What's on in Dumfries

This Christmas, Sempre Amabile presents a rich and thoughtfully woven programme of music celebrating both the season and the many facets of the human experience. Alongside beautiful sacred works by John Rutter and Benjamin Britten, audiences will enjoy timeless favourites from the American Songbook, bringing warmth, nostalgia and sparkle to the festive season. The programme also features carefully curated sacred and secular music reflecting life from a woman’s perspective — music of joy, strength, tenderness, hope and reflection — performed with the signature warmth and musical sensitivity for which Sempre Amabile is known. Full programme TBC. **Artists:** Sempre Amabile, choir **Sempre Amabile, choir** Founded in 2018, Sempre Amabile is a women’s choir based in Kendal, formed largely by former members of the Amabile Choirs family. The choir shares a love of choral singing of a high standard, enjoying concerts, competitions and the companionship that comes from making music together. In October 2025, Sempre Amabile enjoyed considerable success at the Isle of Man Festival of Choirs, winning the Ladies’ Choir class, the Open Category and the overall Choir of the Festival award. The choir is also very pleased to have been accepted to take part in the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in July 2026. Recent collaborations have included performances with Solway Singers, and the choir is looking forward to singing with Bechgyn Bro Taf, the Cardiff-based male voice choir. Sempre Amabile enjoys singing music from a wide range of styles and periods, from madrigals to musical theatre. At the heart of the choir’s music-making is a love of the relationship between words and music, and a desire to communicate both clearly and honestly to an audience. The choir particularly enjoys exploring the colour and flexibility of its sound in response to different repertoire. **Charlotte Jackson, musical director** Charlotte Jackson has made a significant contribution to choral music through her work as founder of Amabile Choirs, Musical Director of Sempre Amabile and founder of Lyris for Women in Carlisle. Having stepped away from teaching singing in schools, her focus is now on directing Sempre Amabile, shaping the Senior Choir at Austin Friars School and developing her work with women’s voices through Lyris. This includes individual consultations, small group online sessions and her women’s choir. Her work is rooted in a commitment to musical excellence, alongside a belief in the importance of connection and shared experience in singing. Under her direction, Sempre Amabile has become known for its thoughtful programming and finely shaped performances, while the Amabile Choirs have provided a supportive and structured environment for young singers to develop. Charlotte works with both experienced singers and those returning to their voices, creating a space that is both musically rigorous and warmly inclusive. Her work continues to centre on the development of the individual voice within the collective sound and on the lasting value of singing together. **David Battersby, pianist** David Battersby is a distinguished accompanist known for his exceptional talent and dedication to the art of music. Having honed his skills at the prestigious London College of Music and the Royal College of Music, he has garnered numerous accolades, awards, and bursaries throughout his illustrious career. Under the tutelage of Martino Trimiro at Morley College, David further refined his craft, enabling him to perform at major musical venues across the country. His upcoming schedule includes a performance at Classically Lowther in July 2026, and he is in high demand as an accompanist for soloists and ensembles across the North West. David’s contributions to the Amabile Choirs exemplify his commitment to excellence in music and his ability to elevate every performance with his artistry. **Tickets** - Full – £20 (+ booking fee) - Under 26s – free

Young at Heart is a social group for the over 50s, formed at Summerhill Community Centre in February 2012 and now more than 100 members strong. Music and dancing, guest speakers, bingo and games, every Monday from 2pm to 4pm. Everyone is made very welcome — come along one Monday, or call the centre on 01387 247344.

An open workshop for anyone who needs access to tools and spares to repair their bike or work to bring an old bike back to life. Get help improving and sharing bike maintenance skills.

After George Bailey (James Stewart) wishes he had never been born, an angel second class (Henry Travers) is sent to earth to make George's wish come true. George starts to realise how many lives he has changed and how they would be different if he were never there.

Heartwarming and visually stunning take on Dr Seuss' beloved Christmas classic. The Grinch is a despicable grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl in a universal story about the spirit of Christmas and the power of optimism.

Legend combines with rip-roaring comedy as Robin and his trusted band of Merry Men try to outfox the baddie we love to hate – the Sheriff of Nottingham. Meanwhile, Nurse Nellie Nickerlastic is desperately trying to protect the Babes from the clutches of the Sheriff’s bungling henchmen, Snivel and Grovel. It’s fun and frolics all the way with a hilarious schoolroom scene, not to mention the mayhem of Nellie’s haunted boudoir! Cram-packed with comedy, this true pantomime version offers oodles of Chorus involvement, audience participation and honest-to-goodness family fun! **Doors open:** 13:00

Queen of the South vs Peterhead. William Hill League One. Kick-off at 15:00

Santa's clumsy son Arthur sets out on a mission with Grandsanta to give a misplaced present to a young girl in less than two hours on Christmas Day. Screening for its 15th Anniversary - it was the very first film shown at the RBC on digital in 2011.

Young at Heart is a social group for the over 50s, formed at Summerhill Community Centre in February 2012 and now more than 100 members strong. Music and dancing, guest speakers, bingo and games, every Monday from 2pm to 4pm. Everyone is made very welcome — come along one Monday, or call the centre on 01387 247344.

The perfect double bill, this seasonal duo is full of delightful rhymes from Julia Donaldson, lovable characters and fantastic animation. When Stick Man falls from the family tree and is separated from his family, he must overcome great obstacles to return home.

Late on Christmas Eve, a boy sits in bed doubting the existence of Santa Claus and waiting to hear the sound of sleigh bells. Instead, a magical steam engine roars outside his window and he begins an extraordinary journey towards the North Pole and beyond his imagination.

The perfect double bill, this seasonal duo is full of delightful rhymes from Julia Donaldson, lovable characters and fantastic animation. When Stick Man falls from the family tree and is separated from his family, he must overcome great obstacles to return home.

Late on Christmas Eve, a boy sits in bed doubting the existence of Santa Claus and waiting to hear the sound of sleigh bells. Instead, a magical steam engine roars outside his window and he begins an extraordinary journey towards the North Pole and beyond his imagination.

Queen of the South vs Alloa Athletic. William Hill League One. Kick-off at 15:00

Young at Heart is a social group for the over 50s, formed at Summerhill Community Centre in February 2012 and now more than 100 members strong. Music and dancing, guest speakers, bingo and games, every Monday from 2pm to 4pm. Everyone is made very welcome — come along one Monday, or call the centre on 01387 247344.

**Programme:** Mozart, Twelve Variations on “Ah vous dirai-je, Maman” Beethoven, Piano Sonata No.15 D major Op. 28 (Pastoral) Interval Liszt, Six Consolations Khachaturian, Vocalise , Lullaby from Gayane, Adagio from Spartacus, Sabre Dance **Artist:** Iyad Sughayer, piano **Iyad Sughayer, piano** Chosen as ‘One to Watch’ by International Piano Magazine, Iyad’s debut album Khachaturian Piano Works for BIS Records was described by Gramophone as “…exhilarating and delivered with perfect clarity…” and “…an outstanding debut…” by BBC Music Magazine. Iyad’s second recording for BIS with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Andrew Litton was released to critical acclaim in autumn 2022. In October 2025, Iyad will record the third and final disc, completing the complete piano music of Khachaturian on BIS. Nominated as a 2022 ‘Rising Star’ by Classic FM, Iyad was a prize-winner at the Young Classical Artists Trust international auditions in 2021. During the 2024/25 season Iyad made his debut in Bogota in Colombia, as well as undertaking his first professional tour of North America, including debut recitals in Toronto, Middlebury College Vermont, University of South Florida, Northeastern College in California where he was chosen as the Dewing Artist at Mills College. Previous highlights include Iyad’s return to the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, performances at major venues such as the Berlin Konzerthaus, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Wigmore Hall, Laeiszhalle Hamburg, and the Bridgewater Hall, as well as appearances at leading UK festivals including Brighton, Bath and Lake District Summer Music. He has also featured in prominent recital series at the Royal Concert Hall Nottingham, Perth Concert Hall, and Leeds Town Hall. **Tickets** - Full – £20 (+ booking fee) - Under 26s – free

Young at Heart is a social group for the over 50s, formed at Summerhill Community Centre in February 2012 and now more than 100 members strong. Music and dancing, guest speakers, bingo and games, every Monday from 2pm to 4pm. Everyone is made very welcome — come along one Monday, or call the centre on 01387 247344.

Dumfries Saints Senior Women vs East Kilbride. Arnold Clark West Region League Division 3 (Women's). Kick-off at 14:00

Young at Heart is a social group for the over 50s, formed at Summerhill Community Centre in February 2012 and now more than 100 members strong. Music and dancing, guest speakers, bingo and games, every Monday from 2pm to 4pm. Everyone is made very welcome — come along one Monday, or call the centre on 01387 247344.

Queen of the South vs Airdrieonians. William Hill League One. Kick-off at 15:00

Dumfries Saints Senior Women vs Dalkeith. National Plate (Women's). Kick-off at 14:00

Young at Heart is a social group for the over 50s, formed at Summerhill Community Centre in February 2012 and now more than 100 members strong. Music and dancing, guest speakers, bingo and games, every Monday from 2pm to 4pm. Everyone is made very welcome — come along one Monday, or call the centre on 01387 247344.

Young at Heart is a social group for the over 50s, formed at Summerhill Community Centre in February 2012 and now more than 100 members strong. Music and dancing, guest speakers, bingo and games, every Monday from 2pm to 4pm. Everyone is made very welcome — come along one Monday, or call the centre on 01387 247344.

Queen of the South vs Cove Rangers. William Hill League One. Kick-off at 15:00

Young at Heart is a social group for the over 50s, formed at Summerhill Community Centre in February 2012 and now more than 100 members strong. Music and dancing, guest speakers, bingo and games, every Monday from 2pm to 4pm. Everyone is made very welcome — come along one Monday, or call the centre on 01387 247344.

**Programme:** Bach, Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord in G Major, BWV 1027 Rameau, Gavotte et six Doubles Ligeti, Sonata for Solo Cello Interval Stravinsky, Suite Italienne Piazzolla, Le Grand Tango **Artists:** Ivan Sendetsky, cello & Vladimir Stupnikov, accordion **Ivan Sendetsky, cello** Presently studying with Josephine Knight at London’s Royal Academy of Music and Danjulo Ishizaka at the Hochschule für Musik Basel, Ivan Sendetsky is a graduate of the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin and the New England Conservatory. He won top prizes at the Grunewald Competition in 2024, Vienna Music Competition (2024), Schoenfeld Competition (Harbin, 2023) and Tchaikovsky Competition (2023). As a chamber musician, he performs in the SenS Duo with accordionist Vladimir Stupnikov. Besides appearing at the Verbier, Schlern, Vivacello and Avilés festivals, his concert engagements have taken him to major Russian concert halls, Vienna Musikverein, Philharmonie Berlin and Tonhalle Zürich. Having collaborated with conductors such as David Geringas, Teodor Currentzis and Pablo Heras-Casado, he has performed with artists like Aylen Pritchin and Konstantin Emelyanov. **Vladimir Stupnikov, accordion** Vladimir Stupnikov is one of the brightest representatives of the young generation of accordionists, winner of many international competitions, musician who performs on the most prestigious concert stages of the world, active member of different musical ensembles. Vladimir was born on the 31st of August, 1996 in Ufa, Russia. In 2009, he graduated with honours from Music School №5 where he was taught by R.Hamatiarov. After that, he moved to Saint Petersburg in order to attend the Special Music School as a student of professor Dmitriev A. At the age of 12 Vladimir won his first prize at the International competition in St. Petersburg. Since that time, he has started his successful musical career. Every year he wins international competitions, takes part in different festivals and concerts in Russia and abroad. Several times, he performed at “International Accordion Festival” in St.Petersburg. Vladimir is a prize-winner of more than 20 International competitions, including the Competition of Accordionists in Сastelfidardo (Italy 2011, 1st prize), Competition of Accordionists in Klingenthal (Germany, 2014, 1st prize), Trophee Mondial (Switzerland 2015, 1st prize), Coupe Mondiale (Finland 2017, 1st prize), Competition of Accordionists in Mons (Belgium 2017, 1st prize). **Tickets** - Full £20 (+ booking fee) - Under 26s – free

Young at Heart is a social group for the over 50s, formed at Summerhill Community Centre in February 2012 and now more than 100 members strong. Music and dancing, guest speakers, bingo and games, every Monday from 2pm to 4pm. Everyone is made very welcome — come along one Monday, or call the centre on 01387 247344.

Queen of the South vs East Fife. William Hill League One. Kick-off at 15:00

Young at Heart is a social group for the over 50s, formed at Summerhill Community Centre in February 2012 and now more than 100 members strong. Music and dancing, guest speakers, bingo and games, every Monday from 2pm to 4pm. Everyone is made very welcome — come along one Monday, or call the centre on 01387 247344.

Young at Heart is a social group for the over 50s, formed at Summerhill Community Centre in February 2012 and now more than 100 members strong. Music and dancing, guest speakers, bingo and games, every Monday from 2pm to 4pm. Everyone is made very welcome — come along one Monday, or call the centre on 01387 247344.

Queen of the South vs East Kilbride. William Hill League One. Kick-off at 15:00

**THE UK’S FIRST INTERACTIVE SERIAL KILLER INVESTIGATION** Join the investigation in 'Can You Catch a Serial Killer?' Featuring real-life cases through dramatised crime scene mock-ups, criminal profiling, investigative techniques, forensic evidence, and simulated autopsies. You’ll connect the dots, analyse the clues, and catch a killer - LIVE! Hosted by serial killer expert Cheish Merryweather, this immersive experience features fictionalised reconstructions, audience voting via CLiKAPAD and high-pressure investigative simulations. Cheish challenges you to make critical decisions before the killer strikes again. Recommended age 16+ Contains intense themes, realistic crime scene reconstructions, and graphic simulated autopsy material. LIVE VOTING When you arrive at Theatre Royal, you’ll be directed to where you can collect your Clikapad. Each device can be worn securely on a lanyard, so you can keep it with you comfortably while watching the show. REVIEWS FOR PREVIOUS SHOWS "EXCELLENT! ‘Combines the grisly business of murder with some fun along the way!" - Kent Live ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A thoroughly enjoyable night out" - Sussex Courier ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Fascinating night for a true crime fan, or anyone interested in how the human brain works. A great night at the theatre." - StageSideUK ⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I was hanging on every word — mind-blowing content. 5 out of 5 stars.” - Rotherham Advertiser ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ **Doors open:** 14:00 **Please note:** Age 16+ recommended

Young at Heart is a social group for the over 50s, formed at Summerhill Community Centre in February 2012 and now more than 100 members strong. Music and dancing, guest speakers, bingo and games, every Monday from 2pm to 4pm. Everyone is made very welcome — come along one Monday, or call the centre on 01387 247344.

**Programme:** Grieg, Sonata no.3 Brahms, Sonata no.3 Interval Vitali, Chaconne Ravel, Tzigane Bizet-Waxman, Carmen Fantasy **Artists:** Filip Pogády, violin & Simon Callaghan, piano **Filip Pogády, violin** Filip Pogády has been hailed by critics for his “beauty of tone,” “lightning-like virtuosity” (Russkoe Slovo), and “commanding performance” (The New York Times), establishing himself as one of the most captivating violinists of his generation. Pogády has performed on many of the world’s most prestigious stages, including New York’s Lincoln Center, Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Prague’s Rudolfinum, the Tel Aviv Opera House, Kamakura Arts Center in Japan, Natori Arts Center in Tokyo, Lotte Concert Hall and Seoul Arts Center in South Korea. His international appearances have earned him a loyal following and critical acclaim for both his technical mastery and emotional depth. On screen, Pogády has appeared in high-profile television performances and collaborations. He was featured on the David Letterman Show alongside Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros and hip-hop supergroup Deltron 3030, and performed with global superstar Bad Bunny on Saturday Night Live. He also made a guest starring as a subway violinist in Season 2, Episode 6 of Louis CK’s acclaimed series LOUIE on FX. A prodigious talent from an early age, Pogády gave his solo debut with orchestra at age 11 at the Wiener Konzerthaus after winning first prize in the Tsusuki Violin Competition—becoming the youngest contestant to do so. He went on to win first prize in Austria’s nationwide competition Prima La Musica three times, and received special honors from the Austrian String Society and Raiffeisen Bank for his exceptional performances. **Simon Callaghan, piano** Simon Callaghan performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician, in parallel with a highly successful career as a recording artist. A favourite performer at the internationally-renowned Husum Festival of Piano Rarities in Germany, Callaghan’s recent sell-out concert was praised by VAN Magazine as a “cleverly curated recital full of discoveries” and by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung as “technically brilliant”. Callaghan has developed a wide following and appears on a regular basis in the UK’s major concert halls, and on tours to Asia, North America and Europe. As concerto soloist, he has recently collaborated with the Ulster Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Royal Northern Sinfonia and the Sinfonieorchester St Gallen, with conductors including Jac van Steen, Martin Yates and Martyn Brabbins. Recital partners have included Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Jack Liebeck, Nicholas Daniel, Julian Bliss, Adrian Brendel, Feng Ning, Raphael Wallfisch, Ruth Rogers, Samuel West, Prunella Scales and Timothy West. BBC Young Musician of the Year Finalist Coco Tomita and Callaghan have a successful duo partnership which saw their second record released in 2024 on Orchid Classics. He is also a founding member of the London Piano Quartet, joining colleagues from the renowned Piatti Quartet to showcase the repertoire for piano quartet with a particular focus on revivifying works that have fallen into obscurity. **Tickets** - Full £20 (+ booking fee) - Under 26s – free

Young at Heart is a social group for the over 50s, formed at Summerhill Community Centre in February 2012 and now more than 100 members strong. Music and dancing, guest speakers, bingo and games, every Monday from 2pm to 4pm. Everyone is made very welcome — come along one Monday, or call the centre on 01387 247344.

Queen of the South vs Ross County. William Hill League One. Kick-off at 15:00

Young at Heart is a social group for the over 50s, formed at Summerhill Community Centre in February 2012 and now more than 100 members strong. Music and dancing, guest speakers, bingo and games, every Monday from 2pm to 4pm. Everyone is made very welcome — come along one Monday, or call the centre on 01387 247344.

Young at Heart is a social group for the over 50s, formed at Summerhill Community Centre in February 2012 and now more than 100 members strong. Music and dancing, guest speakers, bingo and games, every Monday from 2pm to 4pm. Everyone is made very welcome — come along one Monday, or call the centre on 01387 247344.

Young at Heart is a social group for the over 50s, formed at Summerhill Community Centre in February 2012 and now more than 100 members strong. Music and dancing, guest speakers, bingo and games, every Monday from 2pm to 4pm. Everyone is made very welcome — come along one Monday, or call the centre on 01387 247344.