DUNURE FESTIVAL OF THE SEA
A MARITIME CELEBRATION
On Saturday 23rd August, Dunure’s historic and picturesque fishing harbour will once again transform into a hive of activity as the village hosts its annual Festival of the Sea.
First established in 2017 to raise funds for the registered charity, Dunure Harbour Committee Association, the Festival is now one of the most highly anticipated events in South Ayrshire.
This year’s foot-tapping line-up includes local favourites The Barrstools, the gypsy jazz quartet Cafeorchestra, and Festival regulars The George Lindsay Blues Band, all introduced by local guitarist and singer Nicole Cameron. The Maybole Pipe Band will open the Festival with a march from the top of the village down to the harbour – what a spectacle!
Kids can enjoy entertainment from Uncle Billy with his puppet and magic shows, rockpool fishing nets from Aruna Arts & Gifts will be available for use along the spectacular shoreline, and facepainting is a must!
Dunure Coastal Rowing Club’s wooden rowing skiff will be out, along with others, allowing folks to give traditional manoeuvres a try.
This family-friendly event is now a firm fixture in the festival calendar with fundraising still playing a vital role, aided by kind sponsorship and donations.
“It’s based around the harbour to raise some funds to keep the harbour alive and functioning,” says Festival organiser, Gavin White. “The 200+-year-old lighthouse is one of only two in the whole of the UK of that construction and we are working towards resurrecting it. That’s the long-term goal. Short-term, we resurface, dredge, add vital ropes, ladders and facilities. It’s all done by volunteers, but these things cost money.”
Each year, the Festival makes a donation to the RNLI who also attend the event.
“Dunure is still a place where so many lads and lassies work at the sea… it was the fishing village of the Firth of Clyde. They still work around the UK, offshore or abroad and so the RNLI is close to us. They always come down and show a presence. People can relate if they see the boat and the crew.”
It takes a great deal of voluntary effort to arrange events such as this. In addition to the Festival organisers, the wider community also comes together to ensure its success.
“Everybody gives as much time as they can. Without everyone coming together there’s no way we could pull this off. Moving boats, building marquees, closing off roads, running the actual event… it takes dozens of people.”
Despite fundraising being the motivation behind the Festival, the event remains free of charge.
“We always want to make it open to all. The entertainment, great food and surroundings will bring people in and hopefully they’ll spend a couple of pounds when they’re here and leave us with something in the coffers to put back into the harbour.”
Dunure Festival of the Sea, as the name suggests, is a celebration of all things maritime but it also showcases local seafood. In addition to the food being served at The Anchorage Restaurant (reservations are essential), you can indulge in Dunure-landed lobster from The Mobile Scullery food truck, or freshly baked woodfired pizza (topped with locally caught mackerel). Or, if seafood isn’t your thing, The Harbourside Coffee & Kitchen will be moving into the harbour for the day offering freshly made meals and kids meals, plus authentic South Indian Street Food… just follow the delicious aroma!
Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a day of sunshine!
The Festival opens at 1pm and continues until late. Festivalgoers are advised to use public transport where possible, although, limited parking is available at Kennedy Park.
Visit Dunure Festival of the Sea Facebook page for further details and full line-up.
