Big DoG - A Children's Book Festival for Dumfries
Big DoG
A children’s book festival for Dumfries
where everybody has a tale
Named after Nana, the big dog who looks after the children in Peter Pan, Big DoG is an exciting new family festival for Dumfries. Take a lead from some of the nation’s best children’s writers who are hosting a long weekend of barking fun and ruff magic. It’s the event where everybody has a tale.
There are more than 20 events to choose from for children aged 0-13 and their families. Some events are free but still ticketed due to limited numbers. You can view the whole programme here. Family day tickets are available for £35, offering families of up to 5 people (including up to 2 adults) the opportunity to see as many events on a single day as they can squeeze in! You'll find more information and booking details here.
Ticket booking information
Online here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
By telephone on 01988 403222
In person at 11 North Main Street, Wigtown, DG8 9HN
The box office for telephone and in person sales is open: 10am - 4pm Monday - Saturday; and 12noon - 4pm Sunday
With thanks to:
Our funders: The Robertson Trust, Creative Scotland, WM Mann Foundation; and Dumfries & Galloway Council
Our sponsors: GRAHAM Construction; The People's Project; Specsavers, Dumfries; University of Glasgow, Dumfries Campus; Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre; Theatre Royal; The Usual Place; and Upland.
Our media partner: Dumfries & Galloway! What's Going On?
Big DoG also has a Fringe Programme, coordinated by Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust. Tickets for Fringe events arenot available from our website. You'll find full details below.
Sunday 2 April
Jabuti Theatre
Moonbeam on a Cat’s Ear
Theatre Royal, Studio Theatre
2.30pm | £5 | 3-5/Family
Based on the book by author and illustrator Marie-Louise Gay, this visual journey tells a simple yet compelling story about two children, a cat and a mouse, and their adventures with the moon. Using puppetry, physical theatre, toy theatre and video, it brings the world of dreams and imagination to life with an original musical score.
Tickets available from the Midsteeple Box Office 01387 253 383 or online here.
Moffat Children’s and Community Choir
St George’s Church, George Street, Dumfries
7.30pm | £5
Beautiful ‘A Cappella Harmony from Around the World’ directed by Kate Durran, followed by a performance of Flanders and Horowitz’s witty and exuberant cantata Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo, with pianist Peter Cowdrey.
Tickets available at the door or from Moffat Children’s and Community Choir members.
Thursday 6 April
Stories in the Park
The park opposite Ewart Library
10am – 11.30am | Free & Unticketed | Under 5
Come and join us as we explore three stories in the park. Crawl through tunnels, have a shot on the swings and play with a ball like Spot and his friends in ‘Spot Goes to the Park’. Make your own ‘Shark in the Park’ telescope and see if you can spot any sharks lurking in the park; And take part in a treasure hunt like the one Percy made for his animal friends in ‘Percy the Park Keeper: The Treasure Hunt’.
Friday 7 April
FILM A Monster Calls
Robert Burns Centre
5.30pm | £4.60/£7 | 12A
Magic and melancholy combine in this visually stunning story, based on Patrick Ness' bestselling book. Conor has a lot to deal with - his beloved mother is terminally ill, he’s bullied at school and his grandmother is bossy and domineering. But Conor unexpectedly summons a most unlikely ally when a giant ancient yew tree appears at his bedroom window. 108 min. Also Saturday. Tickets are available on 01387 264808 or online here.
Saturday 8 April
PPMBT Youth Forum
JM Barrie – Inspired Tours of Theatre Royal
12noon, 2pm, 3pm | Free | Family
Travel back in time and let JM Barrie take you through the theatre that inspired his love of the stage - and led him to write his most famous of plays, Peter Pan. Arrive 15 minutes before the start of the event. Also Sunday. Reserve your tickets for free here.
FILM A Monster Calls
Robert Burns Centre
1.30pm | £4.60/£7 | 12A
Magic and melancholy combine in this visually stunning story, based on Patrick Ness' bestselling book. Conor has a lot to deal with - his beloved mother is terminally ill, he’s bullied at school and his grandmother is bossy and domineering. But Conor unexpectedly summons a most unlikely ally when a giant ancient yew tree appears at his bedroom window. 108 min. Also Friday. Tickets are available on 01387 264808 or online here.
PPMBT Youth Forum
Arts & Crafts Drop In Event
Theatre Royal
1pm – 4pm | Free | Family
Join Peter Pan Moat Brae’s Youth Forum and local artists in making fun, Peter Pan themed decorations and badges to take home. Reserve your free tickets here.
PPMBT Youth Forum
The Scribbling Zone
Dumfries Town Centre
10am – 4pm | free | all ages
Stop by to scribble and stencil with a local artist who will inspire and guide you in some fringe festival fun – get creative in Dumfries.
Sunday 9 April
PPMBT Youth Forum
JM Barrie – Inspired Tours of Theatre Royal
12noon, 2pm, 3pm | free | Family
Travel back in time and let JM Barrie take you through the theatre that inspired his love of the stage - and led him to write his most famous of plays, Peter Pan. Arrive 15 minutes before the start of the event. Also Saturday. Reserve your tickets for free here.