Civic Week Programme 2025

Published Categorised as News

Welcome

Dunbar Civic Week was established in 1970 to mark the 600th anniversary of the granting by King David II, King of Scots, of the Royal Charter creating the Burgh of Dunbar.

Civic Week is a celebration of our wonderful, growing community and an entertaining programme of events is put on by various community groups. These events reflect and celebrate the richness of our community life – its history, culture and people – and provide opportunities for people to come together and have some fun.

Programme subject to change.

Download the print version here:

Shimmering Flag Design Competition

Get creative and join the fun in our Shimmering Flag Design Competition as part of the Dunbar Civic Week Parade! We are looking for the shiniest, most eye-catching flag design to brighten up the event. Whether with glitter, sequins or shimmer paint – let your imaginations glow!

To enter, simply:

  • Create your dazzling flag design.
  • Label it clearly with your name and contact telephone number.
  • Place it in one of the sandcastle buckets at the stage area at the end of the parade.

Winners will be announced during Fun Day, so don’t miss your chance to shine and win a prize!

House Decorating Competition 2025

This year’s Civic Week theme is ‘SHIMMER!’ and we are inviting residents of all ages to help Dunbar sparkle by decorating your home with shimmer and shine. Whether with fairy lights, glittering garlands or a splash of creative flair let your house glow with the spirit of Civic Week. Join the fun, show your community pride and help us light up Dunbar with glittering displays one shimmering house at a time!

To enter:

  • Email a photo of your decorated house along with your full name and address to dunbarcw25@gmail.com by Friday 13th June 2025.
  • Winners will be announced at the Civic Week Celebration Service on Sunday 22nd June 2025.

Saturday 14th June 2025

Community Parade

Meet from 11.00 am outside Dunbar Swimming Pool. Parade begins at 11.30 am.

The Dunbar Pipe Band will lead the parade followed by the Royal Court and members of local Youth Organisations and groups as it makes its way to The Bleachingfield for the Crowning Ceremony and Fun Day. Keep your eyes open for a larger‐than‐life John Muir making an appearance. Everyone is welcome.

Civic Week Crowning Ceremony

12.00
Bleachingfield Park, Countess Crescent, EH42 1DX

The Civic Queen for 2025 will be crowned by Ms. Caroline Nelson. The Court is:

  • Queen: Rebecca Mitchell
  • Consort: Lucas McKee
  • Courtier: Lia Dai
  • Attendants: Jessica Mitchell and Carla Rollo-Gunn
  • Flower Girls: Zara Anderson & Eilidh Hammond
  • Page Boys: Alfie Phillips & Alex Moore

Civic Week Fun Day

12.30 – 16.00
Bleachingfield Park, Countess Crescent, EH42 1DX

The newly crowned Civic Queen, Rebecca Mitchell, will open the Fun Day. This year’s Fun Day includes performances from:

  • Dunbar School of Dance
  • Aine Hay Academy of Irish Dance
  • Dance Discovery
  • Dunbar Grammar School Bands

Activities and attractions:

  • NERF Wars hosted by JOJO Parties
  • Face Painting
  • Photo Booth by Kapture Photo Booth
  • Magician Fergus
  • Magician Gary
  • Slime Workshop
  • Archery
  • Silent Disco
  • Bouncy Castle
  • Fire Engine
  • Paintball
  • Assault Course
  • Nail Art
  • Cupcake Decorating
  • Potted Plants
  • Tug of War
  • Tattoos
  • Rock Painting
  • Races
  • Table Tennis Lessons

Community Stall Holders:

  • RNLI
  • Sustaining Dunbar’s Pledgehog Project
  • Dunbar Baptist Church
  • Dunbar ASN Collective SCIO
  • Nurture Baby and Me C.I.C
  • Youth Citizens Advice
  • Relay for Life
  • Dunbar Traders Association
  • ELC Social Work
  • Army Cadets
  • Dunbar Rotary Club
  • Coast Guard
  • Debt Advice
  • Sara Corey (selling “History of Dunbar”)

Food Vendors:

  • Big Blu Pizza
  • Shore Food (sweet and savoury crepes, coffee)
  • Seriously Dough Donuts
  • Wishing Tree by the Sea (ice‐cream bike)

Black Agnes Art Exhibition

14th – 22nd June 2025 | 13.00 – 16.30
Dunbar Town House Museum (Community Room)

A celebration of Lady Agnes Randolph (a.k.a. Black Agnes)—a historical figure known for her wit, bravery, intelligence and resilience during the Siege of Dunbar in 1338. On display will be multimedia artwork by local artists inspired by Agnes and her story. This exhibition launches on Saturday 14th June at 13.00. Free to attend. All are welcome.

Coast2Coast Surf School

Learn a new skill—try surfing or paddleboarding during Civic Week. Enjoy a 20% Civic Week discount on beginner lessons using code CIVICWEEK10. More information at www.c2csurfschool.com.

Sunday 15th June 2025

Civic Week Family Sunday at Lauderdale Park

Let the Civic Week atmosphere continue at Family Sunday in Lauderdale Park. Come along, bring a rug and a picnic, and enjoy the park with family and friends. The Wishing Tree by the Sea will be open for food, drinks and ice creams.

Sunday Market @ Lauderdale Park

11.00 – 16.00
Browse an array of trader stalls offering local produce, crafts or even an early Christmas gift.

Community Picnic

12.00 – 15.00
Enjoy the new playpark, the Book Barn, the Sensory Trail or the Silent Disco. Listen out for Dunbar’s Ukulele Band or Chris Yuile of Muddybuddies as he brings stories to life.

Dunbar ASN Community – PAMIS PAMILOO

The first Scottish Mobile Changing Places toilet, the Pamiloo, will be at Lauderdale Park to provide fully accessible toileting facilities for people with complex needs. Learn more at pamis.org.uk/campaigns/pamiloo/.

An Evening of Praise!

18.00
Dunbar Baptist Church, Dunbar Day Centre, Westgate, Dunbar EH42 1JL.
Also Facebook Live at 18.00—visit the Dunbar Baptist Church Facebook page. Join for familiar and new songs, with uplifting fellowship. Free.

Monday 16th June 2025

Dunbar Walking Football

12.45 – 14.00
Meet at 3G Astro, Dunbar Primary School, Lochend Campus, Hallhill, EH42 1QZ.
Kick‐off at 13.00, ends 14.00. Ladies over 40 and men over 50 are welcome to try the beautiful game at a slower pace.

Community Awards 2025

19.00
Townhouse, High Street, EH42 1ER.
Dunbar Community Council’s annual awards honour local people who have made a significant contribution in the past 12 months. The Civic Week Queen will be in attendance. By invitation only.

Tuesday 17th June 2025

Friends of Winterfield AGM

19.00
Winterfield Park, North Road (stone semicircle at north end of park).
Friends of Winterfield work with East Lothian Council on gardening, biodiversity and volunteer projects. All are welcome to attend the AGM and share ideas. No fee; donations welcome. Please dress for the weather.

Sustaining Dunbar: Filmshow “Salt of the Earth”

18.30 – 20.45
Townhouse, Community Room, High Street, EH42 1ER.
A collaboration between Wim Weber and Juliano Salgado. Free tickets—book at sustainingdunbar.org/topics/events/.

Wednesday 18th June 2025

Civic Week Social Cycle

18.30 – 20.30
Starts at The Bleachingfields.
Join Dunbar Cycle Club for a two‐hour social ride (approx. 26 km & 20 km groups), finishing with refreshments at The Station Yard. Contact Mike on 07828 087753.

Thursday 19th June 2025

Belhaven Community Garden – Tea and Tour

16.00 – 17.30
Belhaven Hospital, Beveridge Row, EH42 1TR.
Guided tour of the gardens and herb selection for tea, followed by a brew and blether in the beautiful setting. Free to attend.

“Try Bowls”

18.00 – 20.00
Dunbar Bowling Club, Station Road, EH42 1JX.
A free event—come and try lawn bowling with coaching provided.

Club & Community Sports Hub “Come and Try”

18.00 – 20.00
Hallhill Sports Centre, Kellie Road, Dunbar EH42 1RF (outdoor pitches).
Try a wide range of sports—hockey, rugby, golf, tennis, badminton and more. Open to all ages and abilities. Free.

Dunbar Writers Group Open Meeting

19.15 – 21.00
The Bleachingfield.
Join Dunbar Writers for a literary discussion. Bring work to share or simply listen. Open to anyone over 18; no experience necessary. Free. Contact info@tyneandeskwriters.org.uk.

Friday 20th June 2025

Dunbar Walking Football

12.45 – 14.00
Meet at 3G Astro, Dunbar Primary School, Lochend Campus, Hallhill, EH42 1QZ.
Kick‐off at 13.00, ends 14.00. Ladies over 40 and men over 50 welcome.

Tree Planting Ceremony

15.00
Sensory Garden, Lauderdale Park.
Join the Civic Week Queen and Royal Court for the planting of a commemorative tree.

Midsummer Cycle

18.00
Starts at Shore Road Car Park, Belhaven.
Easy ride to North Berwick for fish and chips or a picnic. Bring lights. Contact Mark on 07914 602123.

Sunset Supper – A Taste of the Mediterranean

19.30
The Harbour Chapel, 10 Victoria Street, Dunbar.
Enjoy a relaxed summer evening of Mediterranean‐inspired sharing platters and courses, hosted by The Good Table Catering Company. Tables may be shared. Booking required—details at harbourchapel.com/whats-on. Spaces limited.

Saturday 21st June 2025

The Space Dunbar Civic Week Skatepark Jam

14.00 – 16.00
Tree Scheme Skatepark.
Skatepark action with lessons, demos, music and hotdogs. Open to all; free. Bring your skateboard, BMX or scooter for an afternoon jam.

Celebrating 40 Years of Dunbar Lyric Group & DADADA

18.00 – 20.00
The Harbour Chapel, 10 Victoria Street, Dunbar.
Join fellow performing‐arts enthusiasts to celebrate the Lyric Group’s 40th year and DADADA’s upcoming 50th production. Browse displays and memorabilia, enjoy show tunes and a drink. All welcome.

Sunday 22nd June 2025

Family Cycle Ride – “Biking the Bounds”

10.00 – 11.30 (approx.)
Starts at The Bleachingfield. Route of approx. 11 km around the boundary of Dunbar and through West Barns. Easy pace on mostly quiet roads/paths. Contact Mark on 07914 602123.

Ceilidh in the Park

13.00 – 16.00
Lauderdale Park.
Outdoor ceilidh to raise funds for The Wave Project and Civic Week. Music and caller provided; beginner‐friendly. All ages welcome. Free (donations welcome). Tickets in advance at buytickets.at/wishingtreecafeandeventsltd/1692931.

Celebration Service

18.30
St. Anne’s Church.
Join for music, songs and readings from Salvation Army and singer Martha Cornish. The Civic Week Queen and Royal Court will attend.

Swim, Dip or Paddle with the Salty Sisters

19.00
Belhaven Bay.
Community charity swim for Dunbar Foodshare. All welcome; under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Free (donations encouraged). Enter water at your own risk.

Available Throughout Civic Week (14th – 22nd June 2025)

Black Agnes Art Exhibition

13.00 – 16.30 daily
Dunbar Town House Museum (Community Room).
Multimedia art inspired by Lady Agnes Randolph. Free; all ages welcome.

Coast2Coast Surf School Discount

20% discount on beginner surf and paddleboard lessons using code CIVICWEEK10. Visit c2csurfschool.com for details.

Dunbar Walking Football

12.45 – 14.00 on Monday and Friday
Meet at 3G Astro, Dunbar Primary School, Lochend Campus, Hallhill, EH42 1QZ. Kick‐off at 13.00. Ladies 40+ and men 50+ welcome. Free.

Dunbar Community Awards Exhibition

Ongoing displays at Townhouse, High Street, EH42 1ER. View nominations and winners from previous years. The Civic Week Queen will make guest appearances.

Friends of Winterfield Park Exhibits

Materials on Winterfield Park projects available at Winterfield Park, North Road. Visit any time; no charge.

Sustaining Dunbar Display

Information and resources at Townhouse, High Street. Drop in daily 13.00 – 17.00 for exhibits on local sustainability projects.

Belhaven Community Garden

Self‐guided tours daily 10.00 – 17.00 at Belhaven Hospital grounds, Beveridge Row, EH42 1TR. Tea and refreshments available.

Dunbar Writers Association Corner

Writing prompts and short reads on display in The Bleachingfield foyer. Open daily.

Coast Guard & RNLI Information Stand

Brochures and volunteer sign‐up at Bleachingfield Park (Fun Day) and Lauderdale Park (Market days). Free to browse.

Our Sponsors & Supporters

Main Sponsors: Dunbar Community Council, CWP, BeGreen

Co-Sponsors & Supporters:
Pixie Rose Flower Shop, The Sweetie Shop, Army Cadets Dunbar, Countess Launderette, The Royal Mackintosh Hotel, and all community groups listed below.

Thank you to our funders, supporters and community groups who have helped make this year’s programme of events possible.

Dunbar Civic Week Committee 2025:
Rena Keller (Lead), Bev Anderson, Cheryl Bell, Gayle Bell, Joanne Buchanan, Neil Houston, Alasdair Swan, Pippa Swan and George Robertson.
We are a team of volunteers helping to bring together and promote events and activities on behalf of community groups and organisations. We’re always seeking volunteers—if you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact us at: dunbarcw25@gmail.com

Legal Statement:
Dunbar Civic Week Committee is responsible only for the following events: The Community Parade, The Crowning Ceremony, Fun Day, Tree Planting and the Celebration of Civic Week. All other events in this programme are organised by local clubs and organisations who in turn are responsible for ensuring that all Health and Safety issues relating to the activity are correctly addressed, including public liability cover and risk assessments.

All information is correct at the point of going to print.

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Dunbar Civic Week was established in 1970 to mark the 600th anniversary of the granting by King David II, King of Scots, of the Royal Charter creating the Burgh of Dunbar.

Civic Week is a celebration of our wonderful, growing community and an entertaining programme of events is put on by various community groups. These events reflect and celebrate the richness of our community life – its history, culture and people – and provide opportunities for people to come together and have some fun.

Published
Categorised as News

By dunbar civic week

A Week of Community Spirited Fun