Welcome to the 5th Borders Book Festival

By the Friday night of the book festival, with its glorious sunshine, the joy and emotion of Edwin Morgan winning the Book of the Year and wonderful Rory Bremner performing at the peak of his game and then doing a fascinating interview with Jim Naughtie, we thought that the 2008 event would turn out to be a piece of cake, with lots of cherries on top.

Then the heavens opened, and did not close until Monday morning. And once again it did not just rain, it tipped down in torrents. Nevertheless, once we had all stopped cursing the gods, the festival went forward very well. Events were packed and perhaps because of the deluge outside, were very intense and focussed.

By virtually every indicator the Borders Book Festival is growing stronger and better - 15% ahead in ticket sales, a much better site (if a little damp), tremendous press, radio and TV coverage and some excellent related events from musicians, sculptors and actors. But we are thinking of moving it - to Florida!

To see what you missed this year, dowload the programme below or check out the individual events on our Programme pages.