What is on in May

The South of Scotland is bursting with such a variety of events this May, there is quite literally something for everyone! From cycling competitions to walking festivals, the open studio weekend Spring Fling, a weekend book festival and music from classical to rock and everything between. Below is a selection of Not To Miss events but don’t forget to check out all the events happening this May across the region.

Newton Stewart Walking Festival

What better way to discover the gorgeous Galloway Hills and landscape than during the Newton Stewart Walking Festival? Run by a group of enthusiastic volunteers, this festival is now in its 22nd year. There is huge variety in the routes on offer from easy rambles on the flat to serious arduous ascents. There are walks with wild swims, walks with a geologist to explain rock formations, walks finishing at hotels for dinner and so many more! Book your tickets now, pack your hiking boots and prepare for some glorious guided exploring in the stunning landscape of Galloway.

Cycling competitions

The cycling comptition season kicks off with the gravel race Muck n Mac, hosted at Traquair House. The weekend combines serious rides with a festival atmosphere. If watching and soaking up race day vibes is your thing, then head to the Tweed Valley which is hosting round two of the Scottish Cycling Cross-Country Mountain Bike Series at Glentress Forest. And do not miss the electrifying Gralloch in Gatehouse of Fleet. The first UCI Gravel World Series event to be staged in Britain sees riders battle across a challenging, varied race route in the heart of the Galloway Forest Park.

Spring Fling

The 23rd annual Spring Fling Open Studios Weekend takes place across Dumfries & Galloway at the end of May. It is hugely popular, offering visitors the opportunity to meet artists and see their latest works. Many of the artists and makers are regulars, while others may be taking part for the first time. Here is your chance to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what life as an artist is like, where they work to express their creativity and what drives that artistic flair. Renowned as the foremost event of its kind in Scotland, Spring Fling embraces everything from paintings, original prints, ceramics, glass, jewellery, furniture, photography and textiles to experimental and installation art. There are colour coded routes mapping out possible itineraries, making this a superb chance to discover and explore the region.

Fayres and festivals

First up in May is the Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival in Hawick. Known as the UK’s festival of experimental film and artists’ moving image, this year’s four day event will feature more than 60 films across an international programme of screenings, exhibitions, new commissions and live performances.

Closely on its heels is the annual nine day DunsPlayFest with over 80 events from rehearsed readings to full scale productions. There is comedy, original music, spoken word and open mic events on the cabaret stages. In addition the festival hosts two free family days with an eclectic arts programme which aims to make theatre accessible.

Over in Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book town hosts its Spring Weekend Festival celebrating authors, books and storytelling with walks, talks, music, art and craft in the heart of Galloway. And you can drop into Newton Stewart’s annual Green Fayre showcasing local nature & conservation groups and small, local producers. Or perhaps you’d like to take in the delights of a Medieval Fayre from jousting to jesters in the grounds of Traquair, Scotland’s oldest inhabited house.

Finally there is two days of all things wool, yarn and textiles at the Tangled Galashiels Fibre Festival. This community-led event offers an affordable platform for local and independent fibre artists to showcase their products, engage with their supporters and celebrate all things wool!

Performing arts – from comedy to classical

On the performing arts front there is a huge array of choices during May. In Newton Stewart, the SpringGrass BlueGrass festival takes place over a weekend with opening night offering the Charlotte Carrivick Band, Hildaland and locals Nathon Jones & Friends while the next evening features the Niche Family, Adam Thom and Eilidh Patterson.

Absolute Classics returns to Dabton House offering an intimate setting for three days of glorious music. Jazz musician and instrumentalist Catriona Bourne will be offering up experimental jazz-infused folk that draws off her Scottish heritage, over at the Vault in Newton Stewart.

The DGArts festival kicks off mid-month for two weeks presenting a varied programme of theatre, spoken word and music for audiences and participants across the region. The festival supports the talent and skill of brilliant local artists as well as bringing national performers to present their work in villages and towns.

For theatrical comedy head to the bijoux Swallow Theatre near Whithorn to catch the hilarious Spy Movie: The Play or hear former MP Mhairi Black‘s trademark dark sense of humour as she reflect on her time in Westminster, providing a first-hand, ruthlessly honest look at 21st century politics in Kelso. Gavin Mitchell, acclaimed actor and comedian, will be presenting an exclusive up close and personal show in Melrose.

Days out with a difference

Thirlestane Castle is hosting a Dachshund Day with races, treats and fun for these charming sausage dogs! Who knew there was a National Mills day, but you can celebrate this year’s at New Abbey Corn Mill. Have you ever fancied wild swimming but weren’t quite brave enough to give it a go? There’s a half-day adventure with Take to the Water that could serve as the perfect introduction. Or embark on a day travelling back in time to discover the sometimes gory role of the Barber with the Teviotdale Steel Bonnets.

A thought provoking exhibition at Paxton House, Palimpsest, opens this month, featuring art by Grenadian-born New York based multimedia artist and filmmaker Billy Gérard Frank. Palimpsest, confronts Scotland’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, exploring the deep, complex ties between Grenada, Scotland, and England, and the legacies of the past.

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