Five days of Music, Film, Theatre, Writing, Art & Design

Outwith Venue 7:

Glen Pavilion @ Pittencrieff Park

Arab Strap // The Twilight Sad (Stripped Back) // Sergeant // Haiver // The Twistettes // Gulp // Siobhan Wilson // Connor Liam Byrne // The Froobz // Robyn Smith // and many more…

Plus!

• Dunfermline City Artisan Market
• Food stalls
• Beer tent
• Funfair
  and more!

Important Information:

• Wristbands can be collected on the day at the Outwith Box Office @ Glen Pavilion.
• Age restriction: 14 and over & Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
• Please bring ID. This venue operates a Challenge 25 policy.
• ID may be required to collect an 18+ wristband, allowing access to bar.
• Under 18’s cannot collect an 18+ wristband.
• ID and bag checks upon entry.

Outwith Venue 5:

Main Theatre @ Carnegie Hall

Outwith’s brand new youth music night, giving a platform to some of the best new bands in the area.

CALICO // SILENCED BLUE // KARNYX // PARMA VIOLENCE // BUZZKILL // ON THE RECORD

In additon, each band has been given the opportunity to record their music in a professional studio with Michael Brennan, whose producing credits include The Cure, Mogwai, and Primal Scream. The album will be available for purchase at the venue on the night, and throughout the festival from the Outwith Hub @ Carnegie Hall.

In partnership with Granton Youth and Substation Studio

Outwith Venue 5:

Main Theatre @ Carnegie Hall

The year is 1561. The Scottish Reformation has enforced an outright ban on rock’n’roll. Cue the arrival of Mary Stuart, one of the world’s biggest and most iconic musical artists… who happens to be the undisputed Queen of Rock! With the Scottish nobles and her cousin in England against her, can Mary get the country rocking? Or will heads roll?

A highly original take on a classic Scottish story. With new music, a live band, tragedy, comedy and characters you will love – it’s set to be an incredible night of entertainment.

★★★★★ (AllEdinburghTheatre.com)

★★★★★ (StageToPage.co.uk)

★★★★ (BroadwayBaby.com)

★★★★ (List)

★★★★ (WestEndBestFriend.co.uk)

★★★★ (MusicalTheatreReview.com)

Produced by Pretty Knickers Productions

Written by Mhairi McCall, Cal Ferguson, and Lewis Lauder

Outwith Venue 1:

Studio Theatre @ Carnegie Hall

Following the recent publication of Midnight and Blue, the latest work to feature legendary detective John Rebus, Sir Ian Rankin sits down with the BBC’s Nicola Meighan to discuss the cultural moments in his life that he considers most influential.

Born in Fife in 1960, Ian Rankin graduated from the University of Edinburgh. His first Rebus novel, Knots & Crosses, was published in 1987 and the series is now translated into twenty-two languages.

Ian Rankin has been elected a Hawthornden Fellow, and is a past winner of the Chandler-Fulbright Award. He is the recipient of four Crime Writers’ Association Dagger Awards including the prestigious Diamond Dagger in 2005. In 2004, Ian won America’s celebrated Edgar Award for Resurrection Men. He has been shortlisted for the Edgar and Anthony Awards in the USA and won Denmark’s Palle Rosenkrantz prize, the French Grand Prix du Roman Noir and Germany’s Deutscher Krimipreis.

Ian Rankin has received honorary degrees from the universities of Hull, Abertay, St Andrews and Edinburgh as well as The Open University and received an OBE for services to literature.

He lives in Edinburgh with his wife and two sons.

Outwith Venue 1:

Studio Theatre @ Carnegie Hall

13:00 – The Lodger (1927) with live musical accompaniment from Mike Nolan

A notorious serial killer is at large on the streets of London. As detectives work to crack the case of this Jack the Ripper-style figure, a landlady becomes suspicious of her mysterious lodger in the room above.

BBFC Rating: PG for mild threat

15:30 – The 39 Steps (1935) – 90th Anniversary Screening

Caught in a web of intrigue, Richard Hannay must go on the run to save himself and crack the case of the mysterious 39 Steps. In a thrilling chase across the country, he’ll be thrust into the arms of a steely female companion and find himself clinging to the Forth Rail Bridge. Featuring a specially recorded introduction for the film from the author’s biographer and granddaughter, Ursula Buchan.

BBFC Rating: U

Please note, films will screen without advertisements. Please arrive promptly for the stated time.

Supported by Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network, awarding funds from Screen Scotland and National Lottery funding from the BFI.

Outwith Venue 1:

Studio Theatre @ Carnegie Hall

Part of Alfred Hitchcock: The First Steps, Outwith’s celebration of 100 years of cinema from the legendary director.

Featuring with live piano accompaniment from pianist Mike Nolan, Hitchcock’s groundbreaking thriller from his early silent period marks the director’s first plunge into the suspense genre.

A notorious serial killer is at large on the streets of London. As detectives work to crack the case of this Jack the Ripper-style figure, a landlady becomes suspicious of her mysterious lodger in the room above.

BBFC Rating: PG for mild threat

Please note, films will screen without advertisements. Please arrive promptly for the stated time.

Supported by Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network, awarding funds from Screen Scotland and National Lottery funding from the BFI.

Outwith Venue 1:

Studio Theatre @ Carnegie Hall

Part of Alfred Hitchcock: The First Steps, Outwith’s celebration of 100 years of cinema from the legendary director.

The screening also marks Outwith’s celebration of John Buchan, marking 150 years since his birth. We are pleased to present a specially recorded introduction for the film from the author’s biographer and granddaughter, Ursula Buchan.

Caught in a web of intrigue, Richard Hannay must go on the run to save himself and crack the case of the mysterious 39 Steps. In a thrilling chase across the country, he’ll be thrust into the arms of a steely female companion and find himself clinging to the Forth Rail Bridge.

BBFC Rating: U

Please note, films will screen without advertisements. Please arrive promptly for the stated time.

Supported by Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network, awarding funds from Screen Scotland and National Lottery funding from the BFI.

Outwith Venue 1:

Studio Theatre @ Carnegie Hall

Celebrating 40 years of the classic cult comedy featuring an iconic soundtrack from Dunfermline’s own legendary rock band, Big Country. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Big Country’s Bruce Watson and screenwriter Ninian Dunnett. The conversation will be hosted by Nicola Meighan, BBC Radio Scotland broadcaster and host of popular arts & culture podcast, A Kick Up the Arts.

Two friends become modern-day highwaymen to rebell against their drab lives in 80s Edinburgh. Holding up tourist buses dressed as a Clown and the Wolfman, they soon become celebrated as folk heroes among locals and tourists, and the bane of the police.

BBFC Rating: 12

Please note, films will screen without advertisements. Please arrive promptly for the stated time.

Supported by Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network, awarding funds from Screen Scotland and National Lottery funding from the BFI.

Outwith Venue 1:

Studio Theatre @ Carnegie Hall

Outwith’s annual Short Film Night is back for another evening of fresh, thought-provoking shorts. Featuring some of the best upcoming talent from Scotland and beyond. It promises to be another exciting night of film.

Followed by drinks at Tiffany’s bar, offering the chance to chat and network with fellow filmmakers and film fans.

Please note, films will screen without advertisements. Please arrive promptly for the stated time.

Outwith Venue 1:

Carnegie Hall Studio Theatre

Come join our Outwith Festival team member Neneh @thelinentownhouse for an inspiring afternoon of interior design advice in the Carnegie Hall with Instagram interior stars @notaperioddrama, @storries.scottish.steadings @charitybeginsat and the Dunfermline based botanical artist @tupelotree. The event will be followed by drinks in Tiffany’s bar to meet and chat with the presenters and others passionate about interior design.

• Lou @notperioddrama will guide you through the essence of Dopamine Decor and how to create and keep a home that makes you happy.
• Marie @storriesscottishsteadings will tell us about her modern Scottish country style and how to grow an authentic Instagram presence— through connection, consistency, and collaborations that align with your values.
• Marie @charitybeginsat will share tips on ways to source and style vintage treasures for your home.
• Natasha of @tupelotree will be using seasonal florals and foliage, foraged locally, to show you how to make an easy table arrangement!
• Jennifer Cairney will share before and after images of a previously neglected 1930s ex council flat that she is taking from rough diamond to polished gem.

Outwith Venue 2:

Library @ Carnegie Hall

Outwith strives to shine the spotlight on new and up-and-coming talent. This year, we’re pleased to present the return of our Contemporaries strand, which provides a platform for young or underseen visual artists from the Fife area and beyond.

Entitled ‘Smorgasbord – Drawings and Objects 2025’ this exhibition showcases a stunning selection of the vibrant and pared back works of Dunfermline-based contemporary artist Marcus Oakley.

Multi award winning artist Elisha Enfield will exhibit her latest works at Dunfermline’s cultural hub Fire Station Creative.

Her work delves into the layered histories of human rituals, examining the shifting boundaries between absence and presence. Drawing from stories of fire and funerary rites, her paintings explore the macabre beauty of shared practices that traverse joy, reverence, and loss.

Enfield studied painting at the University of Brighton, graduating in 2011. Recent achievements include selection for the BEEP Painting Biennial, John Ruskin Prize, and ING Discerning Eye, where she has received both the Landscape and Midlands Prizes. Winner of Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year 2022, her work is held in public and private collections worldwide.

Introducing Thieves of Dunfermline II, an alternative art tour of Dunfermline led by artist Alan Grieve. Starting from Grieve’s studio Workspace Dunfermline, this city centre tour will feature his unique art making, fun facts, tall tales and iconic landmarks, all deivered with humour, pride and energy.

(This project is a sequel to Thieves of Dunfermline, a 2014 play by Jane Livingstone and Jonathan Cairney which presented an alternative view of the history of Dunfermline)

Outwith Venue 1:

Studio Theatre @ Carnegie Hall

150 years from the birth of one of the most influential Scottish novelists of the 20th century, Outwith is pleased to welcome Ursula Buchan to the festival. An award-winning writer, journalist, and popular historian, her biography of her grandfather, Beyond The Thirty-Nine Steps, recounted the extraordinary life of the author. Now, she delves into his literary accomplishments, with a fascinating talk about her grandfather’s vast body of work.

Outwith Venue 3:

Lecture Room @ Carnegie Hall

In this workshop, you will focus on finding inspiration, exploring different writing techniques, and nurturing your creativity in a stress-free environment. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, this workshop is designed to help you enjoy the process of writing and discover your unique voice. So dive in and have some fun!

Outwith Venue 3:

Lecture Room @ Carnegie Hall

Dip into your memories at this informal writing session facilitated by Marianne Berghuis which will use local landmarks as prompts as you learn how to create your very own memoir.

There will also be an opportunity, for those interested, to read work created at this session at Outwith Festival’s open mic night on 6 September.

Outwith Venue 4:

Tiffany’s @ Carnegie Hall

Come along to Outwith Festival ‘s first spoken word open mic night brought to you jointly by Outwit and Fife Writes. Get up and share your poetry and other writing or sit back and enjoy fresh new work delivered by the writers themselves.

Outwith Venue 2:

Library @ Carnegie Hall

Cowboy Like Me and other Swiftian lyrics will be the jumping off point for lively discussion and fun exercises in this unique workshop for Swifties and anyone looking to practise their literary analysis and criticism skills.

Outwith Venue 3:

Lecture Room @ Carnegie Hall

Do you know the Heebie Jeebies?

The Heebie Jeebies are always around you – you’ve just never seen them before… well, not until now! The Heebie Jeebies are tiny creatures who take care of Nature from dawn ‘till dusk through changing seasons, keeping everything just right for us!

But in a changing world, will there still be room for the Heebie Jeebies?

Join the Heebie Jeebies, with their insect puppet pals in tow, as they journey through the seasons to fix our World – before it’s too late!

Heebie Jeebies is a visual piece of theatre, created for children under seven and their carers, that combines multilingual storytelling (Gaelic, French and English), sensory communication, puppetry, and song, to inspire a deeper connection to Nature and to raise awareness of Climate Change for young audiences.

Presented by

Up and About Theatre

Outwith Venue 3:

Lecture Room @ Carnegie Hall

Gentle Sunday morning art class led by acclaimed children’s illustrator Catherine Lindow. This unique workshop is suitable for all ages although under 8s must be accompanied.

Outwith Venue 1:

Studio Theatre @ Carnegie Hall

Plus!

• Free activity packs.
• Free fruit courtesy of Tesco Dunfermline Fire Station.

This collection of six short films for our youngest viewers is sure to delight and amuse. A variety of stories and styles from around the world – this year featuring films from Germany, France, Lithuania, Australia and Spain.

A pufferfish tries to seem as big and strong as possible; Piglet and Cow have a blast ice-skating on a lake until they need to face the strange and unfamiliar world underneath them; a baker becomes allergic to flour and wonders how he will manage to keep baking for everyone in the village. Alfred wanders without a home until he meets Sonia who offers him a coffee; and five little monsters have fun following the signs.

All these short films are dialogue free. These magical tales will delight children age 3+ and are a colourful introduction to the cinema experience.

Duration: 45m

Age: 3+

Language: Dialogue free

Please note, films will screen without advertisements. Please arrive promptly for the stated time.

Discovery Shorts for Wee Ones is brought to you by Discovery Film Festival and Dundee Contemporary Arts.

Supported by Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network, awarding funds from Screen Scotland and National Lottery funding from the BFI.

Outwith Venue 1:

Studio Theatre @ Carnegie Hall

Plus!

• Free activity packs.
• Free fruit courtesy of Tesco Dunfermline Fire Station.

Colourful, imaginative, intriguing, amusing, moving… this collection of short films for those aged eight and above is all of that and much more.

The films in this year’s programme are from France, Portugal, Brazil, Mexico and the UK and present an eclectic mix of styles ranging from watercolour, cut outs, stop-motion, hand-drawn and 2D computer animation. Equally diverse are the array of stories here which promise to entertain and enchant children and adults alike.

Nearly all the films are dialogue free, with one in French language and another one with a brief line of poetry in Spanish.

Duration: 1h 1m

Age: 8+

Language: Dialogue free and French with English subtitles

Advisory: An enchanted forest made up of book pages that could appear a bit sinister, adult couples kissing, crabs cut in half.

Please note, films will screen without advertisements. Please arrive promptly for the stated time.

Discovery Shorts for Families is brought to you by Discovery Film Festival and Dundee Contemporary Arts.

Supported by Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network, awarding funds from Screen Scotland and National Lottery funding from the BFI.

Outwith Venue 4:

Tiffany’s @ Carnegie Hall

Delicious wine and delectable cheeses expertly paired by two of Dunfermline’s top foodie destinations Juniper Wine Cafe and Must Be Crackers Deli. Tickets always much in demand!

We will be offering 5 nurtured cheeses paired with 5 exciting wines.

Please note, by the nature of the cheeses, we will not able to offer vegetarian nor vegan alternatives. Also, some of the cheeses will be unpasteurised.

The Port of Rosyth handles a wide variety of cargo, including bulk, project, and RO-Ro. As part of the Forth Green Freeport initiative, Rosyth is playing a key role in strengthening Scotland’s trade infrastructure and supporting regional economic growth. You will be escorted through the city of Dunfermline to the Port of Rosyth and back again taking in many of the cultural sights along the way. There will be an onboard guide for the duration of the trip sharing some interesting stories about our incredible city and then on arrival at the Port you will be joined by Port Officials who will share their expertise with you. This really is a trip you don’t want to miss.

• There will be three separate one hour tours
• You choose which tour you wish to book onto
• Pick up will be the free car park at Pittencrieff Park, look out for the Outwith Festival Pop Up sign and the vintage red Routemaster bus

Allergen Warning: Please be aware that as a part of the Port of Rosyth Bus Tours, we will be driving through the bulk store. Which stores soya, an allergen. The vintage bus is an old style Routemaster, with an open rear, which is exposed to the outdoor air throughout the tour. Although there won’t be a high quantity of dust in the air, there is a risk of an allergic reaction for those suffering from soya allergy. If you feel you are reactive to this allergen, we advise you to not book on to the bus tour.

FAQ’s:

How long does each tour last?

Each tour will last 45mins to 1 hour. Please arrive 10 – 15 mins before your selected tour time.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Yes, children are allowed on the tour, but must be accompanied by an adult and remain seated for the duration of the tour.

Are pets allowed on the tour?

No pets are allowed on the tour due to health and safety reasons.

Back by popular demand and separate from the usual monthly event The Outwith Festival Cultural Quiz will still challenge the best Quizzers out there. So, get your team together & come a long to test your knowledge on a wide range of topics and have some fun too! This event was a sell out last year so we advise early booking to avoid disappointment. There is a prize for the winning team…

Team rules:

• Entry cost is £5 per person, payable on booking space on line
• Minimum 2, Max 6 people per team
• Must be 16+
• Quiz masters decision is final
• Use of mobile phones not permitted by team members during quiz rounds
• The venue will allocate each team a table so please make sure you have reserved and paid for the correct amount of players in your team. The reservation will be held under the name of the person making the reservation.

Meet at Carnegie Hall – main entrance

Get yourself in the right frame of mind to enjoy a weekend of Outwith Festival music and arts with this relaxing outdoor session led by Pete Hogg of Dunfermline-based Heading Out. Pete is an outdoor enthusiast with a background in teaching, coaching and training who set up Heading Out in 2024 to offer guided nature connection experiences and coaching.

After a very successful live podcast in 2023, Stoddcast returns for another live episode for Outwith Festival.

Special guest Will Taylor was the live drummer for The Damned along with many other bands, also working as a Drum Tutor. Gareth has been drumming for Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes for nearly a decade now as well as being a Music Educator for many years.

Stodds will be discussing their career highlights and previous bands and hearing anecdotes from their careers.

A must for music and drumming fans.

There will be a Q&A for any burning fan questions.