DUNOON’S Coal Pier was transformed into a sea of Vespas, Lambrettas, sharp suits and classic tunes as the Doon the Watter Revival Festival celebrated its tenth anniversary.
The event returned on August 14 and 15, bringing around 500 fans of northern soul, indie and classic mod music to the town for a weekend of live entertainment.
From scooters and tailored suits to vintage dresses and dancefloor favourites, the festival once again delivered the distinctive atmosphere which has helped it become a firm fixture in Dunoon’s events calendar.
Now in its tenth year, Doon the Watter has continued to grow as ticket sales data for this year’s event showed that 83 per cent of those purchasing tickets came from outside the Dunoon area.
Organisers say the influx of visitors also provides a significant boost to the local economy, with festival-goers making use of accommodation, pubs, shops, restaurants and other businesses during their stay.
The event has developed steadily over the past decade, building a loyal following among fans of the mod, northern soul and
indie scenes.
This year’s anniversary event saw the Coal Pier once again become the centre of the action, with the sounds of classic anthems providing the soundtrack to a weekend of dancing, socialising and celebration.
Dunoon Presents manager Colin Moulson said: “We have worked hard to evolve and improve the event experience at Doon the Watter Revival by adding new features such as a second stage and this year adding in a can-only bar in addition to the main event bar which proved to be a huge hit. The introduction of the silent disco has also proved to be a great addition and an asset.
“The festival circuit in the UK has struggled over the past five or so years so it is vital that as festival organisers, we are constantly looking at consumer trends to see how an event experience can be improved.
“He added: “Regulars to the festival also now understand the ethos behind what Dunoon Presents is about and are very supportive of the strategy of boosting the local economy in the knowledge that a corporate event organiser is not taking profits, rather the town of Dunoon and the local businesses are the beneficiaries.
“We are already seeking bands for 2027 and receiving very positive feedback from those who attended last week.”
