Photo by Purplebox
A huge, happy crowd of at least 15,000 came to Dumfries on the 250th birthday of Robert Burns, carrying lanterns and small children to enjoy processions and a spectacular fireshow on the Whitesands.
There was tangible excitement as the huge lantern processions wound their way down to the Whitesands, each procession led by a pipe band. Dumfries & Galloway's communities could be recognised by their lanterns, the Rhonehouse Horse, Allanton's Whole World, the Boys Brigade's Anchor and Mausoleum, Ewart Library's Ship, the Wee Byre's Flock of Sheep, bobbing above the crowd. Even the Dragon who led the procession in 1996 turned up, spruced up for a new celebration.
As darkness fell, the lanterns were lit, and an appreciative crowd enjoyed great music from the big stage and screen. The First Minister, flanked by his standard bearers who carried a huge Saltire lantern, spoke from the stage to thousands of people about the great atmosphere in Dumfries.
Crowds of people lined both sides of the river, standing in lines at every level they could find as the lone piper played on Devorgilla Bridge, and the Tam O'Shanter fire sculpture was spectacularly lit.
TV crews came to Burns Light from all over the world, and photographers from as far away as America squeezed onto the Devorgilla Bridge and onto walls to get the best angles.
Hotels in and around Dumfries report being full to capacity - a good sign in a cold, recession-hit January.
But in Dumfries & Galloway there's lots more to come!
http://www.homecomingonyourdoorstep.com/burns-light.html
Photo by Purplebox
http://flickr.com/photos/purplebox/3228873540/in/set-72157612965545865/
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