OCTOBER is the month of Luminate, Scotland’s national festival of creative ageing, and to celebrate the Eastgate Theatre in Peebles is staging two series of events for anyone who has ever been 60.

The first is a series of four live, lunchtime performances every Tuesday (October 6, 13, 20 and 26) at 12.30pm. Called Bite Sized Entertainments, this is a chance to enjoy an informal, live performance topped and tailed by a light lunch, a cup of tea (or coffee) and a chance to catch up.

The Bite Sized line-up is:

Tuesday, October 6 - Dramatic Ballads

John Nichol is an actor, singer, writer, poet and compere but most of all he is a gripping and very funny entertainer. John invites you on an entertaining literary journey through a selection of Border ballads, starting with James Hogg.

Tuesday, October 13 - Virtuoso Clarinet

Expect Paganini and a touch of jazz from local musician Kenneth McAllister. Kenneth, playing clarinet, will be accompanied by Caroline Adam on piano.

Tuesday, October 20 - Border Tales

Mary Kenny tells wonder-filled, magical and mysterious traditional tales from Scotland and beyond. She will bring some of her favourite Border stories to life.

Tuesday, October 26 - Plucking the Harp Strings

Peebles born and bred Esther Swift is now an established solo harpist, singer, band member, composer and recording artist. Expect everything from classical and traditional music to jazz and blues.

Tickets for any of the Bite Sized Entertainments are £4 (including a bowl of home-made soup and a sandwich as well as the performance).

The second Eastgate Luminate offer is a chance to try a taster session of any of the wide range of adult dance classes available every week. These include jazz, tap, highland, ballet and Bollywood. Classes take place most weekdays. Each taster session is free.

To find out more telephone the Eastgate Theatre, Peebles on 01721 725777 or go to www.eastgatearts.com