‘Best fest in the west’ returns this summer
A three-day village festival dubbed ‘the best fest in the west’ is set to welcome crowds back this July.
Doonfest, held in Dalrymple, is back bigger and better than ever this year after a two-year break due to the Covid pandemic.
Fan favourite bands and some newbies, line dancing, samba drums, open mic and entertainment for the kids are all on the bill. The festival field opens on Friday, July 1 at 6pm with The Cafeorchestra followed by local rockabilly favourites The Peas.
Taking to the stage shortly after 8pm will be The Jersey Notess, and rounding off Friday’s opening night will be Melissa Kelly and the Smoking Crows with her full 12-piece band. Saturday starts after midday with numerous free family events, including music workshops, circus entertainment, samba drum workshop, and line dancing with live music from the terrific Honky Tonk Heroes. Face painting, glitter tattoos, Magic Malky and Ayrshire’s own Mr Music, John Duffy, hosts an open mic session in the bar tent. Hingin By A Thread will have the bar marquee jumping as they get the ‘party night’ started on Saturday evening. New band The Mockingbyrds, Bhangra Nation, and up-and-coming indie rock band The Streams will take to the stage before the internationallyacclaimed Gutty Slippers land in the marquee with pipes and drums. Saturday night will be brought to a close with the fantastic Ska band Esperanza.
On Sunday, the festival field is closed but the music plays on as the delightful Pauline Valance will be performing in the Kirkton Inn along with Hingin by a Thread and the Cafeorchestra. The musicians will also be playing in the Dalrymple Community Garden and The White Horse. Tickets (adults £12 per night; child £6 and Under-5s free) are only required for the evening events.
A Doonfest spokesperson said: “We can’t stress enough that absolutely everything during the day is free. This is a community festival that truly has something for everyone. We call it the Best Fest in the West!”