What’s On Summer 2026
WHAT’S ON AT DUFF HOUSE SUMMER 2026
A “What’s On at Duff House” is issued from time to time and circulated by FoDH to a wide list; members, local interested parties and accommodation providers. For more detail on relevant events please refer to the HES Duff House website (searching “Duff House” normally results in it being the top entry) or contact Friends of Duff House; email: friendsofduffhouse@gmail.com. Please note that occasionally Duff House has to close for operational reasons; all closures are posted on the HES Duff House website.
Except for the first two items below, all are included in normal House admission.
Thu 9th July 7pm to 9.15pm OUTSIDE THEATRE “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
In the heart of an enchanted forest, four young lovers flee the constraints of society and stumble into a realm ruled by mischievous fairies, feuding royalty, and a troupe of would-be actors with more enthusiasm than talent. What follows is a wild night of mistaken identities, magical transformations, and love gone deliciously wrong – enjoy Shakespeare’s dazzling verse and Folksy’s twist of live music, audience interaction and frantic multi-rolling! Doors open 6.15pm, bring your own chair or blanket, picnic, drinks etc. Loos available in Duff House. Tickets in advance from Ticket Selection :: Theatre or on the door. 
Until 12th July – EXHIBITION “POSTCARD TALES – Stories from the front and the back of 20th century Banff and Macduff postcards”.
Well over 1,200 different postcards of Banff and Macduff have been published since 1902. Many of the pictures on the front show views and objects that no longer exist, and invite the telling of their stories; sometimes there are even un-intended things in the picture! Equally, what people have written on the back often refers to local events and happenings. Includes an air-race, cruise ships, water shortages, military intelligence, Clergy Daughter School and cyclists, rocket lines and many, many more local and heritage stories. Included in House admission.
16th July to end August – EXHIBITION “A MOST REMARKABLE FRIENDSHIP”
August 2024 was the Bicentenary of General San Martin, Liberator of Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and Peru, visiting his friend James Duff in Banff. This new exhibition will extend to explaining the achievements of these two men in their joint endeavour to recognise the new states in South America; additional further research has uncovered previously unknown correspondence that adds to the story. Included in House admission.
Sunday 16th August FIESTA ! At Banff Castle
In parallel with the above Exhibition, a Fiesta! event is planned by the Scottish Branch of the British San Martin Institute and Banff Castle, building on the inaugural event last year. Free entry. More details to follow.
Until 23rd Aug 2026: WORK IN FOCUS “Christ Delivered to the People” by Stanley Spencer
An interesting 1950 painting, oil on canvas, depicting Christ being led away after his condemnation. Pontius Pilate is sitting on the steps washing his hands; and the disciples have turned their backs and are scuttling away. Also interesting is how the personal life of the artist is in the picture too; the cruel faced woman to the bottom right with a grasping hand is thought to be Spencer’s second wife, Patricia Preece, who was at the time involved in divorce proceedings.
Until 27th Sep 2026: EXHIBITON “Alfred Buckham – Daredevil Photographer”
In the 1920s he was a trailblazer in aerial photography; he achieved what had not been possible previously. Not only did he create some of the most iconic aerial photos, he took innovation in photography to a new level which paved the way for modern tools like Photoshop. Included in House admission.
Thursday 24th Sep 2026 2pm: ILLUSTRATED TALK “The wings of Duff House”, presented by Jim Mackay
Held in the Community Room on the ground floor in Duff House, Jim will provide the background to the wings that were built – and why 6 foot separation was important! Before the bombed wing, a number of others had been built; including a recently found sketch of the first! Free entry.