NOT to be outdone by a certain extravaganza up the road in Edinburgh, the Peebles Arts Festival promises a fabulous long weekend of events that highlight not just the wealth of artistic talent found locally, but also the town’s international artistic connections.

Now in its 33rd year, the festival, which runs from August 27 to 31, has always offered something for all ages and interest – with this year no exception. Locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy a lively mix of events covering everything from walking tours and talks to exhibitions, live music and creative workshops.

As ever, the festival offers a wonderful showcase of the many talented artists and performers found locally, although the programme also includes an enticing international flavor.

Following last year’s hugely successful visit by artists from twin town Hendaye on the French-Spanish border – a visit funded by Peebles Creative Place 2014 – the festival will this year welcome Mutxiko Elkartea, an Hendaye group that celebrates its distinctive Basque culture in dance, music and dress. A regular fixture at international folk festivals around the world, the group will appear at a special festival ceilidh at the Burgh Hall, and also perform at the Eastgate Theatre.

And there are plenty of other highlights. Presented by the Tweeddale Society, this year’s Festival Lecture sees an evening in the company of Lord Smith of Kelvin, one of Scotland’s most influential men. Chair of the organising company behind the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Lord Smith was most recently tasked with overseeing the process to take forward the devolution commitments on further powers for the Scottish Government.

In what promises to be a fascinating evening, Lord Smith will discuss his rich and varied career, the challenges and opportunities for the Scottish and, in particular, the Borders economy, plus one of his main passions: education and employment opportunities for young people.

The programme also sees award-winning Scottish crime fiction writer Alex Gray discuss her work, while the Festival Concert, presented by Music in Peebles, sees the return of the distinguished South Korean pianist Young-Choon Park, who attracted the biggest audience ever for an arts festival concert at the Eastgate when she last played here in 2007.

“Young-Choon Park is a top performer and we’re delighted to have her here again,” said John Fox, president of Music in Peebles. “She has an international touring schedule and has played in many of the major concert halls around the world, so is well-known and very well-regarded.” Meanwhile, kids will love the craft sessions, story-telling with established authors, plus the chance to show off their musical talents in the annual High Street busking competition. Look out too for the ever-popular open galleries evening; an art trail that sees the work of varied artists shown at businesses around the town; young actors from Shakespeare at Traquair in a performance of Tom Stoppard’s tragi-comedy masterpiece, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead; a talk by Michael Jessing about his Peebles Mural, a fabulous depiction of the history of Peebles now underway in Pennel’s Courtyard; plus Transcend, an intriguing exhibition and blind auction of original, postcard-sized work by all sorts of artists using a variety of techniques.

“Although we’ve concentrated the festival into a long weekend this year, I think we’ve got a wonderful blend of local, national and international talent,” commented Douglas Roberts, a member of the organising committee. “We’re sure that audiences will enjoy everything that’s on offer and look forward to welcoming everyone to this year’s festival.” For full details on this year’s programme, including booking information, visit www.peeblesartsfestival.org