WHAT’S ON – APRIL onwards 2025
WHAT’S ON at DUFF HOUSE and some other local events
18th (Fri), 19th (Sat) and 20th (Sun) Easter Eggsplorer Trails at Duff House
Could it be the horse-o’-the woods, the capercaillie? Jenny Hoolit, the tawny owl? Or maybe it’s the red-nebbit fisherman, the puffin?
Follow the clues to figure out who’s missing, and you might just receive an egg-citing chocolatey reward! Normal admission applies.
1st May (Thu) to 29th June (Sun) Exhibition at Duff House:
“DUFF HOUSE 1939 – 1945; Some of the Many Lives of Duff House”
The 80th anniversary of VE Day is 8th May this year. Banff Castle, the Banff Preservation and Heritage Society and Friends of Duff House have worked together to have simultaneous exhibitions at Banff Castle (free entry – see below), Museum of Banff (free entry – see below) and Duff House (included in Duff House admission. Note there is a special £4.50 exhibition only ticket).
The Duff House exhibition includes the results of some new FoDH research, some images of Duff House during the war, and an interpretation of the war map which was drawn on a wall within Duff House (outside of the public areas). Two relevant books are available in the shop for purchase.
1st May to end Sept Exhibition at the Museum of Banff
See some wartime artefacts.
Free entry; open (tbc) Wed 2pm – 4pm; Thu, Fri, Sat 10.30am – 1pm
1st May (Thu) to 24th Aug (Sun) 2025 Exhibition “Private Landscapes” – a selection of George Wilson’s works
George was born in 1848 at Tochieneal near Cullen, but studied art in London. He was a detailed landscape painter and his works include a number of local views. He also travelled, with some of his portfolio from Algeria and Italy. He didn’t exhibit much in his life, which was relatively short, dying when only 41 years old. As one commentator said “frustratingly, he never, ever, considered signing his paintings!” This exhibition has been made possible thanks to a kind family benefactor.
2nd May (Sun) 7pm Film showing at Banff Castle.
A screening of “Casablanca” – the classic romantic drama set during WW2. Tickets £6 on the door.
3rd May (Sat) to 31st May (Sat) Exhibition: Banff Castle: “Banffshire at War”
An exhibition in the room above the Café; there is lift access via the café.
Free entry; open Tue: 1.30 – 4 pm; Wed: 1 – 4 pm; Thu & Fri: 10am – 4pm; Sat: Noon – 4pm (Sun & Mon: Closed).
10th May (Sat) 10.45am to 6pm Banff Castle VE & Community Showcase Day
This is going to be a major event with so much happening; you are strongly recommended to go along! It is a ticketed event, which can be purchased at Banff Castle VE & Community Showcase Day Tickets, Sat, May 10, 2025 at 10:45 AM | Eventbrite. FoDH will have a stall there.
Also for sale at this event will be a new book which includes the winners of the VE Day creative writing competition, and the poster competition, from our local schools, which FoDH have sponsored. The story prompt is “The Parachute Mystery; it’s early one summer morning in 1944. The Second World War is still ongoing, but the Allies are advancing. In the grounds of Banff Castle, a parachute is found hanging in a tree …..”. The entries are most inventive!
14th May (Wed) 2pm Illustrated talk at Banff Castle “A Wartime Childhood” by John Cameron
Organised by the Tuesday Talks in conjunction with FoDH and Banff Castle. Free entry.
Sub-title is “A Gamrie loon’s poignant memoir of life during the war”. John has very kindly agreed to travel up from his present home to where he was brought up, to share his memories. This is an enhanced version of the talk he gave in 2023 to Cullen Heritage. Allow 1½ to 2 hours.
17th May (Sat) Artists Studio Sale at Banff Parish Church Hall (St Mary’s)
The Forge Banff is organising many local artists who will have their work on display over the weekend. Everyone is welcome to come along. Watch www.theforgebanff.co.uk or The Forge Banff on facebook for updates. AS The Forge puts it, “Original art at bargain prices!”
7th June (Sat) – details tba Presentation to the town of Banff on behalf of the Argentine Embassy
3rd July (Thu) to end August (Dates tbc) Exhibition at Duff House “The Many Lives of Duff House”
Principally telling the story, following considerable research by a Canadian University, of Duff House’s time as both a hotel (twice) and as a Sanatorium.
10th July (Thu) Outside theatre at Duff House “Twelfth Night”
Folksy Theatre will be doing another of their excellent performances in front of Duff House. Doors open 6.15pm, performance starts 7pm. Bring something to sit on and a picnic! Dress appropriately for the weather on the day!
Tickets from www.historicenvironment.scot or on arrival that evening.
“Shipwrecked and separated from her twin brother, Viola disguises herself as a man and becomes entwined in a hilarious love triangle. Serving Duke Orsino, who secretly loves Countess Olivia, Viola finds herself in a twist when Olivia falls for her in disguise!
Amidst the comedic chaos of mistaken identities, meet the drunken Sir Toby Belch, the pompous Malvolio, and enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with fun and live music. Bursting with romance and laughter, “”Twelfth Night”” is a whirlwind of mistaken identities and joyful endings.”
1st Sept (Fri) to 31st Dec Exhibition at Duff House “The Eagle and The Unicorn – the untold stories”
This major exhibition celebrates the stories of Polish soldiers and their descendants from World War 2. This is being collated by Macduff Heritage Society with a huge input from the local Polish community, and in conjunction with FoDH.