FOLLOWING the success of a range of community events earlier in the year, the Eastgate is stepping out of the theatre building again in June with a trio of performances in Skirling, Walkerburn and Broughton.

A special weekend of performances combines workshops with concerts presented by the Eastgate in partnership with community organisations in the local area.

Eastgate on the road is their new touring entertainment programme, which features music, story, dance, song and film screenings, funded by Creative Scotland.

To start the event, the outstanding storyteller, clarsach player and singer Heather Yule will perform in Skirling.

Heather has performed and led workshops all over Scotland and abroad and will kick off the first weekend event in Skirling Village Hall June 8.

Followed by a musical performance by Christine and Phil Adams the next day in Walkerburn Village Hall.

They will deliver their striking take on jazz and blues tunes, from Blossom Dearie to Billie Holiday.

Both are lunchtime events that include soup and a sandwich, coffee, cake, plus the chance to meet and mingle.

To finish off the series, Bristol Branch cranks up the volume a few notches as they go full Brazilian in Forró Fiesta on June 22.

Broughton presents a night of forró dance numbers with a healthy dose of baião, samba, cajun and even some Scottish ceilidh dances.

After the performance, audiences will be treated to a free, hour-long Brazilian dance workshop at 6pm.

Planning the tour programme is part of the Eastgate’s ambition to extend the theatre’s connections over a wider area, from Walkerburn in the east of Tweeddale, to Romanno Bridge and Tweedsmuir in the west.

Cath Shepheard, Coordinator of Eastgate on the Road said: “We are delighted to work with three more communities around Tweeddale to create fun and professional performances in their local village halls.

“Each event is accompanied by a creative workshop to help encourage local engagement and build audience interest, while we also provide support and practical training sessions in event-related skills for community volunteers.”

Heather Yule performs at Skirling Village Hall on Saturday, June 8 from 12-2.15pm.

Ticket prices range from £6-£4.

Christine and Phil Adams perform at Walkerburn Village Hall on Sunday, June 9 at 12-2pm.

Tickets cost £6.

Bristol Branch present Forró Fiesta at Broughton Village Hall on Saturday, June 22 at 7.30pm.

Tickets range from £6-£25.

All tickets are available from Box Office on 01721 725777 or online at www.eastgatearts.com