Borders Book Festival

Secure your place in the history books this year. We’ve some outstanding events for history lovers and booking couldn’t be easier. Tickets: bordersbookfestival.org

Best known for his roles in EastEnders and Gavin & Stacey, the actor and presenter reveals a different side of himself as he shares his own poetry alongside stories from a career spanning several decades. Expect to laugh - and quite possibly cry. TICKETS: tikt.link/larryl

Our festival wouldn’t be the same without live music. HORSE - TRIO / THU 11 JUNE / 8.30pm / tikt.link/horsem JAYWALKERS / FRI 12 JUNE / 8.30pm / tikt.link/jaywalk DOWN IN LAUREL CANYON / SUN 14 JUNE / 7.30pm / tikt.link/downlaur

Her journey from child prodigy to the best in the world was not a straight line. Eve tells a story of hidden adversity, inner doubt and external pressure on the journey to becoming a national icon and one of Scotland’s greatest athletes. TICKETS: tikt.link/evemuir

Could a chef ever have been so appropriately named? Tom weaves a warming family tale around the creation of one of Scotland’s leading gastropubs, The Scran & Scallie in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge. TICKETS: tikt.link/tomkit

Scotland’s longest-serving First Minister, reflects on a life at the very centre of political change. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the most significant political figures of our time. In conversation with Gavin Esler. TICKETS: tikt.link/nicstur

We’ve committed the perfect crime... Presenting our formidable line-up of crime fiction authors booked for you this year - with Steph McGovern, Chris Brookmyre, Doug Johnstone, Denise Mina and Heidi Amsinck. TICKETS: bbf-links.org/box-office

Tickets are flying out the door at record levels - don’t miss out. Get yours now! WEBSITE: bordersbookfestival.org BOX OFFICE: bbf-links.org/box-office DOWLOAD PROGRAMME: bbf-links.org/programme JOIN E-NEWSLETTER: bbf-links.org/newsletter

In this superb new book, Penny celebrates the traditions & values that underpin British life. Far from being solely symbolic or ceremonial, it shows how a country thought of as old-fashioned uses its historical conventions to navigate the future. TKS: tikt.link/penny

Gifted, with talent to burn in several directions, Alan has compiled a unique career as gardener, TV/radio presenter & prolific writer of 43 gardening books, 4 memoirs, 12 novels & poetry. Join Alan to reflect on life, books, gardens and everything. TKS: tikt.link/alanti

Bestselling author Sam Heughan explores Scotland’s landscapes, stories and flavours in his latest book, ‘Cocktail Diarie’s, and shares his ten all-time favourite blends. Join Sam in conversation with Sally Magnusson on life, spirits & Scotland. TICKETS: tikt.link/samheu

Please join us in celebrating @doug_johnstone & @cbrookmyre and 50 YEARS OF THRILLING FICTION with @bordersbookfest🙌 🗓️ Saturday 13 June 2026 🕛️ 9:00pm 📍 Cullen Kilshaw Marquee Harmony Garden and Orchard, St Mary's Road, Melrose, TD6 9LJ 🎟️ £15.48 🔗 tikt.link/chrisdoug

We’ve teamed up with our friends at Crabtree & Crabtree to give you the chance to win the perfect book lover’s weekend escape for two from the 12-15 June 2026. ENTER NOW: bit.ly/crab-tree

NEW EVENT: JUDY MURRAY TICKETS: tikt.link/JMurray26 Hot off the press… national tennis champion, acclaimed coach, champion of women in sport and mother of Jamie and Andy, Judy Murray returns to the festival! @JudyMurray

“When I look over the poems in this book, I can trace the course of my life. The various stages are all here: the young woman juggling various boyfriends, the wife adrift amid the joy and terror of new motherhood and the astounded, adoring granny.” TKS: tikt.link/pamay

Prue Leith brings her trademark wit, wisdom and no-nonsense charm to a gloriously candid take on ageing. She shares the joys, surprises and occasional absurdities of getting older - with humour, honesty and a healthy disregard for convention. TICKETS: tikt.link/prueli

Our much-loved Family Book Festival is now over three days this year, and we’ve packed it with loads for younger readers and families. A feel-good weekend of stories, hands-on activities and plenty to discover. PROGRAMME: bbf-links.org/programme TKS: bbf-links.org/box-office

Download the 2026 Borders Book Festival programme and book your tickets online from our website or box office. DOWNLOAD PROGRAMME: bbf-links.org/programme WEBSITE: bordersbookfestival.org BOX OFFICE: bbf-links.org/box-office

Box Office Now Open! BOX OFFICE: bbf-links.org/box-office DOWNLOAD PROGRAMME: bbf-links.org/programme

WE’RE HIRING! Enjoy working with and helping people? We’re recruiting enthusiastic Event Staff to warmly welcome our festival goers, keep our audiences safe, and give support to ensure the smooth running of the festival. CLICK TO APPLY: bordersbookfestival.org/about-us