Dundee Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Dundee, Scotland, UK)

Dundee is widely known for its jazz festivals and many other musical events, but the pantheon of Scottish festivals extends across recreations of ancient pagan rituals through remembrances of the country's chequered past. There are also many traditional Scottish-themed things to do, including celebrations of famous sons of the land and the land itself.

Music and drink play important parts in Scottish tradition and heritage, and more 21st-century focused events include film and rock fests. At the end of June, the free two-day Dundee Blues Bonanza is one to look out for. Whatever the Scots are celebrating, it is never dull!

Dundee Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• New Year's Day - January 1st, a public holiday in Scotland and all over the UK, offering the chance to take it easy after all of the partying on New Year's Eve (Hogmanay)
• Burns Night - January 25th, the most important knees-up in Scotland, being celebrated (especially in pubs) all over the country with lots of drinking, readings of Rabbie Burns' poetry and the ceremonial serving of the traditional haggis, neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes), accompanied by the recitation of Burns' Ode to a Haggis

February

• Glasgow Film Festival - this week-long film fest is fast becoming one of the best in the UK, taking place each year in the middle of February. Those in attendance can expect to enjoy an eclectic selection of screenings from all sectors of the industry, on show at venues across the city. Many prominent actors and celebrities can be spotted around Glasgow at this time

March

• The Blend - held in Stirling and nearby villages during March, this is an annual traditional music fest covering a wide spectrum of Scottish music, from bagpipes to Celtic fiddles and beyond. Check for individual performance dates
• The National Stallion Show - held in nearby Perth on the first Saturday of the month. This show is all about working horses from Clydesdales to Highland, Shetland, Moorland and Mountain ponies. Expect contests, trade stands and amazing equines, both large and small
• Celtic New Year - March 25th, a traditional Scottish celebration originally held on November 1st

April

• Beltane Fire Festival - late April, set in the dark of night on Edinburgh's Carlton Hill. There is always much dramatic pagan drumming and dancing, as well as the May Queen ritual and other Celtic traditions. Noisy, colourful and great fun

May

• May Day - first Monday each May, a public holiday in Scotland
• Lomond Real Ale Festival - organised by CAMRA and held near Loch Lomond towards the end of May. One of the favourites out of the many drinking / beer fests in Scotland, this event features a variety of Scottish independent breweries' best efforts, accompanied by rock, jazz, indie, folk and rock music
• Spring Bank Holiday - last Monday in May, another public holiday in Scotland

June

• Selkirk Common Riding Festival - mid-June, commemorating the border conflicts between the Scots and the Sassenachs by re-enacting the riding of the town's borders at dawn to guard against raids from the south. Expect hundreds of flaming torch-carrying riders after a night of Scottish reels and partying at local hostelries
• Blues Bonanza - late June / early July, lasting two days and featuring innumerable free blues and jazz concerts

July

• T in the Park - held at Balado Park, this is Kinross's mega-music festival, with nine stages, dozens of bands and acts including internationally famous names. T in the Park has all of the usual paraphernalia of a huge rock fest

August

• August Bank Holiday - first Monday in August, this is a national holiday in Scotland, not held elsewhere in the UK
• Arbroath Seafest - as its name suggests, this is a celebration of all things watery, held towards the end of August, with races, contests, street entertainment, seafood dining and family fun

September

• Angus and Dundee Roots Festival - kicking off around the third week in September, this is one for all whose ancestors were born in this part of Scotland. There are performances and activities with an historic and heritage flavour
• Dundee Flower and Food Festival - an annual event held over three days, with live entertainment and the best in food, craft fairs and horticultural displays
• Braemar Gathering - early September, held in Deeside and attended by royalty. Those coming to the Braemar Gathering can expect caber tossing, bagpipes and lots of tartan

October

• Fest and Furious - the city's annual feast of traditional music and cultural roots, staged at the beginning of the month with concerts, community events and workshops all around the city

November

• Bonfire Night - early November, remembering Guy Fawkes' failed attempt to blow up London's Houses of Parliament in 1605. All across the city are a multitude of evening bonfires and fireworks
• Dundee Festival of Remembrance - a truly Scottish celebration of the local military heroes who gave their lives in the 20th-century's many wars. This day features a parade of regimental standards accompanied by massed pipe and drum playing, Royal Marines' bands, a religious service and lots of community singing
• Dundee International Jazz Festival - mid-November, with international stars from the world of jazz as well as hosts of local talent, all performing in various venues around the city centre
• St. Andrew's Day - November 30th, with much traditional folk dancing and music for all ages to enjoy, as the patron saint of Scotland is remembered

December

• Stonehaven Fireball Festival - unique to nearby Stonehaven, this takes place every December 31st and is based on an ancient custom. Groups of men parade around the village swinging balls of fire over their heads. At the parade's end, the fiery balls are thrown into the harbour amid much rejoicing as the Hogmanay festivities approach
• Comrie Flambeau - another magnificent fire festival held on December 31st, at the village of Comrie (roughly an hour away, to the west). Huge 3-metre / 10-foot tall torches soaked in paraffin are carried around town, collecting the old year's evil spirits as they go. A massive bonfire, pipers and costumed revellers complete the occasion