Event | Visit The Spring Kist online

1 May 2020


The Spring Kist

2 & 3 May

10am-4pm on Facebook: @TheKistWigtown

Wigtown's online arts and crafts fair, The Spring Kist, won't be stopped by the virus, as the showcase event goes on goes online for the first time this weekend.

In a parallel universe, Wigtown would have been holding its Spring Book Weekend this week. Sadly that has gone the way of every other face-to-face event this spring. But one part of the celebrations at least will continue.

On Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 May, thirty artisan food and drink producers, artists and craft makers from Dumfries & Galloway and beyond will take part in The Spring Kist. The showcase event would usually take place in Wigtown’s magnificient County Buildings. This year, however, it's migrating online.

Claire Nash, commercial manager of Wigtown Festival Company which is organising the event, says: “We were disappointed not to be able to hold the Spring Kist in its usual format, but really wanted to show our support for the local businesses that usually take part. An online showcase seemed the obvious way to go and we are delighted that so many businesses were enthusiastic about taking part."

Through Facebook, members of the public will be able to meet many of the makers and producers, take virtual tours, see demonstrations and order anything that takes their fancy. “Making the event digital will be a new experience for The Kist and the exhibitors – we look forward to welcoming virtual visitors from all over the world and it’s something we hope to build on in the future.”

Among the digital Kist participants will be The Galloway Fudge Company, KGR Glass Design, natural yarn producers Quirky Paintbrush, Copeland Walker Art, Solway Silver, Machars Memories photographers and Drakelaw Pottery. They will be joined by:

  • The Jam Garden ~ fruit growers and makers of luxury small batch jams and preserves.
  • Toadstool Tots ~ designers and makers of bespoke, traditional-style children’s and baby clothes.
  • Farm Boy Brews ~ purveyors of superb coffee that does some good in the world.
  • Ninefold Distillery ~ producers of premium handmade Scottish rum.
  • Hare and Boathouse Creations ~ handmade bags, purses and accessories using fabrics such as Harris Tweed.
  • Linda Irving ~ a felt artist who uses fibre to create land and seascapes inspired by the Mull of Galloway.

Others taking part are Bine Designs, Puffin Patchworks, The Butterfly and Toadstool, Roo Waterhouse Art, Scottish Art Scapes, Emily's Designs, The Wee Shade Shop, Five Kingdoms Brewery, Co Co Co, KB & Co, Keepsakes by KT, Fountain Stone, Lambleys, Selkirk Distillers, Shabby & Pretty, Life is a Beach 33 and Little Dot Creations.

Adrian Turpin, the Festival Company’s artistic director, adds: “At this time, it’s more important than ever to be supporting local and small businesses, many of whom are facing immense challenges. We hope people will take this opportunity and support some of our food and craft heroes who have supported the festival so much in the past."

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