The Crichton Memorial Church echoed with music, song and readings in a poignant and memorable Dumfries Festival of Remembrance on Saturday night.
Free to the public, it was organised by the Dumfries and Maxwelltown Branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland, as well as members of the town’s Veterans Garden and the Royal Burgh of Dumfries Tattoo, with support from the Dumfries Lord Lieutenant Fiona Armstrong, The Crichton Trust and Dumfries and Galloway Council.
The region’s Armed Forces Champion, councillor Archie Dryburgh, give the welcome after the opening fanfare from Jordon Tweedie and the March on Standards was performed by Piper Major Callum Watson.
One of the highlights was the building of a Drumhead Altar by members of the Veterans Garden to singing from Dumfries Baptist Church Choir and performances from Dumfries Town Band.
A public minute’s silence was held during the festival after the Last Post from Emma Johnston, who also performed the Reveille.
School captains at St Joseph’s College – Louise Jones and Lahri Nagodavithana – did the school proud reading significant poems at the festival while Stuart Robb recited Binyon’s Lines and the Kohima Epitaph was by spoken RBLS national chairman, Martyn Hawthorn, who also gave the thanks at the end of the festival.
During the service, readings were given by the Lord Lieutenant, Dumfries Provost Tracey Little, Lt Col (retired, Royal Scots), John Charteris, Major Pete Patrick and Frank Roy.
After the event, a spokesman for the Dumfries Veterans Garden thanked everyone who attended the festival and hailed it “a fantastic night”.
He said: “A lot of work was done in the background to put this on but it was well worth it. Great music was provided by Dumfries Town Band and Pipe Major Callum Watson and our singing was boosted by the Baptist Church Choir.
Pictures courtesy of The Dumfries Veterans Garden.
