Come all ye, tae The Gaither Inn!
The Stove’s regular irregular community meal and forum returns—serving up big ideas, bold voices, and food for thought (alongside actual food). This special edition with guests Dr TS Beall & Dr Mitch Miller (Fair Scotland) explores the future of Dumfries' historic fairs: their past, their present, and the role they might yet play in civic life.
The Question:
How can Dumfries reclaim and revive the civic celebration of the Rood and Spring Fairs?
From elephants parading through the High Street to grand feasts honouring the town's trades, Dumfries' fairs (or “the shows,” depending on who you ask) are deeply woven into the town’s cultural DNA. First enshrined in the town charter of 1592, these events—led by Scotland’s travelling Showpeople—have long marked the rhythms of Dumfries through spectacle, celebration, and seasonal gathering.
But in an era shaped by home entertainment, individualised media, and declining public rituals, what happens to these collective moments of joy and civic identity?
We’ll Explore:
- How the fairs have evolved, and what they meant to generations past.
- The role of the fairs in public memory, belonging, and community storytelling.
- What a future Dumfries Fair could look like—and who it’s for.
- How cultural traditions like the fairs might be protected.
Join us around the table to share stories, challenge ideas, and dream forward. Expect delicious food and passionate conversations.
