‘Exciting’ programme of events announced

A programme of events will get under way next month.

Stobswell Forum chairman Colin Clement, 58, said he was “excited” about this year’s festival.

As well as introducing new activities for residents, Mr Clement hopes the event will attract visitors from other parts of the city.

He said: “I’ve been involved with Stobfest since it started, but this is my first year as chairman.

“As soon as last year finished, it was straight down to business organising this year’s programme.

“We are running a number of little events, which will take place from May 4-12.

“These are the kind of events that necessarily wouldn’t have been held in Stobswell before.

“We’ve got one of Scotland’s top poets, Brian Johnstone, coming along and he will be holding a free event at Arthurstone Library.

“He will be paying homage to the Dens Road Market.”

Colin said Open/Close Dundee — a project in which murals are painted on doorways around the city — had added a long-term attraction, which also has the potential to attract more tourists to the area.

He said: “There are several doors being completed in Stobswell at the moment.

“There is a trail map being produced and the hope is that it might attract tourists to come out of the city centre to see what Stobswell has to offer.

“There will be an opportunity on Sunday May 6 for people to speak to the artists and to ask them about the designs.”

Colin said Stobfest has gained momentum since its inaugural event. He added: “I remember the first gala day. People were maybe thinking, ‘what is going on here?’.

“It was a bit of a slow-starter but by the time the second year came around, you could see more people out on the streets in anticipation of the parade.

“As well as being a great chance of celebrating being a part of this community, we want to show everyone locally and further afield that there is a lot going on in Stobswell.

“There were a number of people who signed up to events after trying them during Stobfest. We hope that local businesses will also see a knockon effect from the events that will be running throughout May.” Ourvoice

STOBFEST is set to celebrate its third birthday — with organisers saying this year’s event will highlight everything the area has to offer.

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Pipers leading a parade through Stobswell as part of last year’s Stobfest and, below, cupcakes for Danielle McDougall, Nichola Fraser and Chloe Duda.