Stars converge on Melrose for return of Borders Book Festival

The marquees are up ahead of the return of the Borders Book Festival.

The four-day event gets underway at Harmony Garden in Melrose on Thursday (June 15th) - with some of the biggest names from the world of stage and screen, politics, literature, and sport set to appear.

Talks with former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and peeress and socialite Lady Anne Glenconner are among 18 events to have already sold out. But, with another 70 on the programme, visitors have plenty to choose from.

Former Celtic and Ireland football manager Martin O'Neill, Strictly Come Dancing star Arlene Phillips, and tennis coach turned novelist Judy Murray, will join the likes of football commentator Archie Macpherson, comedian Rory Bremner and impressionist Jon Culshaw under canvas at the National Trust for Scotland attraction.

"It's going to be the biggest party in the Borders," Festival Director Alistair Moffat beamed as the stage was being set. "We'll get, I think, 30,000 plus visits to Harmony Garden, and when the weather's like this it's just glorious."

The 20th edition of the book festival begins with the winner of The Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction being announced by the Duke of Buccleuch in the Cullen Kilshaw Marquee at 5.30pm.

That's followed with appearances from the likes of political guru Sir John Curtice and British actress, comedian and ventriloquist Nina Conti.

"We've got Robert Harris talking about historical novels; we've got Judy Murray talking about her first novel; Douglas Stewart who won the Booker Prize - so there's lots to come for fans of literature," Alistair continued. "But we've also got a bit of comedy, because we always want people to have fun."

Joining the line-up, too, will be stars of the TV hit show The Great British Bake Off, Peter Sawkins, Giuseppe Dell’Anno and Rahul Mandal; long-time festival favourites Sally Magnusson and James Naughtie; and crime-writing royalty Val McDermid, Christopher Brookmyre, Mark Billingham and Doug Johnstone. 

Borders mum and internet meal planning sensation Suzanne Mulholland, also known as The Batch Lady, will be on hand with practical money-saving advice and habit-changing tips on navigating the cost of living crisis.

Kate Bingham, who has written a compelling account of her role as Chair of the UK’s Covid-19 vaccine taskforce, will give an insight into the race to get Britain vaccinated and out of lockdown.

And there will also be appearances from the likes of former Scotland football star turned pundit Pat Nevin, rugby commentator Andrew Cotter, and many more.

"The big names come because it's a wonderful place," added Alistair, who will be speaking about his own book - Scotland's Forgotten Past.

"On Sunday we finish with showbusiness in the shape of Dame Arlene Phillips from Strictly Come Dancing. She's an amazing woman and I said, when she agreed to come, I want to interview her as she is a hero of mine.

"So we've got an absolutely superb programme. But, behind here, we've got the Orchard which is where the family book festival takes place, and in this weather it will be wonderful. There's also the food village, so you can come here and spend the day."

The Children’s Programme, sponsored by Baillie Gifford, takes place throughout the day on the Saturday and Sunday (June 17th and 18th), packed with exciting author events, including: award-winning author and illustrator Lauren Child; firm-favourite Vivian French; Martin Brown celebrating 30 years of Horrible Histories; and the wildly entertaining Kjartan Poskitt. 

In addition, there will be free kids’ craft activities, storytelling and interactive creative workshops.  

Throughout the four days, there will also be live music, the Orchard tented food village that Alistair mentioned, and a plethora of free, fun activities, making the Borders Book Festival a great day out for all the family to enjoy.  

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: "EventScotland is proud to support the Borders Book Festival in this momentous year. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Festival’s impressive programme brings together some of the country’s top literary talent, as well as announcing the winner of the coveted Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction. 

"Funded through our National Events Programme, festivals like this play an integral role in positioning Scotland as the perfect stage for events. They not only shine a spotlight on our culture but also deliver positive economic and social impacts”. 

The full programme and tickets are available at www.bordersbookfestival.org in advance by calling 0131 290 2112, or at the event on the day.

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