Make Dundee your greatest Discovery
DUNDEE i s abuzz with developments that will see it become Scotland’s must-visit, must-return city break destination over the next few years and beyond the next decade. Dundee recently became the UK’s first UNESCO City of Design and with attractions such as The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum, Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee Rep, the RRS Discovery, Scotland’s Jute Museum @ Verdant Works and the newly-opened High Mill Gallery, the city is already a cultural hub.
In 2018 these credentials will be further enhanced with the opening of the iconic V&A Museum of Design, Dundee, alongside the £1billion transformation of the waterfront. And within the Year of Food & Drink Scotland 2015, Dundee has also seen an expansion, with more than 20 new openings in the last year.
With all of this going on, it’s no surprise that event organisers are collaborating to encourage visitors to come to the city and experience the fantastic autumn and winter events programme.
Running from October 21 to December 20, the Visit Dundee programme will combine a number of events covering everything from literature, jazz and science to theatre performances, film festivals, stargazing and Christmas celebrations.
If you’re a bit of a bookworm, then you must visit Dundee’s Literary Festival (October 21 to 25) – a fine collection of events that brings readers, writers, great books and bright ideas together.
For the more visually-minded, don’t miss the Discovery Film Festival (October 24 to November 8), Scotland’s international film festival for young audiences, taking place at Dundee Contemporary Arts, or Dundee Mountain Film Festival (November 26 to 28) which features an exciting programme of films and talks i ncluding Leo Houlding, one of the UK’s foremost climbers, chronicling his career highs and lows.
A key highlight of the autumn and winter events programme is Dundee Science Festival. Taking place at Dundee Science Centre (October 31 to November 15), this festival includes workshops, exhibitions, performances and family days and is a must for expanding young minds and family fun.
Carrying on the science theme, why not join the Mills Observatory in Balgay Park and celebrate its 80th anniversary of stargazing? With a programme running from October until next March, activities include family events, planetarium talks and Outer Space/Inner Space events.
From November 20, the focus moves towards the sparkles of the festive season.
Don’t miss the Christmas Street Festival (November 20 and 21) in the City Square featuring a popup Christmas Market, fireworks display, the Big Ceilidh in the Square, a torchlight procession, the Christmas lights switch- on and lots more.
Dundee Repertory Theatre Ensemble will present an exciting adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches from November 26 to December 31, and the Caird Hall will host a number of excellent shows in December including The Proclaimers i n concert (December 19).
And make sure you visit on selected dates in December for the perfect festive family day out where you’ll see Santa, amazing animals, street performers and have the opportunity to have your face painted and get creative with craft activities.
Find more information at www. dundeecity.gov.uk/visitdundee.