Hue and Cry and Timmy Mallet among Kirkcudbright Fringe 2025 attractions
Hue and Cry, Timmy Mallet and a former First Minister are among the attractions at this year's Kirkcudbright Fringe.
The event is returning for its third year with a range of innovations.
The programme is bigger, better and more diverse with an increased number of performers and venues across the town, exciting developments such as a three-day beer festival and a wider range of stalls and food outlets over the fringe weekend, which runs from September 4 to 7.
Co-founder, Gerry Hassan, said: Kirkcudbright Fringe builds on our fantastic reputation as an artists' town, bringing new voices and talents, and showcasing many local artists and the stories that help to make the town so special.
'Our programme continues to grow in range and ambition – showing our commitment to being contemporary, diverse and thought-provoking.'
More than 60 events will be taking place in 25 venues, with full details available in the programme that features a stunning cover designed by Kirkcudbright Academy's Elena Gourlay.
Highlights include 1980s pop sensations Hue and Cry; an expanded Late Night at the Fringe on Friday and Saturday with fabulous music; sensational magic and comedy from Pete Heat; stories of cycling and travelling from Timmy Mallet; Beatle biographer Philip Norman reflecting on the magic and enduring appeal of the Beatles and Peter Tatchell on a life campaigning for equality and human rights.
There's also Gabriel Gatehouse on the threat of Trump and Trumpism; Scottish filmmaker Anthony Baxter talking about chronicling Trump in Scotland; broadcaster Lesley Riddoch and former first Minister Henry McLeish discussing the state of Scotland and next year's elections; and TV historian Kate Williams on Mary, Queen of Scots.
The fringe has a host of events on local history, pioneers and storytellers – from remembering the last alleged witch killed in the town (Elspeth McKeown) to the woman car designer who built cars for women (Dorothée Pullinger) to the recent discovery that Dumfries and Galloway invented the game of football in Anwoth (with Phil Richardson and Julie McNeill) to the modern day with Kirkcudbright residents Graham and Anne Bryce telling their story of cycling from Scotland to the West Bank.
Co-founder, Chris Walker, said: 'Kirkcudbright Fringe Festival aims to provide something unique and enjoyable in an intimate setting in a town that knows how to welcome and host. Our fringe goes from strength to strength, providing a wide range of events that aim to be fun, stimulating and sometimes challenging.'
This year's fringe has received support from RSK, Dark Art Distillery, Castle MacLellan, Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival, SW Audio, Pioneer Foodservices, Wheatley Homes South, Beer Haul, Cairndale Hotel and Spa and many others.
Physical tickets are available from Rhubarb, 25 St Mary Street, Kirkcudbright and Samphire Gallery, 149 King Street, Castle Douglas from July 1.
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