Nithraid 2017 was the first time when this popular Dumfries river Nith festival continued into the night time with live music, film projections, tasty vegan stew, campfires and stories by the Vikings.
I was privileged to document the efforts of talented artists from the Stove Network that masterminded and ran Nithraid and that continuously come up with creative ideas enhancing the cultural life in Dumfries.
Team members did a great job tending to the campfires, and Nordic log fires enhanced this year’s Viking theme.
Silent film screenings projected onto the walls of the Nithraid Village tent were spectacular. One could sit looking up at the moving scenes absolutely mesmerised for hours!
Saulty Coo looked fabulous (even after the dunking) silhouetted in the setting sun.
Hugh Bryden’s free-standing model of the Lyceum cinema doors, a preview of the upcoming “Forgotten Doors” exhibition, was a real hit as an impromptu peekaboo playground. Ha-ha!
Local musicians Fraser Clark and Stuart MacPherson performing live on the Blueprint100 acoustic nautical stage added to the festival’s ambience.
Nithraid visitors were also treated to delicious vegetarian stew by Craig Patterson of Catering Plus.
Galloway Longfhada Vikings who provided day-time combat displays and re-enactments came down to Mill Green fires. As they joined the evening festivities Doonhamers had another taster of what life by their river was 1000 years ago.
What an incredible exciting and mellow evening it was!
Clouds over Nithraid Village before the night time part begins
Saulty Coo amidst Nithraid banners
Ready for the night time visitors
An arty quote to protect people’s shoes from muddy grass
Father and son playign with Hugh Bryden’s model of the Lyceum, a preview of the upcoming “Forgotten Doors” exhibition
Peaking over the Lyceum cinema model
Boats are an essential part of Nithraid, a celebration of the river Nith festival
Evening attendees arrive!
Live music at Nithraid 2017
Jazz pianist and composer Fraser Clark playing on Nithraid stage
Listening to music on the banks of the river Nith
Fraser Clark playing
Elements of Nithraid 2017 stage made by Bluepring100 from recycled wood and nautical timber
Young Nithraid participants
Inside the Nithraid tent
The Stove network members lighting campfires at Nithraid 2017
Burning wood
Enjoying the evening air by the river
Matthew tending to the fire
Doonhamers at Nithraid 2017 night time
Boy looking at Nordic log fire
Craig Patterson of Catering Plus serving food
Craig’s vegetable stew!
Partaking the food
Film projections related to the river on the walls of Nithraid tent
Underwater projection at Nithraid 2017
It’s getting darker
Saulty Coo after sunset
By the fire
Out for a smoke
I love the smell of burning wood!
Project Manager for Nithraid Sal Cuddihy talks to an attendee
Joint performance from Stuart MacPherson and Fraser Clark
A view to the evening lit Nithraid stage from the side
Fraser Clark
Bassist and composer Stuart MacPherson
Nithraid village at night
Colourfully lit in the dark
Parties…
Stories by the fire
Vikings from Longfada group
Burning bright
Viking having a drink from the horn