Diary of Moffat. This page lists some of the major events happening in and around Moffat that may interest visitors.
Listings of car boot sales etc have been avoided. If you know of any major omissions please e-mail
reception@AnnandaleArmsHotel.co.uk
Every Thursday night we have acoustic music sessions in the bar at the Annandale. See our music page
Moffat Farmer’s Market is now in Moffat Town Hall (next to the hotel) every second Sunday of the month. 11am to 3pm except in November on Remembrance Weekend it is on Saturday the MFM Facebook page
For more information or to book a stall ring 07708 101336
What’s on in Dumfries & Galloway? DGWGO
April
April 5th to May 5th 2014 Dumfries and Galloway Wild life festival
Moffat Traditional Music Festival. Various artists appearing in the hotel and other venues over a weekend of traditional music. Always held on the first full weekend of April and the Annandale Arms is at the centre of things.
Contact details moffatmusiclive@btinternet Tel 07850 633135
May
The Gardens at Portrack House are open to the public one day a year. Designed by late garden designer Charles Jenks and his wife Maggie Keswick. Well worth a visit sadly only open one day a year so given good weather it can be a bit of a bun fight.
Spring Fling South West Scotland’s arts and crafts open studio event
June
Moffat Mountain Rescue Charity Challenge. A number of marked and stewarded walks in the Moffat Hills to raise funds for the volunteers of the Mountain Rescue Team. The walks are of all grades from doddle to difficult from a great introduction to a beautiful area to a serious challenge and support a very good cause. Every penny goes to the team no chuggers here!
RSAC Scottish Rally Again based around Dumfries with stages in Ae Forest this weekend promises to be a treat for car enthusiasts see the Moffat Classic Car Rally below.
Moffat Classic Car Rally In a slightly different place this year but just round the corner though. Again a very popular event now in its tenth year. Some 800 entrants last year perhaps a thousand this year.
July
Moffat Gala The Moffat Gala is held on the second week in July. There are a series of events held around the town though the week. These include cross country running, wheel barrow races and carnival floats culminating in a Bacchanalian disco and bonfire on the Saturday night 16th July. Tel 01683 220713
August
Sheep droving, it’s back Moffat’s very own Scottish Grand National Sheep racing meeting on Moffat High Street. Like Monaco Moffat closes off some of its streets for the meeting. Forget the Edinburgh fringe this is the biggest laugh you will see in Scotland in August. It is not to be missed. Details moffatpromotionsgroup@visitmoffat.co.uk
Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Edinburgh Book Festival
Moffat Agricultural Show has moved out of town to Rae Hills. It includes a number of equestrian events as well as live stock. There are craft tents, vintage tractors and a number of stalls. The terrier racing is well worth seeing. The show finishes with a boisterous evening disco. Contact number – The Secretary Tel 01461 800217
September
Lord Dowding Commemorative Service with fly past.
October
Moffat Walking Festival A series of lead walks in the Moffat Hills aimed at all abilities and fitness. The walks are on the Saturday and Sunday The Visitmoffat web site has some details
November/December
Moffat Christmas Festival. Starting with the street market in Moffat High Street at 11.00am. Santa’s grotto opens for the children at 2.00, lots of interesting antique and craft stalls, pipe bands entertainers, etc.
The Annandale Arms has mulled wine and mince pies served all day with a antique stall on the ground floor. The switching on of the Christmas lights by Santa forms the Grand Finale of the day at 5.00pm.
More details Moffat Promotions Group Moffat Town Hall (next door to the Annandale)
Hogmanay
New Year’s Eve in Scotland is a must if you have not experienced it before. The Annandale Arms is right in the middle of town and is inevitably the focus of the New Year celebrations. See our special Hogmanay Dinner bed and breakfast package.
In Moffat people generally start to appear in the various hotels and bars around the High Street about 10.00pm in preparation for the ‘bells’ at midnight. As the allotted time approaches about five hundred to a thousand people gather outside the Annandale Arms Hotel.
The atmosphere is always very good humoured. There is a piper/pipers in the square as well as fireworks to welcome the New Year. The celebrations and first footing continue well into the early hours and beyond.
