Festival Info
Welcome to one of the UK’s friendliest festivals
Borders Book Festival hosts more than 100 events in June each year. With the latest fiction, current affairs, history, and politics, along with personalities from sport, music and entertainment, there is something for every age and interest. We also host a range of health and wellbeing sessions to take part in during the festival.
Our family-friendly site is free for all to explore, where you can enjoy local artisan food and drink, browse the bookshop and marketplace, and be entertained by local artists and musicians, all in the beautiful surroundings of the Scottish Borders.
HARMONY GARDEN
Harmony Garden is the festival hub, where you will find our main event venues, the box office and Harmony Garden Bookshop, along with the Harmony Bar, Luckie Beans Coffee, and Over Langshaw Farmhouse Ice Cream offering drinks and refreshments throughout the festival.
THE ORCHARD
The Orchard is home to the JRW Hogg & Thorburn Marquee, Tweed Marquee, Creative Hub and the Story Space. You will also find a wide range of artisan food providers in the food village along with our main bar, where you can relax and socialise, and enjoy free entertainment throughout the festival.
The Orchard Bookshop
Our children’s titles have a new home in the Orchard - come and explore a wonderful range of books for all ages.
Authors for adults and children’s events appearing in the Orchard venues – JRW Hogg & Thorburn Marquee, Tweed Marquee and the Creative Hub will be signing here after their events. The books will be available here for the signings. No booking needed - just join the queue.
And more good news!
Sunshine has been firmly booked for the weekend, but if the weather has other plans our expanded transparent canopy has you covered (along with your food and drinks).
THE HEARTLAND MARKET
We host The Heartland Market over the festival weekend. The market was established by three passionate women to celebrate the artisan makers and shakers of Galashiels and the surrounding area. Their aim is to bring the heart back into the local community and offer shoppers a unique experience of buying directly from local creative producers. With something for everyone, you will certainly find a distinct offering!
BSL EVENTS
Events marked with the BSL icon will be supported by a British Sign Language interpreter.
BRING THE KIDS
The Family Book Festival programme supported by JJ’s Foundation offers a wide range of free activities and a wonderful selection of events with some of today’s best-loved authors for children.
There is no charge for adults accompanying children to our Family Book Festival. All events are ticketed (unless otherwise stated), so please do remember to put your free adult ticket in the basket at the time of booking.
DOGS
Well-behaved dogs are permitted in The Orchard and Harmony Garden, with the exception of the marked fruit and vegetable gardens. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. Please clean up any fouling, which can be disposed of in the general waste bins located next to the toilets.
Assistance dogs only will be admitted to event venues.
TV, RADIO & PHOTOGRAPHY
TV crews and microphones might be spotted on site - you could end up on the news!
Photography & Video
Our media team will be capturing the action throughout the weekend.
Bloom Media Project
We’re thrilled to continue this initiative for age 16+ creatives keen to explore media production and storytelling. Look out for our youth production team at the festival.
