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