Crawick Multiverse in the Nithsdale Valley near Sanquhar

Crawick Multiverse on the edge of Sanquhar is the vision of land artist, cultural theorist and landscape designer, Charles Jencks (1939-2019), whose transformation of the former open-cast coal mine into a 55-acre public space and artland was inspired by the wonders of the universe.

Set in the Nithsdale Valley, it boasts a spectacular landscape of striking landforms, each one representing cosmological or astronomical features and theories, as well as ponds and large open spaces, making it the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors from spring through to autumn. There are various routes and paths to explore on foot and on reaching the highest points, views can be enjoyed across the valley and the surrounding towns and villages in Upper Nithsdale.

Celebrate Summer Solstice at the Multiverse (Image: Mike Bolam)

Crawick Multiverse opens for the 2024 season from March. It is open seven days a week until November, and also welcomes school and community groups, coach trips and private tour companies throughout the year.

There is a small admission fee or an annual membership option. The friendly team at The Coalface provides a warm welcome and facilities include baby changing and accessible toilets, a small shop selling tickets, passes, snacks, hot and cold refreshments, ice cream and merchandise. There is also free parking, and overnight parking for motorhomes and campervans.

Crawick Multiverse has an exciting programme of outdoor festivals and events coming up, including everything from an outdoor performance as part of Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival’s 45th Anniversary celebrations in May, celebrating the Summer Solstice with tours and events in June, and the return of Music at the Multiverse on August 31 and September 1. www. crawickmultiverse.co.uk

Scouting for Girls at last year's Music at the Multiverse (Image: Mike Bolam)

MUSIC AT THE MULTIVERSE

One of Scotland’s most spectacular festival venues, Crawick has been home to Music at the Multiverse, an independent live music weekend festival, since 2021, and last year attracted a record 2,000 people from across the UK.

It also won the heart of Roy Stride, the charismatic frontman of Scouting for Girls, who declared it the “maddest festival site in the world,” and was so moved by the magic of Crawick that he leapt off the stage and led an impromptu conga, creating something that would stay in the memories of all who were there.

Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5 are playing Music at the Multiverse this year (Image: Martin McKeown)

Music at the Multiverse promises to be just as memorable in its fourth year, with acts including indie pop-rockers The Hoosiers, alternative rock band Toploader, Scottish folk rock group Tide Lines, festival favourites Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5, as well as D&G’s award-winning The Lucky Doves and The Lutras.

There will also be new family-friendly activities, a specially curated food village in the heart of the festival site, increased capacity for campervans and motorhomes, new weekend camping pitches, and dedicated coaches with pick-up points in Dumfries and Thornhill; in Cumnock and New Cumnock; and in Gretna and Lockerbie.

For Early Bird Tickets and to keep up to date with the latest news about Music at the Multiverse 2024 See www.crawickmultiverse.co.uk/music-at-the-multiverse/