Borders Book Festival began in June 2004, when Alistair Moffat had the idea of creating a small literary gathering in Melrose. Joined from the outset by Paula Ogilvie, that first event welcomed just a handful of speakers and an audience of around 400. Today, it has grown into one of the UK’s leading book festivals, attracting around 40,000 visitors each year for four memorable days of ideas, entertainment and conversation.

A great deal has changed since those early days in the old Wynd Theatre in the heart of Melrose, but the spirit of the festival remains the same: bringing people together through stories, debate and shared experiences. Alistair and Paula continue to lead the festival, supported by a dedicated small team and an enthusiastic network of volunteers.

Over the years, the festival has evolved and expanded, moving from the Wynd Theatre to the Corn Exchange, then the Melrose Festival Ball Marquee, before finding its long-term home in the beautiful surroundings of Harmony Garden in 2007.

In 2015, we added the family-friendly Harmony Orchard, now home to our lively Festival Village. Here you’ll find additional event spaces, our stretch tent bar, and a fantastic selection of food and drink traders serving everything from artisan ice cream and fresh coffee to delicious dishes for every taste.

Borders Book Festival continues to grow, evolve and inspire… a place where words really do come alive!