DUNFERMLINE’S Outwith Festival has been awarded £20,000 from the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust.

Given the largest award from the trust this year, the six-day event will see more than 40 acts perform across city venues from September 6 to 11.

Michelle McWilliams, on behalf of the Outwith team, said: “This funding award is pivotal. It has allowed the team to press on and book performers for September at a time when many festivals are competing for the same acts.

“Thanks to everyone at the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust for their support. Despite no longer having the funding or staff of Dunfermline Delivers, we still have the expertise of the original volunteer team and we’re excited to be welcoming audiences back to live events.

“This is different from holding a festival in fields in the middle of nowhere – we want to bring people into Dunfermline city centre.”

With an all-day music event, art performances including visual art, cabaret, comedy, theatre and author events, they hope to be able to draw more people into the city centre. They aim to build on the history of Dunfermline and live music as they support the next generation of talented musicians and performers from the area.

Big bands and emerging musicians such as Pulled Apart By Horses, Bang Bang Romeo, Pleasure Heads, Connor Fyfe, SILVI and Lewis McLaughlin will be playing, while Steven Dick, writer for Frankie Boyle and BBC’s Have I Got News for You, will be teaching his masterclass, and internationally-renowned painter Adrian Wisniewski will be showing his work at an exhibition at the Fire Station Creative.

Gillian Taylor, CEO of Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, said: “I have seen first-hand the positive impact that the festival has had on Dunfermline since its launch in 2017. The committed team have delivered a festival which connects communities, showcases talent and brings the fun and feel-good factor to our ancient city.

“The festival has boosted the local economy and encouraged visitors and tourists into Dunfermline.

“The last two years have been very difficult due to the pandemic and the time is absolutely right to host this amazing festival again. The Carnegie Trust are very keen to see Dunfermline opening up for business and there is an overwhelming appetite for live music and culture. I feel that this type of event is critical to improve wellbeing and connect our communities.”

Tickets for the festival can be bought online at https://outwithfestival.co.uk/.