The Borders Book Festival continues today Friday 12 June 2026 with another batch of big names from TV, politics, sport and much more.
The event takes place at Harmony Garden in Melrose.
Here’s what visitors can expect today.
Join Louise Gooding for an informative and inclusive event that introduces young minds to the world of neurodiversity, inspired by her incredible children’s book Wonderfully Wired Brains.
Author-illustrator Kate McLelland leads a hands-on lunchtime workshop exploring how stories develop from doodles to books through animal-themed drawing, sticking and creating.
Braxton leads a slow-paced yoga session combining somatic movements, prana breath, and rhythmic swaying. Suitable for all levels. Bring mat, water, loose clothing.
National tennis champion and mother of Jamie and Andy Murray returns with Game, Set & Murder, a crime novel set in an exclusive tennis club where celebrations end in death.
Join Fiona Carswell, author of Carnegie-nominated The Boy Who Loves to Lick the Wind, for a relaxed, sensory storytelling session and exploration of the way our astonishing brains work to make each and every one of us unique.
Authors Lucy Ribchester and Mairi Kidd lead a workshop on using historical fiction to illuminate Scotland’s forgotten women, exploring sources from records to folk tales to help participants.
Prue Leith shares her candid, witty take on ageing with trademark charm. From Bake Off to a lifetime in food and TV, she explores the joys and absurdities of getting older with humour.
Former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt discusses his optimistic new book on Britain’s economic potential, offering practical solutions politicians can deliver. In conversation with Michael Moore.
Andrew O’Hagan’s new book On Friendship explores the rich variety of human connections through personal reflections, music, poetry, and history, illuminating how friendships enrich our lives.
Shona MacLean, author of bestselling The Bookseller of Inverness returns with a new novel set in 1831 Cromarty, where a circulating library’s first meeting sets extraordinary events in motion.
Tom Pow’s poems engage with philosopher Simone Weil’s brief but profound life. The Vulnerability of Precious Things offers imaginative empathy for the thinker.
BBC presenter Sophie Raworth shares her inspiring journey from collapsing in her first marathon at 40 to completing all seven World Marathon Majors and the Sahara’s Marathon des Sables.
Chef Tom Kitchen shares warming tales from his Edinburgh gastropub Scran & Scallie, weaving stories of dedicated farmers, foragers and fishermen.
Renowned stylist and TV presenter Nicky Hambleton-Jones shares expert secrets on looking fabulous at any age. With warmth and wit, she champions confidence in her book Bolder Not Older.
Poet and BBC Radio Scotland presenter Len Pennie discusses her bold new collection Poyums Annaw, tackling patriarchy and injustice with razor-sharp wit and fire in this electric event.
MC Fox discusses her gripping debut thriller set in the Scottish Borders, following Isla as she plans her escape from a controlling marriage. A dark tale of survival and resilience.
Alison Solomon faces midlife chaos: unfaithful husband, dodgy therapists, mysterious lurker, and kitchen rat. Shelley Klein discusses her sharp, funny novel.
Alan Titchmarsh has compiled a unique career as gardener, TV/radio presenter and prolific writer of 43 gardening books, 4 memoirs, 12 novels and poetry. Join him to reflect on life, books and gardens.
BBC Breakfast veteran Steph McGovern discusses her gripping debut crime novel Deadline, where reporter Rose goes live on air while her family is kidnapped.
Jaywalkers, a powerhouse acoustic trio, blend bluegrass, folk and Americana with stunning three-part harmony. Their energetic live shows feature blistering fiddle, mandolin and bass.
Shelley Klein returns to her Scottish Borders childhood home to care for her father, pioneering textile designer Bernat Klein. A tender memoir exploring family, creativity and grief.
Full details on tickets and venues are available on the Borders Book Festival website:
Online: www.bordersbookfestival.org
By phone: 0131 290 2112
The phone line is open Monday to Friday, 10.00am – 4.00pm (excluding bank holidays).
This is a call-back service. To book, please leave your name and phone number and you will be called back based on your position in the queue.
