Nithraid, the colourful annual celebration of the River Nith is on Saturday 23rd August. With high tide arriving early, Nithraid 2025 takes place around lunchtime. The activities on Mill Green (https://maps.app.goo.gl/nP6sHE9L1i55JWJC9) start at 11am and the boats are due to arrive from 1pm so come early and bring a picnic or enjoy a special Nithraid menu at the Bonnie Bistro in the Robert Burns Centre.
The 2025 spectacular Progress of the Salty Coo (procession) from the centre of town to the river will leave at approx 11.30am. Led by artist Alex Rigg of Oceanallover it will feature contributions from communities along the path of the Nith and a performance on arrival at Mill Green. All welcome to come and join in. Gather at Planestanes 11am.
Theres a vibrant new programme on Mill Green staring from 11am. There will be traditional boat-building demos and a windmill-powered water purifier where you can toast the river and help shape a River Rights manifesto. Events include a talk by Judith Hewitt from Dumfries Museum on the river’s history, a photographic journey from source to sea by a young local photographer Trinity Coombs, a film programme on rivers and ecology at the Robert Burns Centre and a discussion on using the river’s energy to power cultural events.
You’ll also find the popular flag design workshop run by EcoArt and as in previous years all the colourful community made flags carrying their environmental messages will fly from the pedestrian bridge. There’ll be family workshops, demonstrations by Wordsmith Crafts Cluaran Project, talks and exhibitions and an opportunity to open a moth trap to see which of these magical creatures visit the Nith at night. The Moving Images film caravan will also be back, screening river themed films and animations.
All events at Nithraid are FREE! We look forward to seeing you there
Programme
The Progress of the Salty Coo
Gather 11.00am. Planestanes Dumfries. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/GUF2aqTVwyq8U9c68)
Leave approx 11.30am.
Arrive Mill Green 12.10pm (approx)
The spectacular progress of the Salty Coo through the town centre, over the Devorgilla Bridge and to Mill Green will bring communities together from along the Nith, each with individually designed elements reflecting their relationship with the river. With costumes designed by Alex Rigg of Oceanallover, music and choreography, this is something not to be missed.
Come and join in, there’ll be flags and banners to be carried.
River Race
Starts 12.00noon at Lifeboat Station, Glencaple
Boats arrive approx 12.30pm – 2pm between Mill Green Dumfries and Whitesands steps
Bring a picnic and come and watch the boats arrive!
1.45pm High Water Dumfries
2.15pm (approx) Boats depart
Mill Green Activities
11am – 5pm
Keeping at its heart the spectacular fun of the river race, the Rite of the Salty Coo and its festive atmosphere, the Mill Green brings audiences an array of free creative activities and events with an environmental focus. Timetable and more information
2.30pm (approx) The Salty Coo is committed to the waters as the boats leave.
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Volunteer for Nithraid HERE!
Nithraid RIVER FESTIVAL 