Sunday 4th. May. | Free Admission. | 12.30pm to 4pm
An event for all the family involving local sports organisations encouraging spectators to ‘Come and Try’. There will plenty to keep everyone interested from classic cars to kiddies’ rides, arts and crafts stalls, Kingdom of Creatures and two stilt walkers making their presence felt.
Official opened by Emma Harper MSP at 1pm
Event supported by Watson Heating Service Plans
Sunday 22nd. June | Free Admission | 12.30pm to 4.30pm
June sees the introduction of a new event, ‘Traitors at Annan Castle’. Taking place at the historic Motte and Bailey site near the river Annan, there will be a medieval theme throughout the afternoon of Sunday 22nd June. Annan Museum will be highlighting ‘Myths and Legends’ and there will be a display of traditional crafts including foraging and storytelling. Visitors will be encouraged to find the ‘traitor/s’, looking for clues when visiting the various stalls.
Event supported by Annan Community Council
Saturday 26th. July | 10am to 3pm
‘Step Back In Time’ sees the spotlight on Annan High Street. Various performers will entertain shoppers on Saturday 26th. July including Merlin the magician, Daffy Dill bubbleologist, a Victorian gentleman living statue, musical interludes and face painting. Special ‘Step Back’ incentives from local shops on this day.
An opportunity to enter our ‘Step Back’ competition with prizes for all the family. Details at the Annan History Town stall.
Event supported by Annan Convenience Store
Sunday 31st. August | 12noon to 4.30pm
The Border Gathering is the signature event of the festival, taking place on the banks of the river Annan. Clans will be returning to town following the successful event last year piped in by Dumfries Pipe Band and already overseas visitors are booking their accommodation. New this year will be the introduction of three reenactment groups from the Roman period to World War Two. There will also be occasional canon fire!
Participation is encouraged – watch out for the lowland whisky barrel challenge as well as a ‘Kelpie’ race for youngsters. Advance tickets were much sought after in 2024 , being an opportunity to save money on admission prices. This year they will be available from mid-June on this website and locally at the Annandale Observer office, 96 High Street, Annan.
Advance tickets (available from mid-June): Adults (16 years & over) £8; Child (5-16 years) £2.50; Family (2 adults/2 child (5-16 yrs) £20. Children under school age Free.
Admission on the day: Adults (16 years & over) £10; Child (5-16 years) £5; Family (2 adults/2 child (5-16 yrs) £25.Concessions £9. Children under school age Free.
Event supported by Annandale Distillery
Saturday 6th. September 10am to 4pm. | Sunday 7th. September 1pm to 4pm.
September wraps up the festival with the ‘Exhibition of Exhibitions’, featuring displays from festival exhibitions over the past few years. We will be featuring local Railways, Schools, Industries, History of High Street shops, Population and more. New for this year will be a history of Annan streets and how they got their names. Free admission.
Event supported by Cochrans