The Return to Summerisle - Wicker Man celebrations all weekend
1 May 25
by Nathon Jones
This weekend we celebrate The Wicker Man, with a screening of the original 1973 film on Friday 2nd May followed, on Saturday 3rd May, by The Return to Summerisle documentary, both at Newton Stewart Cinema, with and after-premiere party at The Vault Arts Centre. Bar open from 2pm on Fri & Sat.
Burning of the wicker man at Burrowhead in 2024
Newton Stewart Cinema will be hosting the premiere of a new documentary on The Wicker Man entitled “Return to Summerisle”. Come to the after-Premiere party and mingle with the stars of the original Wicker Man 1973 along with the filmmakers of the documentary and maybe bag an autograph!
Return to Summerisle follows the exploits of a mad Irish man and first-time filmmaker, Fergal O’Riordan, as he tries to capture the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Wicker Man.
Struggling with a stubborn, headstrong film crew (his two nieces), he takes on the impossible odds of trying to create a film with no experience, no budget and unproven talent.
As the project spirals from “something to do during Covid” to an all- consuming obsession that threatens to engulf his family, finances and sanity, he encounters a coven of witches on a remote Scottish island, suffers the “Curse of the Wicker Man”, meets a human bone dealer, uncovers some of the film locations never seen before, burns a wicker man on the same spot 50 years later and along the way he is forced to learn about the true nature of sacrifice.
Lesley Mackie - Gary Carpenter - Matt Deighton will preview original music from their upcoming album inspired by the Wicker Man.
Amy Rafferty (The baby from the church scene) will perform new music and poetry.
Jennifer Dolan “Myrtle” - Girl in the sweet shop - in one of her only public appearances will be part of the panel.
Panel discussion by the cast and crew.
Filmmakers of the documentary “Return to Summerisle” in attendance.
On the following day, May 4th 2025 at 7:15pm, come along to the burning of a Wicker Man on Burrowhead (site of burning from original movie)!
Further Information
Scottish national award finalists
Finalists every year since 2022, and winners of a 'Highly Recommended' award in the 'Best Social Responsibility' category in 2025, The Vault Arts Centre has done it again in 2026; finalists again in the 'Best Night Out' category! Can we bring home a national award for Newton Stewart this year?
2 Apr 26
Nathon Jones
2 days left for SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival discount!
Book a Weekend Pass for this year's SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival (15-17 May 2026) before 1st March 2026, and save up to £20* per person! This year's acts include Jacob Joliff & Rain of Animals, Sarah Jane Scouten and Robbie Caswell-Jones, Damn Tall Buildings, Taff Rapids and GallowGrass.
27 Feb 26
Nathon Jones
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