Tuesday 21st January 2025, in Marmions Place in The Wynd, Melrose, at 7.30pm. The Melrose Literary Society is joining the Rolling Hills Folk Club for an entertaining evening of Burns’ poems and songs. Admission is £6 and everyone is welcome. This is not a Burns’ Supper – there won’t be any haggis in sight! – but there will be a licensed bar for guests to purchase drinks. It promises to be an enjoyable evening with visitors getting a flavour of Burns’ wide ranging words & music.
River Tweed Salmon Fishing Opening Day – 1st February annually. Celebrate the first day of the salmon fishing season with various events in Kelso. Details usually published early January on the River Tweed News Facebook page.
Melrose 7s Rugby Festival – 22nd – 25th May 2025 – this is the original sevens tournament where the game was invented. A brilliant weekend to be in Melrose for any rugby fans, a great festival of sport and music and always a fantastic social event. http://www.melrose7s.com/
Wild Writers Festival – Peebles. 22nd – 26th January 2025. The Wild Writers Festival returns to Peebles this winter with an expanded, five-day programme that radiates out from the town’s Eastgate Theatre and also includes elements of adventure stories and film. At its heart, however, remains a celebration of the variety of writing that focuses on an appreciation of the natural world, with a refreshing mix of established and up-and-coming authors, including Helen Mort, Derek Gow, Kat Hill, Leif Bersweden, Jen Scotney and many more all sharing their ideas, influences and inspirations.
With a format that sees a mix of readings, meet-the-author sessions and signings, Q&As, panel discussions and lively solo presentations, this warm, welcoming event is a perfect antidote to any winter blues! For programme details, visit the Eastgate website. https://eastgatearts.com/
Lady’s Fishing Days – 2025 dates t.b.c. https://rivertweed.org.uk/news/ladies-ready-to-cast-a-fishing-line-for-salmon/
BVAC Classic 2025 – Scotland’s premier classic car show. Thirlstane Cast in Lauder. 8th June 2025 11am – 5pm. https://scotlandstartshere.com/event/bvac-classic-2024/
Borders Book Festival – in mid June every year – this is a brilliant event held in Harmony Gardens in Melrose every year and draws in some big name authors. There are always a wide range of interesting speakers and there’s a fabulous line up for children too. With live music and a superb food area this is definitely an event worth planning a holiday around! http://www.bordersbookfestival.org/
Common Ridings & The Melrose Festival – Huge schedule of events in different Border towns throughout the summer months. Unique opportunity to watch large gatherings of horse-back riders recreating and commemorating historical events based around riding the town boundaries to detect invasions. The Melrose events are held in June each year and the big ride out comes up our road past the holiday cottages before they gallop up over the Eildon Hills behind us. It is always amazing to see 300+ horses with their riders in traditional dress with the Melrosian and flag bearers leading the way at the front. http://returntotheridings.co.uk/
Championship Dog Show – 2 day event held at the Kelso show ground in June each year http://www.buas.org/dogs/
Border Union Show – Traditional agricultural show held in Kelso on the last Friday and Saturday in July each year http://www.buas.org/show/
Edinburgh Fringe Festival – Held in August every year this world famous festival is now so easy to access from Melrose via the Borders Railway link in to the centre of Edinburgh in under an hour. Enjoy the best of both worlds by staying in the beautiful Scottish Borders countryside whilst being able to hop onto the train to make the most of all the fantastic events going on at the Fringe Festival. https://www.edfringe.com/
Peebles Agricultural Show – 2025 date t.b.c.
Floors Massed Pipe Band Day – last weekend in August – great place to watch large bag pipe bands playing traditional Scottish Music in the fabulous setting of Floors Castle just outside Kelso.
Edge Fest Music Festival – 2025 dates t.b.c. at Lilliardsedge Holiday Park. https://edge-fest.co.uk/
Scottish Borders Walking Festival – Held at the beginning of September every year – http://www.borderswalking.com/
Melrose Music Festival – 2025 dates t.b.c. Featuring choral, orchestral and jazz music. https://www.melrosemusicfestival.co.uk/
Priorwood Apple Day – Priorwood Gardens in Melrose. A great place to sample and buy many wonderful varieties of apples grown in the Priorwood orchard! Usually held on the first Saturday in October.
Fireworks Display – 2025 dates t.b.c. Galashiels Rugby Club, TD1 3HE. 7.30pm-8pm.
Border Union Bonfire Night – 2025 dates t.b.c. Springwood Park, Kelso, TD5 8LS
✨Gates open at 5.30PM – Bonfire Lit 6PM – Fireworks 6.30PM
✨Children’s Entertainment
✨Food & Refreshments
✨£5 cash per car
✨Donations welcome to BUAS for those entering on foot
Please note that Sparklers are prohibited. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please ensure that you have sensible footwear.
Monteviot lights – 2025 dates to be confirmed – a breathtaking winter light trail event held at Monteviot House and Gardens near Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders. It offers a unique and enchanting experience for families and visitors of all ages, illuminating the natural beauty of the region.
Location: Monteviot House & Gardens, Jedburgh, Scottish Borders
Tickets for Monteviot Lights are now available for purchase on the official website, www.monteviotlights.co.uk
Christmas at Abbotsford – 2025 dates t.b.c. Events include Christmas in the historic House, Santa visits, wreath making workshops, breakfast with Santa, Christmas in our Witch Corner sculpture trail and storytelling with Mrs Claus. Christmas experience in the historic house will also be open between Christmas and New Year. https://www.scottsabbotsford.com/visit/christmas-at-abbotsford