Wow… can you believe it’s been two weeks since Nithraid 2021?!
It was a spirit-filled, action-packed day, with lots to do and enjoy despite the wet weather!
We’re so pleased that everyone who took part in the river race was able to do so safely, braving the elements to give us a race to remember.
We also had some great activities taking place at Mill Green, with help from Dumfries Fountain Project, Creative Spaces, TS Beall, Heather Molloy of PAMIS and Simon Lidwell of Wordsmithcrafts.
It was brilliant to see some old friends and new faces taking part in the river race and visiting Mill Green, which really put into perspective how fortunate we were to finally be able to facilitate the race after a long, two-year wait.
“Nithraid this year was a triumph in the face of the double adversities of Covid and the weather, we had a record turnout of boats and all the participants, as ever, were thrilled by the unique experience of journeying up our beautiful river on a big tide. The current context meant that we reached out wider than ever before through digital platforms meaning that people who cannot normally attend the event were brought into the heart of things – we also catered for people with multiple additional support needs and the D/deaf community with activities on site…”
“…Nithraid is about bringing people together to celebrate the role of our River Nith in the town and region The Stove continues to find new ways to fulfil this mission and open up the fun to everyone in our community, demonstrating that community spirit for our visitors.” – Matt Baker, Orchestrator
We’d like to say a huge, special thanks to the following individuals and groups who helped us to bring together Nithraid 2021:
All our partners and funders, as always, for their support: Historic Environment Scotland, Creative Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway Council
Mark Zygadlo, as always, for ongoing support with organising and facilitating Nithraid
Hamish Denerley for lead commentary during our livestream
Winston Denerley for BSL interpretation and livestream commentary
BattleStations for their technological support and facilitating our livestream
Heather Molloy from PAMIS Scotland and Simon Lidwell of Wordsmith Crafts for their immersive and tactile storytelling and performance of Source to Sea
Dumfries Fountain Project for their creative workshops
TS Beall, in collaboration with the Scottish Showpeople, for the informative and insightful signposting around the history of the suspension bridge
PAMIS for the supply of the ‘Changing Places’ toilet, helping us to provide accessible facilities at Mill Green
Only Foods and Sauces for providing on-site refreshments at Mill Green
Our volunteers for providing help on the day – you’re stars!
Barbour Hall at Glencaple for giving us a dry, warm place to brief and prepare all those involved in the race
Annan Harbour Action Group and their safety boats for ensuring the safety of those involved in the race
Andy Jardine for the beautiful on-site photography at Glencaple and Mill Green
…and last, but definitely not least, a HUGE thank you to all that made the race possible by taking part and those who joined us at Mill Green or tuned in to our livestream.
It’s safe to say Nithraid’s return this year was a success, and we’re so excited for what’s to come in Nithraid’s future.
From all at The Stove Network, thank you, stay safe and have fun out there!
Until next time.
#Nithraid2021