Note: The festival have the right to use this blog post as they see fit, in any way that may suit their needs. Full permission.

Nestled quietly in the Scottish Borders, the town of Duns is not a place that screams for attention. Before visiting, I’d never heard of it. However it is a beautiful town and steeped in history. After attending its annual theatre and performing arts festival DunsPlayfest, I’ve realized that it is home to something truly extraordinary. This unassuming town bursts into life for nine days each May, becoming the stage for a celebration of creativity, passion and community that is both powerful and enchanting.

DunsPlayfest is unlike any festival I’ve encountered. It’s not just the art or the performances that draw you in, though they are exceptional. It’s the deep connection that runs through the event, weaving together performers, organizers, and attendees highlighting a tightly knit community. Every show, whether it be a theatre performance, a short film, documentary, poetry, a band, or even the delightful children singing, feels like it belongs—intertwined in a tapestry of local stories, support, and mutual admiration.

As I roamed from space to space, always finding something to engage with, the atmosphere felt seamless. The schedule was packed, but not overwhelming and there was a fluidity to how the events unfolded. It was as if the festival breathed in harmony with the people who gathered there, allowing everyone to move naturally from one space of inspiration to another. No matter where you found yourself—whether in a thought-provoking theatre piece or a lively music performance—you felt like you were part of something special.

One of the festival’s most remarkable aspects was its commitment to supporting new and upcoming talent. DunsPlayfest serves as a vital platform for emerging artists and performers to showcase their work, surrounded by a community that celebrates creativity in all its forms. This wasn’t just a showcase; it was a nurturing ground where young talent was met with critical yet caring eyes, fostering growth.

I witnessed strangers come together after shows to discuss what they had just seen, diving deep into the themes, techniques, and emotions that had been shared on stage. These were not casual chats—they were profound, analytical discussions that reflected a genuine investment in the art and the artists.

It wasn’t just the performances that stirred the senses. Dotted throughout the festival were workshops that brought the creative spirit to life in hands-on ways. Whether it was a writing session, an acting workshop, or a music class, the opportunity to learn, create, and collaborate was always present. These workshops weren’t just add-ons; they were supportive to the festival, inspiring participants and deepening the experience.

What struck me most was the level of support that everyone gave to each other. Duns, for all its modest size, is a place where talent thrives. Not because of competition, but because of collaboration. People here champion each other’s efforts and the passion they emit is infectious. The people I met seemed not only to know each other (mostly) but to be genuinely invested in each other’s success. From the performers on stage to the staff and volunteers behind the scenes, everyone had a role in creating the magic that is DunsPlayfest.

In many ways, it’s difficult to put into words the sheer energy of the festival. Duns, transformed into a hub of creativity and connection. The Festival Hall, the beating heart of the event, was more than a venue—it became the center of something far bigger than just a festival. It was a space where the line between audience and performance dissolved, creating a shared experience that pulled everyone into the heart of the moment and where stories, both old and new, took on a life of their own.

I went to Duns expecting to write a short piece about a local festival. But I’ve come away with something far bigger, something that feels almost like a story within a story. This writing will feature elsewhere very soon. The town of Duns and its Playfest has embodied more than just a celebration of the arts. They represent the beauty of community, the power of storytelling, and the magic that happens when people come together with open hearts and open minds.

If you’ve never heard of Duns, it’s time you did. If you’ve never been to DunsPlayfest, you’re missing out on one of the most unique and inspiring arts festivals around. The talent, the passion, and the sense of community make this small town a place of immense creativity and warmth. It’s a festival that not only showcases incredible art but also creates an environment where everyone—whether a lifelong local or a first-time visitor—feels like they belong.

In 2025 the festival runs from 2nd to the 10th of May. You can find the festival online at https://www.dunsplayfest.org.uk or on facebook https://www.facebook.com/DunsPlayFest and you can sign up to the newsletter at http://eepurl.com/iH_o6w