Young People's Delegate Day | 4 Oct 2025
A specially devised programme of interactive workshops, talks and activities for young people and youth organisations in D&G..
On Saturday 4 October we're running our annual Delegate Day for young people aged 14+ at the festival.
We're inviting young people's organisations and individuals in Dumfries and Galloway to join us for a specially devised programme of interactive workshops, talks, and activities.
Thanks to The Holywood Trust - it's free.
Lunch is provided and we can even help with transport if necessary.
If you’re accompanying a young person to the festival, please ask us about free and reduced tickets to main programme events at the festival. We want to make sure that designated drivers and carers have a great time too!
To sign up and choose your taster sessions, fill in the form linked below
Itinerary
10.30am: Arrival and Signup
Delegates will receive their passes, information about the day and a walk around the town. Scribble on our feedback wall. Quizzes and competitions. Light refreshments provided.
11am: Welcome and Keynote
Imogen Stirling
12pm: Taster Session One
Participants can choose between four different events (see below)
1.15pm: Lunch
Provided by Wigtown Festival Company
2.15pm: Taster Session Two
Participants can choose between three different events (see below)
3.15pm: Taster Session Three
Participants can choose between three different events (see below)
4.30pm: The Wash Up
Join up with the other delegates for ice cream and end-of-the-day socialising
KEYNOTE
Poet, playwright and performer Imogen Stirling opens Delegate Day with a keynote on the importance of voice and place. Known for her boundary-pushing fusion of spoken word, theatre and music, Imogen’s work has been described as “startling and expressive,” earning five-star reviews and international recognition.
Taster Sessions
Session One (12noon):
Molly Doubleday and Robert Parker: Scotland’s Digital Storytellers
Digital creators Molly Doubleday and Robert Parker are using Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms to share life, stories, and hidden gems from the Cairngorms and beyond. In conversation with local film director Jessica Fox, they’ll show how online storytelling can turn local adventures and landscapes into stories that reach audiences all over the world.
Elaine Thomson - Hawthorn: A Scottish Ghost Story
Hawthorn is a chilling new ghost story set in 19th-century Scotland. After a near-fatal accident, mapmaker Robert Sutherland is taken to Leask House to recover — but his rest is plagued by strange visions and dark secrets. The first in a series of supernatural tales tied to the seasons.
Mollie Hughes - Breathe: Life
Adventurer Mollie Hughes has explored some of the most extreme places on Earth, from climbing Mount Everest on both sides to skiing 700 miles solo to the South Pole. In her talk, she shares stories from these incredible journeys and from her new book Breathe. Drawing on her own experiences and those of other explorers, she reveals powerful lessons on resilience, unlocking potential, and coping with life’s challenges.
Session Two (2:15pm):
Influencing 101 with Alx Romance
Want to get your art seen by more people? Join music artist Alx Romance, whose organic content has racked up over 10 million views, for a hands-on workshop on creating short-form videos for social media. You’ll learn how to start making content with the skills and tools you already have, copy proven ideas and experiment to find what works, post consistently without getting stuck on perfection, provide value to your audience through entertainment, education, and inspiration and make Snapchat-style content that feels authentic and engaging. Alx will include a Q&A for any burning questions you may have on content creation!
Rhyme and Rhythm with Paragon Music
Jump in, get creative, and make music together! Explore singing, songwriting, and jamming on a bunch of instruments or bring your own. Led by Paragon’s pro musicians, this session is fun, inclusive, and open to everyone, with support for all access needs. Come make some noise, try something new, and see what you can create together!
Beat Making Workshop with Up Yer Airts
Fergus Henderson hosts a workshop that helps you turn your ideas into beats! This workshop is all about exploring sound, rhythm, and creativity. No experience? No problem. Just bring your curiosity and love for music.
Session Three (3:15pm)
Use your Voice: A Spoken Word Workshop with Loud Poets
Hosted by Loud Poets, this session invites you to explore the power of your own voice. Through writing prompts and performance games, you will discover how to articulate your unique perspective with creativity and confidence. Whether you are new to spoken word or already passionate about poetry, you will leave inspired and with new skills!
Say it Your Way with Imogen Stirling
Poetry isn’t about rules — it’s about making the page sound like you. In this fast-paced workshop, you’ll play with words, sharpen punchy lines, and build bold mini-poems that pack a hit. No pressure to perform, no need for “perfect” — just an hour of experimenting with style, rhythm, and voice. Come ready to write, scribble, and surprise yourself.
Journal Your Way to You with Annaliese Avery
Join journal-obsessed Annaliese Avery for a hands-on guide on how to personalise a journal that can help you get where you want to go and be who you want to be. Organise your thoughts and achieve your dreams!
