The festival takes place in the beautiful gardens of Harmony House in the historic town of Melrose. Owned by the National Trust for Scotland, the 18th Century house is home to our authors during the festival. The gardens are open to the public and are a wonderful place to while away the day whilst taking in the many events.
Our FESTIVAL BOOKSHOP is within a marquee in Harmony’s grounds and is open till late – it’s a great place to visit between events and is well stocked with works by our authors and some of local interest. The Bookshop is also where you will find our authors doing their book signings, (please see board outside the marquee for details of signings). All profits from the Bookshop go directly back to the Book Festival.
The FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE can also be found next to the Bookshop, alongside MARMIONS CAFE BAR where you can enjoy a tempting selection of teas, coffees, snacks, mouth-watering cakes, chilled white wines, full reds, local real ales, soft drinks and other delights.
Adults as well as children will enjoy the FAMILY BOOK FESTIVAL, a riot of weekend noise and colour. Our Family Day Passes are a real bargain, so book early! And don't forget, there are lots of activities over the weekend that don't cost a penny; look out for Where's Wally, learn a few circus tricks with Oli and Co, and say hello to the Please Squad - our roving comedy cartoonists...
After the massive success of the SCOTTISH BORDERS BREWERY TENT last year, we are delighted to welcome them back as they return to quench the thirst of our grown-up festival goers with their plough-to-pint brewed ales. To mark our 10th Festival, they've introduced a brand new brew to their line-up, so come and join us for a pint of 'Bookworm' to celebrate!
On Saturday and Sunday you can head to the OVER LANGHSAW FARMHOUSE ICE CREAM CART and treat yourself to some locally made delicious luxury ice cream or sorbets which come in a range of mouth-watering flavours.
Harmony Garden will once again provide the backdrop to a SCULPTURE EXHIBITION mounted by the members of the Borders Sculptors collective. For more information about the collective, visit www.bordersculptors.org
Last year, our ARTIST IN RESIDENCE, JANIE NICOLL, took inspiration from the festival buzz to create a new body of work entitled 'Reading Between the Lines'. Visit her solo exhibition at Old Gala House, Galashiels, 4 May - 9 June, and look out for additional artworks, to be showcased around Harmony over the festival weekend.
Be ready to go on air with RADIO BORDERS, who will be broadcasting interviews with authors and audiences throughout the festival. ITV BORDER will also have a festival presence, with lots of material to report on their nightly news bulletins.
Join the conversation online. With FREE WI-FI around the garden, it's easy to chat with us on FACEBOOK and TWITTER about all your favourite events.
The BORDERS CHILDREN'S CHARITY makes a huge difference to children in desperate situations right here in the Scottish Borders; that's why we've chosen to support them for a third year. Their volunteers will be at Harmony during the weekend, and running various activities from their stand. Why not drop in to find out more about the charity and how you can support them or click on the link BORDERS CHILDREN'S CHARITY
Please not that Harmony Garden is a National Trust For Scotland property. Well-behaved dogs are welcome within the grounds as long as they are kept on a lead. We regret that only hearing and guide dogs will be admitted to the marquees. We employ a roving photographer who takes photos of events, garden and visitors during the Book Festival for promotional use.
We believe your festival experience in Harmony Garden will be better than ever – please come and prove us right!
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