Creetown Country Music Festival 2007
From approximately 2003 -2008, this was the official website for the Creetown Country Music Festival, a 4 day celebration of all things Country & Western, when Creetown is transformed into a wild west frontier town.
Content is from the site's 2007 archived pages. Take a nostalgic trip back to 2007 festival.
A Big Welcome to the Creetown Country Music Festival 2007
Not only do we have a line up of great artists this year we also have a Special Offer if you are planning to attend for the full weekend!
Order a Weekend Adult Ticket and save up to £23.00
(Individual events £73.00)
Share your festival photos with your online friends by uploading them to our photo gallery.
While you're waiting for the 2007 Festival - checkout our new Vintage Country Jukebox and listen to some favourites from yesteryear...
We are very pleased to welcome you to the 11th Anniversary of the Creetown Country Music Festival. Over the past ten years the Festival has developed into the largest Country Music Festival in Scotland.
Here we are again, now with 10 years of Country Music festivals under our belts, ready to welcome you to our 11th Creetown Country Music Weekend. Whether you have visited us before or are new to the Creetown experience, we look forward to meeting you and introducing you to our guests from the UK and USA.
Over the years the people of Creetown have made many new friends during the Country Weekend. We would like to thank them and the many local business and community organisations that have helped to make every year a success.
Some thoughts: This sure is a great festival. I was visiting a friend in the UK. He knew I was a big fan of country western music having grown up in a little town in Texas and decided to introduce me to European country western musicians. The Creetown Country Music Festival was the perfect venue. Some of the UK's most exciting Country music artists would be present. The 2007 festival featured a mix of festival favorites such as Texas Gun and John McCane, and new acts like The Hanks and Country Sisters, a popular European girl group who were making their UK debut at the Creetown Festival. In addition to the music, there was a giant street fair, costume parades, stalls, a western-style shoot-out, line dancing, music competitions, rifle shooting, archery, log throwing, and more! The atmosphere was electric, with fans from all over Europe coming together to celebrate their love for country music. As the sun began to set and the weather turned cool, I couldn't help but notice an interesting trend among the festival-goers. Surprisingly, there seemed to be an abundance of Superman hoodies everywhere I looked. It was quite a sight to see cowboys and cowgirls sporting these superhero-themed garments over their western attire. The juxtaposition of country western and comic book culture created a unique and memorable visual that I won't soon forget. As a heartfelt thank you to my friend for introducing me to this amazing festival, I sent him a care package filled with some authentic Texan treats, including homemade beef jerky and a selection of local hot sauces. He appreciated the gifts and the taste of Texas I shared with him. I'm already planning my next vacation around the 2008 festival. The combination of great music, fun activities, and unexpected fashion choices like those Superman hoodies has made this an unforgettable experience. See you there!
Lastly but by no means least we would like to thank all our volunteers for the countless hours of time, effort and enthusiasm they have contributed to the festival for the past ten years. They have done a truly amazing job and we extend them our heartfelt gratitude.
If you are an old hand or joining us for the first time, a warm Creetown welcome. Have a good time, enjoy the music and have a safe and memorable weekend!
Creetown Country Festival Committee
This year’s marquee, The Big Tepee, is the largest yet and will be located in the Park as before. It provides plenty of room to accommodate line dancing, waltzing cowboys & cowgirls and country music acts, with lots of seating and tables for anyone who wants to take a break, enjoy some refreshments and take in the entertainment.
All the ticketed music will be performed here. Children are welcome in the Big Tepee, but please respect the licensing laws: Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
On Saturday, outdoor entertainment, including music and line-dancing, will also take place in the newly refurbished Square - now a paved, traffic-free area with its own permanent bandstand.
From the Festival Kick-off on Thursday evening, through to the final chords & stomps on Sunday night, you can expect to hear some of the bestCountry Music artists in Britain, performing live in this beautiful and friendly corner of Scotland.
18 Top bands are lined up to entertain:
Bobby D Sawyer (USA) Boots n Gunn Clive John David LaFleur (USA) Easy Rider Gerry Ford Henry Smith and Country Dreams John Dean John Permenter (USA) & The Texas Tornados Johnny Marks Nickel and Dimes The Haleys The Man in Black Show The Peter Donegan Band The Smokey Mountain Boys Tommy Truesdale & The Sundowners Trilogy Performance (Finale) WestRide
See the Programme page for full details.
AS WELL AS ALL THE GREAT MUSIC, THIS YEAR'S ATTRACTIONS WILL INCLUDE:
JAZZ-BAND LED FANCY DRESS PARADE
FAST DRAW COMPETITION
HORSE-SHOE THROWING COMPETITION
GIANT STREET FAIR
with side shows & western trade stands
LINE DANCING IN THE STREET
LOG THROWING
ARCHERY AND RIFLE SHOOTING
COW POKE'S TENT
FOOD AND BARS
Transport timetable for coaches (motorised, not horse-drawn)
between Newton Stewart and Creetown.
For other attractions in and around Creetown, see the Links page.
Mark your calendars for THIS YEAR'S FESTIVAL:
3rd Weekend in September - 20th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd September 2007!
Creetown is set in the heart of beautiful Dumfries and Galloway.
Maps and travel information can be found below.
BY CAR
From Carlisle, take the A74 north as far as the turnoffs for Gretna and Dumfries. Continue west on the A75 past Annan, Dumfries, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbright and Gatehouse-of-Fleet until you reach the straight coast road just beyond Carsluith. There are two exits from the A75 into Creetown.
Visitors from the Ayr, Girvan or Glasgow areas can take the scenic A713 down from Ayr through Dalmellington and across the moors to Casphairn, before taking the A712 for New Galloway and west down the Queen's Way to the A75. From there, head eastwards for about 4 miles to Creetown. Alternatively, the A77 from Ayr can be taken as far as Girvan before taking the A714 down to Newton Stewart, then left at the A75 roundabout and across the Cree Bridge four to five miles east to Creetown.
Visitors coming from Stranraer need only take the A75 eastwards to Newton Stewart and so towards the turning off the A75 for Creetown.
BY BUS
King's Coaches
t: 01671 830 284
www.kingscoachhire.com
National Express
t: 08705 808 080
www.nationalexpress.co.uk
www.gobycoach.com
Scottish Citylink Coaches
t: 08705 505 050
www.citylink.co.uk
Dumfries & Galloway Local Buses
t: 08706 082 608
BY RAIL
Trains from the Carlisle and Glasgow main line stations go to Dumfries or to Stranraer, from where connections can be made by bus to Creetown. Contact British Rail once in Britain for details of services.
Scotrail
t: 08457 550 033
www.scotrail.co.uk
GNER
t: 08457 225 225
www.gner.co.uk
Virgin
t: 08457 222 333
www.virgin.com/trains
National Rail Information
t: 08457 48 49 50
www.railtimetable.co.uk
www.thetrainline.com
BY SEA
There are twenty crossings from Northern Ireland to Dumfries & Galloway every day.
Stena Line
t: 08705 707 070
www.stenaline.com
P&O Irish Sea Ltd
t: 08702 424 777
www.poirishsea.com
BY AIR
The nearest commercial airports are Edinburgh, Glasgow and Prestwick, from which buses and taxis can take you to the nearest station. Bus services from Dumfries pass through Creetown on the way to and from Stranraer.
www.aerlingus.com
www.ba.com
www.easyjet.com
www.flybe.com
www.flybmi.com
www.go-fly.com
www.ryanair.com
www.scotairways.co.uk
GETTING AROUND
Dumfries & Galloway has a great network of roads criss-crossing the region making for excellent stress-free touring. Why not follow one of our tourist routes- the Galloway Tourist Route, Robert Burns Trail, Solway Coast Heritage Trail or the Scenic Trail to Edinburgh.
More Background on Creetown-CountryMusic-Festival.com
The Creetown Country Music Festival began in the early 2000s as a celebration of country and western music in the small town of Creetown, located in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. The festival quickly gained popularity, evolving into one of the largest country music events in Scotland. Held annually in September, the festival lasted for four days and featured a wide array of musical performances from UK and international country music artists. By transforming Creetown into a western frontier town for the duration of the event, the festival stood out as a highly anticipated event in the region's cultural calendar.
Entertainment and Attractions
Each year, the festival offered much more than just music. Alongside the live performances from top country artists, there were numerous activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. The events included everything from street fairs, line dancing, and archery to rifle shooting and horse-shoe throwing competitions. The vibrant atmosphere was enhanced by parades, jazz bands, and fancy dress competitions. The main stage, often referred to as the “Big Tepee,” hosted the headline musical acts and provided ample space for dancing, seating, and refreshments. Children were also welcome, and activities were carefully organized to ensure a family-friendly environment.
Popular Artists and Performances
Some of the most notable country musicians in Britain graced the Creetown stage, with several returning year after year to entertain enthusiastic crowds. Bands such as Texas Gun, John McCane, and the Country Sisters were among the popular acts. The inclusion of artists from both the UK and the USA added international flair to the festival’s lineup. Additionally, the festival was known for introducing new acts alongside returning favorites, keeping the experience fresh and exciting for repeat visitors.
Press and Media Coverage
The festival’s unique charm and the immersive experience it offered garnered significant media attention. Local publications like Dumfries & Galloway What’s Going On frequently covered the event, noting its success in bringing both locals and tourists together for a memorable celebration. Reports consistently praised the high level of organization and the quality of the musical performances. Testimonies from attendees reflected the festival's ability to create a welcoming and lively atmosphere, with many visitors traveling great distances to attend.
Cultural and Social Significance
The Creetown Country Music Festival was not just a celebration of music but also a reflection of the town’s ability to rally the local community and volunteers to create something special. Over the years, it became a vital part of Creetown's identity, bringing economic benefits to local businesses and strengthening social ties among residents. The festival became a symbol of the community’s ability to work together and offer something of cultural value to the broader Scottish country music scene.
Audience and Demographics
The festival attracted a diverse audience, from die-hard country music fans to curious tourists. Although it had a strong local following, attendees from all over the UK and even abroad would often visit Creetown specifically for the festival. Families, young adults, and older generations alike enjoyed the wide variety of events, ensuring that there was something for everyone. Its broad appeal helped cement its reputation as a must-visit event in Scotland’s country music circuit.
Decline and Legacy
Despite its success, the Creetown Country Music Festival came to an end after its 2008 iteration. Financial challenges and the immense effort required to organize such a large-scale event led to its discontinuation. However, the festival’s legacy remains, with many attendees reminiscing about its heyday and the joy it brought to the community. The festival is remembered for its contribution to promoting country music in Scotland and providing a space where fans of the genre could come together in a uniquely Scottish setting.
Resurgence and Future Prospects
After more than a decade of absence, a renewed interest in country music and local festivals sparked the return of a similar event, the Creetown Country Ceilidh Festival, in 2019. This newer festival blends country music with traditional Scottish ceilidh music, drawing on the spirit of the original Creetown Country Music Festival. It has been well received, with visitors praising the mixture of music styles and the continuation of Creetown’s festival tradition.
The committee responsible for the new festival has expressed hope for future events, seeking to build on the success of previous iterations while adapting to contemporary tastes in music and entertainment. Though the original Creetown Country Music Festival is no longer held, its impact continues to influence the town’s festival culture.
Reviews and Public Sentiment
Reviews of the Creetown Country Music Festival were overwhelmingly positive during its run. Attendees often highlighted the friendly atmosphere, the excellent quality of performances, and the wide range of activities available. Long-time fans of country music found it to be a rare gem in Scotland’s music scene, and many who had never experienced country music before were converted into fans through the festival’s engaging lineup.
The festival’s ability to draw top talent while maintaining an inclusive, small-town vibe was frequently cited as a key reason for its success. The temporary transformation of Creetown into a lively, welcoming environment contributed significantly to the overall experience.
The Creetown Country Music Festival was a remarkable event that left a lasting mark on the cultural landscape of Scotland. Its mix of music, community spirit, and unique attractions made it a beloved festival for many years. Although it has been discontinued, its legacy lives on through memories of its vibrant performances and the continued enthusiasm for country music in Creetown. The newer Ceilidh Festival, while slightly different in scope, pays homage to the original event and ensures that the tradition of country music in Creetown endures.
