Nithriad is an annual celebration of the River Nith. The Nith is a tidal river that runs through the historic market town of Dumfries, connecting the town to the sea and Nithraid celebrates the rivers history, it’s geography, it’s present and it’s future.
To celebrate the rivers rich history, we hold an annual River Race up the tidal stretch of the river where teams of coastal rowers, sailing boats and various person-powered vessels race the river, battling for the best time with each boat carrying a cargo of salt representing the tide as it travels up the river.
The race recalls the days when the Nith and the Port of Dumfries were a thriving trading artery, when goods from all over the world were landed at its docks: Carsethorn, Glencaple, Kingholm Quay and Dock Park and when livestock, wool, cloth, salt and stone were exported worldwide.
This trading and cultural history is embodied in Nithraid’s enigmatic symbol, the Salty Coo. She is carried with colourful celebration by the opening procession, directed by performance company, Oceanallover, from the town centre to Mill Green by the river, where after presiding over the race’s finish she is ceremonially committed to the receding tide and floats downstream under showers of salt. At the end point of the race on Mill Green, theres an annual festival with creative river themed workshops, performances and activities to enjoy.
For the last 13 years Nithraid has become a greatly loved fixture in the town’s life and is now, under the new production team from EcoArt, being re-focussed as a Creative Environmental Festival and will, we hope, become a national gathering of groups, organisations and individuals who care about the welfare of our rivers and their catchments.
Nithraid 2026 will be on 15th August and will present a variety of creative installations, activities and workshops to interest, entertain and engage for the whole day. Please see the programme for a full list and the timing of Nithraid nearer the time. We hope to see you there.
Images: Kirstin McEwan Photography
“What a fabulous day of festivities!! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being part of Nithraid 2025. Really well organised and a fantastic journey up the Nith with great spectator’s support and fun sportsman/womenship throughout!! Awesome!! Thank you all so very much”. Participant Nithraid 2025
We are very grateful to our funders:
Nithraid RIVER FESTIVAL 