Scotland's longest-running outdoor music festival ‘under threat' and faces being axed

Scottish Sun

29-05-2025

It has survived some of the biggest threats in recent history
AT RISK Scotland's longest-running outdoor music festival 'under threat' and faces being axed
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THE oldest outdoor music festival in Scotland could disappear forever as bosses revealed it is under threat.
Since 1998 artists and thousands of fans have been flocking to Knockengorroch.
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Knockengorroch is under serious threat due to rising pressures
Credit: ReCompose
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It is Scotland's longest running outdoor festival
Credit: ReCompose
The family-run event takes place near Castle Douglas in Kirkcudbrightshire each May.
The venue, nestled in a valley in Dumfries and Galloway has been widely regarded as a hidden gem and loved by those who attend.
But the family who run Knockengorroch have called on their fans to help save the festival.
Despite the festival surviving some of the toughest moments in recent history, such as Covid and a Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak, they have found they are being hammered by the cost of living crisis.
They have set up a fundraiser to help save the musical weekend and keep it going for future generations.
In a statement posted on social media, they said: "What an incredible weekend — thank you for filling the valley with music, joy and connection. Your presence means the world to us.
But we need to be honest. Knockengorroch is under threat.
"Rising costs and financial pressures mean the future of the festival hangs in the balance.
"If this festival holds a place in your heart, if the memories you've made here matter — please consider donating.
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"With your support, we can keep Knockengorroch going for future generations."
So far they have raised over £5,800 of their £25,000 target.
Fans have been warned that without the influx of cash, next year's festival is at risk of not going ahead.
They added: "Knockengorroch festivals have been running since 1998 organised by Knockengorroch Community Interest Company.
"In that time we have grown from a few hundred to a few thousand in a field.
"We have seen artists, families and communities grow and flourish in that time.
"We have created countless numbers of unforgettable and life changing moments. Lovers have found each other, people married, and even ashes scattered here.
"Often three generations of the same family attend together in our multi-generational celebration of life, music and planet.
"Through COVID and foot and mouth we continued, despite the challenges.
"However in these last few years we are facing the most severe threat yet.
"The cost of living is affecting us all and the live music scene and festivals are suffering greatly.
"The cost of putting on Knockengorroch averages £320,000 and over the last few years has increased all round, from supplies to artist fees to the costs of visa for artists from Europe.
"Funds are low, costs are high. If we cannot get through 2025 with some funds left to put towards next year then next year is uncertain."