Photographs by Dark Blue Perspective
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Over 100 theatrical events in nine packed days.
DunsPlayFest is the place to be at the beginning of May,
in Berwickshire in the Scottish Borders.
Come and join us at our
Festival Hub...
Duns Volunteer Hall - A Heart For Duns!
Are you a writer that would like to present work at DunsPlayFest?
Do you have an idea you would like to submit?
Email: info@dunsplayfest.org.uk to recieve our proforma for new writing.
Applications for DPF26 now closed!
But we are open for applications for 2027!
FULL Programme DPF26
COMING SOON
Announcing our popular Bank Holiday Monday at Duns Castle!
We will have THREE DAYS with storytelling, workshops, and theatre for Families...
Sunday 3 May, Monday 4 May and Tuesday 5 May with events at Duns Park, Duns Castle,
Duns Volunteer Hall and the Parish Church
See our programme for more details!
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MORE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
ON
SUNDAY 3 MAY
Katies Music Sessions in Duns Park at 11am and 1pm
and at Duns Volunteer Hall
2.30pm STORYTELLING by Dougie Mackay
3.30pm LJDance Academy
AT DUNS PARISH CHURCH
4.45pm Tales From The Borderlands (14+)
More information coming soon on our
The last two year's successful intern schemes (supported by local business Simpson Malt) has offered six young people in 2024 and eight young people in 2025, the chance to work alongside professional production technicians throughout the festival. We are looking for sponsors to support an ongoing development to this programme and in 2026 we will have junior and senior interns with some places for work experience from the local high schools!
There really is something for EVERYONE!
Our core aim is to nurture local and emerging talent, in addition to offering established practitioners the opportunity to perform new writing at all stages of its development.
Why Not Join US!
Titan of The Arts and Patron of DunsPlayFest, Richard Demarco congratulates Festival DIrector, John McEwen for an amazing festival!
In the words of our beloved Patron, Titan of the Arts, Richard Demarco, we created a 'Howff''.
“I might be the only person who has been to every Edinburgh Festival since it began in 1947 but I think the true spirit of the festival now resides… in Duns...
DunsPlayFest is all about love.”
Richard Demarco, in his closing night speech at DunsPlayFest 2024
And this year, 2025, on our opening night, as part of his inspiring address...
''....when you are using the language of art, you are using the language of love...''
We like to think of our festival of new writing in the Scottish Borders as the Edinburgh Fringe without the hassle. Now in our sixth year, our hub Duns Volunteer Hall, is transformed into a busy festival venue by talented artists, technicians and a whole host of wonderful volunteers. Over nine glorious and heart felt days, it will buzz with new ideas, conversations and the wonder of
LIVE THEATRE
Coming a Long Way to see a show?
Why not stay overnight... go to our accommodation list for some ideas....
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