Summer heralds the arrival of some spectacular events in the Scottish Borders, here are some of the colourful events taking centre stage this summer.
BVAC CLASSIC FESTIVAL OF MOTORING, THIRLESTANE CASTLE, LAUDER
Sunday 2 June
Described as ‘the Best Classic Car Festival in Scotland’, the BVAC Classic Festival of Motoring is just a couple of weeks away and it’s shaping up to be bigger and better than ever. 60 Years of the Mustang will be the central theme of this year’s show, but more than 1000 vintage and classic vehicles of all shapes and sizes will be making their way to Thirlestane Castle, Lauder on Sunday 2nd June.
The Mustang was introduced by Ford in 1964 as an affordable performance car for the youth market and was an instant success, selling over 22,000 cars on its first day of release! Originally renowned for their loud, powerful V8 engines and stylish looks, the Mustang has picked up starring roles in numerous movies over the years, most notably the 1968 Steve McQueen movie ‘Bullitt’, featuring what is considered to be the best ever movie car chase.
The BVAC Classic Festival of Motoring takes place on Sunday 2nd June at Thirlestane Castle, a magnificent 16th century castle and one of the oldest ancestral homes in Scotland, 25 miles south of Edinburgh, in Lauder in the Scottish Borders.
As well as this year’s central theme, there will of course be extensive displays of stunning veteran, vintage and classic cars and the show has a huge array of superb attractions to keep the whole family entertained. There’s a live rally action stage, children’s play zone and activities, BMX stunt displays, pipe band shows and an Artisan Food and Drink Village to keep visitors fuelled throughout the day.
Well behaved dogs are also welcome! The show gates will open at 11am and the event will close at 5pm.
Full ticket information and purchases can be made via: https://bvac.org.uk/bvac-classic/tickets/
THE BORDERS BOOK FESTIVAL – HARMONY GARDEN, MELROSE
Thursday 13 - Sunday 16 June 2024
This year’s much loved literary extravaganza runs from Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th June, in Melrose’s Harmony Garden, with a packed programme of events.
Celebrating its 21st edition, this year’s Borders Book Festival features well-known names from the worlds of fiction, politics, sport, current affairs, health and wellbeing, comedy, history, science and philosophy!
Highlights of the packed four days of events include legendary female comedians Janey Godley and Jo Caulfield who will be discussing their acclaimed memoirs. From the world of politics, Labour Shadow Cabinet MP Wes Streeting with his autobiography, with broadcaster Robert Peston and former MP Alan Johnson with their new novels. Memoirs too, from BBC stalwarts Clive Myrie and recently retired Rory Cellan-Jones. Publishing sensation David Nicholls, of One Day fame, celebrating his latest novel, You Are Here. Former BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin with astonishing female stories of courage and adventure; nature-lover Kate Humble with her refreshingly pared-back approach to the good life. Explorer, writer and filmmaker extraordinaire Benedict Allen. Fashion designer and star of The Great British Sewing Bee, Patrick Grant. The fabulous Rory Bremner on stage with fellow legendary comedian Fred MacAulay.
Crime-writing royalty Val McDermid, Chris Brookmyre and Mark Billingham, in conversation and a performance from their band The Fun Lovin Crime Writers. For history buffs, Philippa Langley gives a glimpse into the Princes in the Tower, royal biographer Robert Hardman on King Charles III, WW2 historian James Holland. Booker Prize winner Howard Jacobson with his new novel What Will Survive of Us, and Charlie Higson with his latest James Bond novel. Festival favourite James Naughtie returns with his personal take on the state of the nation in an election year, plus the announcement of the prestigious Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, with six shortlisted writers in contention for the £25,000 prize.
The Border Book Festival will also host, in this Paris Olympic year, a very special event on the centenary of Scotsman Eric Liddell’s historic 400m win at the 1924 Olympics, also in Paris, which was immortalised in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire. Sally Magnusson, Liddell’s biographer, will be joined on stage by Allan Wells, the Scottish athlete who dedicated his 1980 100m sprint win at the Moscow Olympics to Liddell along with Eilidh Doyle, Olympic and Commonwealth medallist and an ambassador for the Eric Liddell 100 Programme, and Liddell’s niece Sue Caton.
Tickets now available at www.bordersbookfestival.org
ROXBURGHE ROCKS – FLOORS CASTLE, KELSO
3 August 2024
Get ready to party! Roxburghe Rocks is back for its fourth year. This year Floors Castle will play host to three world class tribute acts supported by local sensation The Balancing Ducks. Experience iconic glam rock anthems with The Bowie Experience, upbeat 60s dance classics with Capitol Motown and Soul Band, and sing-a-long disco hits with 21st Century ABBA tribute against the backdrop of one of the country’s most stunning historic buildings.
THE BOWIE EXPERIENCE
Internationally acclaimed with over twenty years of experience, The Bowie Experience captures the eclectic energy of the Thin White Duke and glam rock greatness of Ziggy Stardust, complete with a full live band. From Fame to Young Americas, Let’s dance the night away and celebrate the life and songs of the Starman in style with an outdoor concert to remember!
THE BALANCING DUCKS
Scottish Borders local sensation The Balancing Ducks are renowned for their incredible energy and crowd-pleasing, floor filling setlist. Covering all the hits from festival anthems to foot stomping classics, get ready to party to the enduring sound of Kings of Leon, The Killers, Kaiser Chiefs, Oasis, and many more!
MOTOWN BY MOONLIGHT
Get ready for a magical evening of Motown by moonlight, sundown soul, and disco at dusk! Capitol Motown and Soul Band are the perfect combination of sensational energy, talented vocalists, and polished musicians. Put on your dancing shoes as the sun goes down to the sound of young America and party to the timeless tunes of Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and many more!
21ST CENTURY ABBA TRIBUTE
21st Century ABBA Tributes’ faithful recreation of ABBA’s signature harmonies and iconic looks makes for one electrifying live performance. Expect to hear all of ABBA’s greatest hits, including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Waterloo and many more! Decked out in full disco costume, 21st Century ABBA Tribute combines stunning vocals, talented live musicians, and a uniquely beautiful outdoor setting to make one unforgettable concert.
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