That the Parliament congratulates the organisers, volunteers and participants on the success of the Dumfries Carnival, which took place in Dumfries on 17 January, as part of the Big Burns Supper winter festival, which takes place from 15 to 25 January 2026; notes that the Big Burns Supper features an expanded Northern Lights programme, illuminating heritage sites in the town with light and sound, bringing together audiences of all ages; recognises the wide range of installations showcased across the festival, including Poets Place, which highlighted the roots of Robert Burns’ work and the ongoing traditions of the festival by bringing the Burns Statue, in the town centre, to life using light and sound, celebrating both his literary legacy and the many people who have contributed to sustaining it; acknowledges the installations such as Birds on the Wire, Firefly, Divided, Light Reading, Washing Line, Lights of Hope and Phanto Spectra, alongside other creative experiences, including workshops and short films; notes that the festival also features the Immortal Memory, celebrating Burns’s enduring spirit through a public candle lighting event; recognises that the Rabbie’s Winter Village proved highly popular, attracting large crowds to enjoy food, drink and live music in a welcoming community atmosphere; understands that the celebrations conclude with Le Haggis Burns Night Special and the Family Burns Supper where Hamish the Haggis will interact with children in dance, singing of Scottish songs; thanks all who have made the Big Burns Supper possible over the years, and wishes the Big Burns Supper many successful years ahead celebrating the life of the world-famous Bard.
Supported by:
Karen Adam, Alasdair Allan, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Annabelle Ewing, Kenneth Gibson, Jamie Hepburn, Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, Marie McNair, Audrey Nicoll, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Evelyn Tweed, Annie Wells, Elena Whitham