Melrose and the Borders Book Festival
Summer beckons, “flaming June” will soon be upon us and more than a few will have fingers crossed in the hope that our beautiful Border countryside really will be bathed in sunshine this year. But Melrose can always generate sunny smiles and our Festival Week, including the Borders International Book Festival, will be no exception.
During Festival Week, our attention, as ever, will be focused on the activities surrounding the installation of this year’s Melrosian along with the Festival Queen and her court on Thursday 19 June. The week of events, celebrating past and present, begins on Sunday 15th with a wreath laying at the war memorial and culminates on Saturday 21st with pipe band music in Market Square for everyone to enjoy. As you walk around the town, remember also to take in the shop window displays and see which one you think deserves the prize.
The 2008 Borders Book Festival takes place between the 19th to 22nd June at Harmony House and Gardens in Melrose. This year's programme features a glittering line-up of international names. From the world of politics we have Alastair Campbell and his diaries, The Blair Years, Douglas Hurd and his new book on Sir Robert Peel, Menzies Campbell's autobiography and a session from Rory Bremner which will fail to take these serious men seriously. Katharine Whitehorn, Tom Fleming, Ali Smith, Robert Macfarlane, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Charlie Higson and many others will talk about their work and the whole weekend's finale will come from the superb Scocha. Marquees, a bookshop, wine bar, cafe and terrific talk. Come and join us in Harmony at midsummer, where words will come alive!
Another prize in the offing is that awarded by Beautiful Scotland a little later in the year. We are very fortunate to have such a hardworking team of volunteers for Melrose in Bloom devoted to producing and maintaining the glorious flower displays, which are appreciated by all and have gained Melrose the prize many times. Work began back in March ready to provide some Spring colour for the Melrose Sevens. But the appearance of the planters and baskets in June, many sponsored by Melrose traders, are a sure sign of Summer and make the town centre an even more attractive place for residents and visitors alike. So take the time to stop and smell the roses .…. or the begonias, geraniums, petunias!
Visitors are always welcome in Melrose and we know that it’s the blend of attractive architecture, beautiful location and fascinating history that attract people from across the world. Add our quality accommodation, good eating places and the distinctive, individual shops and it’s easy to see why Melrose is a favourite destination. So for those of us who live and work here - Aren’t we the lucky ones?
Make sure that you take advantage of all that will be going on as we move into Summer. Make the most of Melrose!
