Pretty amazing results from our remodelled festival this year which took a bit of courage to reformat. We are incredibly grateful to all our partners who share our vision to re-imagine the South of Scotland and our heritage.

* The event generated an estimated £3.25 million regional economic impact, based on attendee spending patterns and £389,000 of locally retained organiser expenditure, with a conservative multiplier applied.

* Active participation by 2,765 people — including workshop participants, volunteers, performers, and community contributors — generated an estimated £6.6 million. Impacts include improved social connection, increased confidence, reduced isolation, and strengthened sense of belonging.

While the event attracts regional visitors (currently 12% of audiences), its core strength remains deep local engagement, particularly significant given the rural setting. It is supported through significant community contribution of 140 partners which means we are not reliant on a single funder,

The event’s funding model is broadly diversified, combining public investment (~20%), private trust contributions (~23%), business sponsorship (~34%), volunteer cash/in-kind (~20%), and earned income (~2%). This blended approach demonstrates shared ownership across community, corporate, trust, and public sectors — reducing dependency on any single income source.

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