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
It may also serve to warn visitors that events such as the Classic Car Rally generate a large influx of people to the town and put pressure on accommodation etc so book ahead.
Jim McColl and the BBC Beechgrove Garden team were filming at Craigieburn Gardens Moffatdale recently. The programme goes out in June 2010
BBC's Country File Magazine on Moffat
Moffat Farmer's Market is now in Moffat Town Hall (next to the hotel) every second Sunday of the month. 11am to 3pm.
For more information or to book a stall ring 07708 101336
What's on in Dumfries & Galloway?
What's on in the Scottish Borders?
Dark Nature a film just released set in Dumfries and Galloway the House on the Shore
Hope Springs BBC drama is set in and about Leadhills and Wanlockhead a few miles north west of Moffat. It was a bit of a dog but there you go.
12th 13th and14th February 2010
St Valentine's weekend break at the Annandale. Come join us for a romantic weekend in Moffat
11th to 28rd March 2010
Glasgow International Comedy Festival 350 shows over 18 days. All the big names in comedy.
9th to 11th April 2010
Moffat Traditional Music Festival various artists appearing in the hotel and other venues over a weekend of traditional music.
2nd May 2010
The Gardens at Portrack House are open to the public one day a year. Designed by famous garden designer Charles Jenks and the late 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.
14th May 2010 Bonhams Scottish Art and Antique valuation day 11.00 to 15.00 in the hotel function room. Feel free to parki at the rear of the hotel.
14th May 2010 Moffat Wild Life Club Buffet and slide show at the Annandale. For details see the web site.
May 16th 2010 Dalswinton gardens on the Dalswinton Estate are open for the afternoon. It was here that the world's first steam powered boat was trialed. There is a plant centre and nursery
29th to 31st May 2010
Spring Fling South West Scotland's arts and crafts open studio event
13th June 2010
Moffat Mountain Rescue 10th 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!
26th June 2010
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.
26th to 27th June 2010
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.
12th to 19th July 2009
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 19th July. Tel 01683 220713
August to October 2009
Gael Force blows through Dumfries and Galloway. A series of traditional Scottish based music and entertainment events throughout the county spread over the three months. Look out for William Williamson at the Old Well Theatre Moffat
6th to 28rd August 2010
Edinburgh Military Tattoo
6th to 30th August 2010
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
7th to 10th August 2009
Border Clan Gathering The annual gathering of the border clans
5th to 8th August 2010 Moffat Clan Gathering and AGM in Moffat
14th to 30st August 2010
Edinburgh Book Festival
21th and 22th August 2010
Galloway Country Fair. Well worth a visit for anyone interested in field sports, huntin' shootin' and fishin' and general country crafts etc. Set in the grounds of Raehills Estate six miles south of Moffat on the A701.
29th August 2009
Moffat Agricultural Show ia a small and very local agricultural show. 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
3rd to 5th September 2010 Eden Festival '10 Music Fesstival at Galloway Country Fair show ground Wrea Hills
12th September 2010
Lord Dowding Commemorative Service with fly past.
1st, 2nd & 3rd October 2010
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 with the usual jazz concert on Friday and ceilidh on Saturday in the Town Hall. The visitmoffat web site has some details.
23th to 25th October
Lockerbie Jazz Festival
29th November 2009
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) or ring Colin on 07812017213
31st December 2010 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 alotted 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.
