Duns Play Fest – Duns, Scotland 2026

Overview

Duns Play Fest is an intimate, theatre-focused festival since 2020, billed as the “Edinburgh Fringe without the hassle,” nurturing emerging talent and new writing in the Scottish Borders through a packed program of live performances that blend storytelling, poetry, dance, comedy, and family-friendly fun. Founded to bring high-quality, heartfelt theatre to the rural town of Duns, it transforms venues like the Duns Volunteer Hall into a buzzing hub, supported by local artists, technicians, and volunteers, with patronage from arts legend Richard Demarco, who calls it a “Howff” embodying the true spirit of festivals as a language of love. As a not-for-profit event, it emphasizes accessibility with donation-based family days and affordable passes, fostering conversations and creativity in a welcoming community setting amid the rolling Berwickshire hills and historic charm of Duns, where the Fringe’s energy meets Borders’ warmth.

For 2026, the festival returns for its seventh edition, promising over 100 theatrical events across nine vibrant days in early May, including new writing shares, late-night comedy, and expanded family programming. Attendees can expect a joyful mix of innovative scripts, interactive sessions, and performances that spark wonder, all while supporting local emerging voices through collaborations like the Hugo Burge Foundation’s Writing for Theatre residency. It’s a perfect low-key alternative to Edinburgh, blending professional polish with grassroots heart in Scotland’s quiet Borders.

Event Highlights

• Main activities or performances: Over 100 events including new writing presentations, storytelling, poetry readings, dance shows, and late-night comedy (18+); family days with children’s theatre, interactive workshops, and performances like Dougie Mackay’s storytelling and LJDance Academy sessions.
• Special traditions or features: Annual new writing submissions (open September–November); Richard Demarco’s patronage emphasizing “love” in art; intern scheme for young production talent, expanding to eight in 2025 with sponsor support.
• Unique attractions for visitors: Transformed Duns Volunteer Hall as a festival heart; donation-based family fun in Duns Park and Castle; collaborations like Emma Howlett’s Guerre or Imposter share, blending professional development with accessible theatre.

About this Event

• Founded in 2020 as a Borders answer to Edinburgh Fringe, focusing on new writing and live theatre to nurture local and emerging artists.
• Organized by a volunteer team with support from local businesses like Simpson Malt, emphasizing heartfelt, inclusive programming.
• Held over nine days in early May, attracting 2,000+ with a mix of paid and donation events, highlighting Scottish Borders creativity.
• Ties to arts patrons like Richard Demarco and residencies like Hugo Burge Foundation, providing platforms for new works.
• Promotes accessibility with affordable passes, free family days, and opportunities for writers to submit ideas via email.
• Evolving annually with expanded intern programs and diverse formats, from poetry to comedy, in Duns’ historic venues.

Why Attend

Attending Duns Play Fest is like stumbling into a secret Fringe where a poet’s whisper in the Volunteer Hall ignites the Borders’ quiet fire, turning a family afternoon in Duns Park into a whirlwind of whimsical tales and dance, all laced with the unhurried joy of rural theatre that feels like a heartfelt hug from Scotland’s soul. With its donation days and emerging voices, it’s a gentle gateway for newcomers, blending the thrill of new scripts with interactive sparks that linger like a Borders breeze, perfect for sparking conversations post-show over local brews.

Beyond the stages, you’re fueling a post-2020 revival that spotlights young writers and interns, your support a ripple in the festival’s tide of love and creativity. Whether chasing late-night laughs or savoring family folklore, the event’s fusion of intimacy and innovation delivers those golden glimmers of discovery—ideal for May meanders where the play of words meets the play of hearts.

Date & Duration

• Dates: May 7 – May 15, 2026 (projected based on 2025 pattern; full schedule TBD)
• Duration: 9 days

Venue / Location

• Main venue: Duns Volunteer Hall, transformed into a festival hub for main performances and workshops.
• Additional venues: Duns Park and Duns Castle for family days; Duns Parish Church for specific shows like storytelling and dance.
• Main event Google location address: Duns Volunteer Hall, 8 Newton Street, Duns TD11 3DU, United Kingdom

Ticket Information

• Tickets are sold online via the official website (dunsplayfest.org.uk); full festival passes on sale from December 1, 2025.
• Admission is mixed—donation-based for family days; paid for main events to support artists.
• Ticket pricing in USD only: Festival passes range from $50 to $80 USD; individual shows $10 to $20 USD.
• Minimum and maximum tickets pricing: Minimum $50 USD (early bird full pass); maximum $80 USD (standard full pass).
• No lottery system; first-come, first-served with group discounts via email.
• Special seating or VIP options: No formal VIP; reserved seats for $25 USD per show including program; standard general admission for flexibility.

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Contact Information

• Email: info@dunsplayfest.org.uk (general inquiries, submissions, and ticket support).
• Phone: +44 7818 293297 (English support for bookings and updates).
• Website: https://dunsplayfest.org.uk (full program, bookings, and submission details).
• Social Media: Not specified; follow local Duns arts groups for announcements.
• Key Staff: Festival Committee (contact via email for programming queries).
• Press/Volunteers: Press inquiries to info@dunsplayfest.org.uk; volunteer opportunities via website (TBD for 2026, English support available).

Getting There

• Nearest airports: Edinburgh Airport (EDI), 50 miles away (1-hour drive via A68); Newcastle Airport (NCL) for more flights, about 70 miles (1.5-hour drive).
• Public Transport: Trains from London Kings Cross to Berwick-upon-Tweed (3.5 hours via LNER), then bus to Duns (30 minutes); local Borders Buses connect Berwick to town center.
• Driving: Access via A1/A6112, with free parking at Duns Volunteer Hall; SatNav postcode TD11 3DU.
• Cycling/Walking: Borders’ trails are bike-friendly; racks at hall; Berwick station to venue 20-minute bus/walk.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps at Volunteer Hall; taxis from Berwick ($30 via apps); contact for priority seating.

Accommodation Options

• Budget Stays: Duns Bunkhouse (central, from $50/night, shared rooms); Eyemouth B&B ($60/night dorms).
• Mid-Range: The Plough Inn (historic pub hotel, $90–120/night, family rooms); Duns Castle Inn ($100/night, parking).
• Luxury: The Hirsel Estate (nearby, $150+/night, spa options); Floors Castle lodges ($140/night, gourmet).
• Festival Packages: Bundled stays via VisitScottishBorders.com with B&Bs; camping at nearby Manderston ($50/night pitches).
• Booking Tips: Book early for May; check duns.scot for deals including transport.

Reviews

• Borders bliss breakthrough—new scripts sparkled like the sun, family floats in festival fantasy.
• Fringe without frenzy—crafty comedy cracked the quiet, a postlude of pure passion.
• Duns drama delight—poetry pulsed with place, an absolute alchemical abbey of arts.