Fairground Walkabout: Showpeople and the Dumfries Rood Fair 

URGENT UPDATE:  Fairground Walkabout POSTPONED until Friday 29th 5:15pm 

The Fairground Walkabout has been postponed from Thursday (28th) but WILL GO AHEAD Friday 29th same time, 5:15-6:30pm. The walk will start as advertised at the East Side of the Suspension Bridge (the Whitesands/Fairground side). 

On behalf of Fair Scotland and all of the Showpeople involved in organising this event, we apologise for the change in schedule –  but weather and flood warnings have necessitated the change. Although the weather looks fine for Thursday evening, the Showpeople operating at the Rood Fair have this week set up their rides/stalls on Tuesday/Wednesday, then had to take them down and move them Wed afternoon due to flood and wind warnings, and now have to put them back up Thursday afternoon to prepare for this evening’s opening of the Fair. At their request we have made these changes.

We very much hope to see you!

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The Rood Fair returns! Learn some fair history and meet Showpeople who travel to Dumfries from across Scotland to make it happen. 

Many Showfamilies have operated on the banks of the Nith for generations – hear their stories while walking the route of local fairgrounds, past & present.

The route will start along the riverfront and walk through the Rood Fair, stopping at sites relevant to Dumfries’ historical riverfront fairs. Led by artist T S Beall, Showperson and Dumfries Fair Organiser Raynor Codona, and Chair of the Scottish Section of the Showman’s Guild and Vice-President of the European Showmen’s Union Alex James Colquhoun. Attendees will have a chance to speak with some of the Showpeople who have operated in Dumfries for generations. 

This will be our first ever walking tour through the Rood Fair – don’t miss it! 

Please gather at the east side of the Suspension Bridge (Dockhead / A781)

Accessibility and route details:

Dress for the weather. Please note the fair opens at 5pm, with some flashing lights and fairground noises. Walking route is wheelchair accessible. Suitable for audience 12+.

Please note that due to rising cases of COVID-19, if you feel unwell please stay home. This walkabout will be filmed so you will be able to experience part of the event if you are unable to attend. If you are attending the walkabout and do not wish to be filmed, please let the hosts know.

Part of the Stove Network’s Wild Goose Festival. This walk is hosted in partnership with Fair Scotland, a charity created to promote the heritage and future of Scotland’s Showpeople. Supported by the People’s Project.