THE programme for a Scottish book festival was announced yesterday – with the help of young performers from a new operetta by Alexander McCall Smith which will have its premiere at the event.
Pupils from Melrose Primary School will feature in the Dandie Dinmont operetta at the Baillie Gifford Borders Book Festival. Its lyrics have been penned by McCall Smith, with music from Tom Cunningham.
The work marks the 10th anniversary of the prestigious £50,000 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction which will be presented during the festival.
Dandie Dinmont is a breed of terrier named after a character in Scott’s novel Guy Mannering.
Members of the Caledonian Dandie Dinmont Terrier club joined pupils from Melrose Primary, including Ellie Darlow, pictured, at the festival programme launch.
Being held at Harmony Garden in Melrose from June 13-16, the festival will include more than 100 events. Among the highlights will be sporting legends David Coulthard, Stephen Hendry, Bob Champion, Gregor Townsend and inspiring women Kate Humble and Susan Calman.
Entertaining on stage will be comedian Alexei Sayle, gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh, wildlife TV presenter Michaela Strachan and BBC Newsnight presenter turned novelist Kirsty Wark.
Attempting to make sense of the current political turmoil will be former attorney general Dominic Grieve.
The Family Book Festival on August 15 and 16 will feature How to Train Your Dragon author Cressida Cowell; Vivian French, artist Catherine Rayner; bestselling Beetle Boy author MG Leonard and Doctor Who writer David Solomons as well as craft activities, storytelling and creative workshops.
Throughout the four days there will be live music, a tented food village and plenty of free activities.
For full details, including ticket information, go to www.bordersbookfestival.org
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