Michael Palin and Gordon Buchanan draw crowds to the Borders Book Festival
Also gifted natural history cameraman Gordon Buchanan shares the moving story of his life, including his troubled childhood and how nature ultimately helped him to heal.
The four-day extravaganza of storytelling, supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland, takes place this weekend, from Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th June, in Melrose's Harmony Garden, in the Scottish Borders, and will include well-known names from the worlds of fiction, hit television shows, politics and current affairs, food and drink, plus a history programme honouring the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two.
The Family Festival, sponsored by Blackport Investments, also has children's favourites galore over Saturday and Sunday, with activities for the whole family to enjoy together.
Amongst the packed programme, particular gems include: stars of BBC hit comedy Gavin & Stacey, Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb, both with new books; acclaimed documentary maker Stacey Dooley with her moving take on motherhood; Hairy Biker Si King, as he roars back to Melrose for another helping; queens of the BBC Kirsty Wark and Sally Magnusson in a not-to-be-missed look back over their decades at the helms of flagship news programmes Newsnight and Reporting Scotland; politicians now free of the shackles of government, Jeremy Hunt and Michael Gove; Scottish First Minister John Swinney on the books that have shaped his life; World War Two historian and commentator James Holland; current affairs insiders James Naughtie, Andrew Marr and Gavin Esler looking at what might really be happening in our world in 2025; and Tanni Grey-Thompson and Sammi Kinghorn share with Louise Minchin the challenges, triumphs and determination that shaped their sporting journeys.
For foodie fans there is Coinneach MacLeod – AKA The Hebridean Baker — and Channel 4's Suzanne Mulholland – AKA The Batch Lady.
For fans of historical fiction, the book festival also sees the annual announcement, live on stage, of the prestigious Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, with six shortlisted literary talents in the running for the £25,000 prize.
Literary sensation Andrew O'Hagan will also be at the festival this year, as will crime-writing dazzlers Ian Rankin and Ambrose Parry.
In this 80th year since the end of World War Two, the book festival is delighted to present an exclusive event, The Secret Listeners, telling the amazing story of Britain's Voluntary Interceptors, a highly secret group who monitored the coded radio traffic of German intelligence and sent what they heard to Bletchley Park, enabling the vital Ultra signals intelligence.
Alistair Moffat c. Ryan Rutherford
Sworn to the Official Secrets Act, these silent warriors on the Home Front all over Britain were not allowed to tell their story. Until now. Alistair Moffat will talk to Bruce McCartney, who has uncovered many of these extraordinary accounts, some from right here in the Borders.
Festival Director, Alistair Moffat, said: 'We are delighted to be throwing open the glorious Harmony Garden again this year, and we have packed the marquees with unmissable events that will keep audiences talking and thinking long after they head home.
'From incredible stories of personal resilience, determination and courage to tales of wartime struggle that are so poignant and which demand to be told; from political insider gossip and speculation to serious discussion over the current state of our world and what might be next; from recollections of television and radio careers past to those very much still in full flow; there is something here for everybody.
'And hey, the sun will shine brightly and constantly – but we do have our brand new transparent canopy for The Orchard – our tented food village — just in case!
'The Borders Book Festival on a long, sunny June day is just magical – our own slice of heaven for the whole family to enjoy.'
The Family Festival takes place throughout the day on the Saturday and Sunday (14th & 15th June) and includes, among so many others: the inimitable Elle McNicoll; former Waterstones Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho; Catherine Rayner celebrating 20 years of Augustus & His Smile; colouring fun with Eilidh Muldoon; and festival favourites Vivian French, Alan Windram and Tom Morgan-Jones.
The Orchard tented food village, adjacent to Harmony Garden, hosts live music and free, fun activities for the whole family, making the Borders Book Festival a fantastic day out for the entire family
The Borders Book Festival is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and environmental impact by implementing a number of net zero goals including: zero waste to landfill; e-ticketing and a donation to planting trees for every ticket purchased.
Alan Bett, Head of Literature and Publishing at Creative Scotland said; 'Borders Book Festival once again transforms Melrose into a haven for book lovers, welcoming a stellar lineup of writers to inspire, entertain, and spark imaginations.
'With a special focus on young readers, the festival champions the joy of reading through dynamic events featuring top-tier authors and illustrators like Elle McNicoll and former Waterstones Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho.
'Whether you're eager to meet your literary heroes or discover fresh voices to add to your reading list, this is the perfect chance for book enthusiasts across the Scottish Borders to immerse themselves in storytelling at its finest.'
Tickets available at www.bordersbookfestival.org or by calling 0131 290 2112 and from the Book Festival Box Office on the day subject to availability.
Like this:
Like
Related
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
3 hours ago
- BBC News
Leonard and Hungry Paul - first look images and further casting details revealed
Leonard And Hungry Paul, produced by Subotica, is based on the award-winning, best-selling novel of the same name by Rónán Hession and has been adapted for BBC One Northern Ireland, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer by writers Richie Conroy and Mark Hodkinson. Set to air this Autumn the feel-good series follows two board-gaming friends in their thirties; Leonard, a ghost writer of children's encyclopaedias, and Hungry Paul, a part-time postal worker who still lives at home, who meander through leafy suburban life finding solace in their quiet routines. The unexpected death of Leonard's mother, the approaching wedding of Hungry Paul's sister and a tentative new romance for Leonard, prompts both men to meet a world that is suddenly wider and full of unfamiliar possibilities. It is set to star Alex Lawther (The End Of The F***ing World, ALIEN: EARTH) as Leonard, Laurie Kynaston (Fool Me Once, Sandman) as Hungry Paul and Jamie-Lee O'Donnell (Derry Girls, Screw) as Shelley. Also joining the cast are Helen Behan (The Virtues), Lorcan Cranitch (Bloodlands), Niamh Branigan (Harry Wild), Paul Reid (Sherlock & Daughter), Charlotte McCurry (Say Nothing) and David O'Reilly (Doctors). Leonard And Hungry Paul is a Subotica production for BBC Northern Ireland in association with BBC Comedy, Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland and RTÉ, and a co-production with Avalon who will distribute the show internationally. The series was commissioned by Eddie Doyle, Senior Head of Commissioning, BBC Northern Ireland. The Executive Producers are Tristan Orpen Lynch and Aoife O'Sullivan for Subotica, alongside in-house producer Natalie McAuley. Production finance assistance provided by Marc Lorber, The Art of Coproduction. The director is Andrew Chaplin. Adam Barth is Executive Producer for Avalon, Kate McColgan is Executive Producer for Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland and other Executive Producers include Wally Hall, David Harari, Morwin Schmookler, Ross Boucher. Mary McKeagney and Emma Lawson are Commissioning Editors for the BBC. Read more: Leonard and Hungry Paul - new six part BBC series commences shooting JM4 Follow for more
The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
Narinder Kaur criticises BBC's decision to cast Thomas Skinner on Strictly
TV personality Narinder Kaur has criticised the BBC's decision to cast Thomas Skinner as a celebrity contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. Skinner recently met US vice president JD Vance for a barbecue and drinks, and befriended US President Donald Trump's number two on social media platform X. He recently claimed he had received 'death threats' and 'vile comments about my children', following a series of social media posts claiming 'something's gone wrong' in the UK, and saying 'there is nothing wrong with being proud of where you're from'. In other posts, which drew criticism from some of his followers, Skinner said it is 'not far-right' to be 'flying your flag and loving your country', and he complained 'it ain't safe out there anymore' in London, saying the city is 'hostile' and 'tense'. It comes as Kaur claimed she was told she was 'too controversial' for the show herself. In the caption of a video posted to X, Jeremy Vine panellist and former Big Brother star Kaur, 52, said: 'Apparently I was deemed too controversial for @bbcstrictly because they only hire quiet brown and black women that fit in a box. 'But you can be a white man AND be controversial and you'll be hired on the spot! Hello Thomas Skinner!!' In a statement, she added: 'There's only so much you can say in a short video, but I felt something many others have been feeling all day and that was complete shock and utter bewilderment – to see Thomas be announced in the line-up, considering all the rhetoric about how people with right-wing opinions are cancelled and not allowed on the BBC. 'I've debated Tom on Good Morning Britain before, I supported his book release at his launch party, there is a huge disparity in what certain demographics of people are allowed to say and still get one show after another. 'I met the Strictly team at the TV Choice Awards earlier this year and got talking to one of the bookers about the show generally – and she said 'You're a bit too controversial and we can't have that for the show.'' Social media personality Skinner has been announced as one of the latest celebrities to be taking part in the upcoming series of BBC One show Strictly. Following Skinner's post complaining about alleged abuse, Mr Vance replied with a picture of a cartoon character typing on a keyboard and a message that read: 'Hang in there, my friend. Remember that 90 percent of people attacking your family look like this.' After the Strictly announcement, Skinner said in a social media post: 'They say don't read the comments on social media. But I couldn't help myself. I've had absolute pellets all day on my Instagram lost about going on Strictly… Why are some people so angry that don't even know me.' Among the other celebrity contestants confirmed for Strictly this year are former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison and Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis. They join the likes of podcast host and YouTube star George Clarke, RuPaul's Drag Race UK finalist La Voix, former England rugby player Chris Robshaw, and model and CBBC actress Ellie Goldstein, who is to become the first contestant with Down's syndrome to take part in Strictly's full series. The line-up is completed by Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, and former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Strictly Come Dancing faces huge backlash over latest signing with criminal past as fans predict another year of scandal
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STRICTLY Come Dancing faced a huge backlash over the latest star signing. Fans have predicted yet another year of scandal for the long-running BBC celebrity dancing competition. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 The BBC has faced backlash for signing Thomas Skinner for Strictly Come Dancing Credit: PA 6 Many fans also came to the defence of the star Credit: INSTAGRAM/THOMAS SKINNER 6 He's become known for his support of U.S. President Donald Trump and his VP, JD Vance Credit: Instagram The corporation recently announced that former Apprentice star Thomas Skinner will compete in the next series of Strictly Come Dancing. The star has previously been open about his previous conviction for handling stolen goods in 2011. Taking to X, he wrote: "Yes I did get arrested when I was younger, in fact I get arrested several times. "And been charged and paid the price for my convictions. I wrote a book about it." Thomas is known for his outspoken political opinions on social media, having expressed support for President Donald Trump. He's also known for his high-profile television appearances on the likes of Good Morning Britain and Celebrity MasterChef. However, many fans were not happy with the casting choice as droves of disgruntled users took to social media to complain. One user stated: "Right, so who in the Strictly production team signed up Thomas Skinner?!" Someone else fumed: "Amanda Abbington, Wynne Evans and now Thomas Skinner… oh #Strictly has a death wish." "I'm so serious, I loved this year's #Strictly line up but casting Thomas Skinner has completely ruined the WHOLE thing," raged someone else. Apprentice star 'gives away' he's signed up for Strictly as celeb mates and pro dancers rush to congratulate him As a fourth added: "Platforming Thomas Skinner is absolutely wild to me like take one scroll through his platform and you can see." In defence However, many fans have defended the star as they have praised the show for the casting choice. One fan posted on X: "I am sorry guys can someone explain the real problem with Thomas Skinner being on strictly come dancing? He is real nice guy and genuine." A second stated: "I think it's great Thomas Skinner is going to be on Strictly and definitely a superb signing for common sense and decency." Yes I did get arrested when I was younger, in fact I get arrested several times. Thomas Skinner "People crying because Thomas Skinner is going to be a contestant on Strictly. He's not perfect but there are far worse people out there," noted a third fan. While a fourth commented: "I haven't watched strictly for a good few years now for many reasons.. but, I will watch to support you this year." And a fifth fan added: "Taking BOSH mainstream! Nice bit of prime time advertising there." The Sun has approached representatives for Strictly Come Dancing and Thomas Skinner for comment. Presidential support? The signing comes just a day after the Romford lad met US Vice President JD Vance at a Cotswolds BBQ. The married dad-of-three, 34, said: 'I've tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time but stepping onto the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff. 'I've never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I'm ready to graft and of course have a laugh. 'Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom.' Thomas met up with Vance after the two struck up an unlikely friendship on social media site X. He hit back at the flak yesterday, adding: "I'm not right wing. People are like sheep and just started saying it because I got invited to go to bbq with JD Vance and I posted a picture with him. "Who is gonna turn down an opportunity to meet the 2nd most powerful man in the world?" 6 Thomas Skinner first rose to fame when he competed on The Apprentice in 2019 Credit: BBC 6 He's also known for his high-profile appearances on shows such as MasterChef and Good Morning Britain Credit: BBC/Shine TV
