey.
Website:  www.staceyjoymusic.com
Facebook: Stacey.Joy.Music

Poppy is lost in the garden Wigtown Fringe 2024

SATURDAY 5TH OCTOBER

16:00 - 17:30 ACTIVITY - POPPY IS LOST IN THE GARDEN & CRAFTS

Join local author Hazel Stevens as she reads from Poppy is Lost in the Garden and then join in making some paper flowers.

Poppy is a rag doll and the book follows her adventures when left ‘Home Alone’ by her owner Lucy, until Tom, the family cat, makes his appearance.

The book is illustrated by up and coming young artist Roberto Minguzzi.

This is an event for all the family, the children will love to hear Hazel reading the story and meet the characters from her book about the adventures of Poppy the rag doll.

Clifford Movement Wigtown Fringe 2024

SATURDAY 5TH OCTOBER

19:00 - 21:00 LIVE MUSIC - THE CLIFFORD MOVEMENT

Heritage revealed through harmonious song & visual projections.

The Clifford Movement are a 4 piece band, inspired by Lady Anne Clifford - a local, feisty female (our speciality!). We bring stories, songs, dialect prose & visual projections, celebrating landscape & past lives of local characters. Our music ranges from foot-tapping melodies to soulful ballads with flavours of Americana, trad jazz, Balkan tunes along with our signature harmonies.

Wigtown Fringe is a showcase for talent from across a range of disciplines and offers the community of Wigtown and visitors to the Book Festival an opportunity see something a little bit different to compliment the many events of the main festival