INNERLEITHEN is ready to rock this weekend as it welcomes musicians, dancers and performers to the town's 17th annual music festival. 

The St Ronan's Hotel and 'Live & Local' at the Vale Club have put together a jam-packed programme of bands over three days.

And the Church of Scotland, Tweedside Hotel, Masons Club and the Union Club are all set to host a number of events.

The music kicks off on Friday at 5pm in the St Ronan’s Hotel with the Redwood Rejects, at 6pm with Fin Price at ‘Live & Local’ and at 9pm with Sparky & The Choirboys at the Tweedside Hotel. 

On Saturday, alongside the full programmes of bands around Innerleithen, the town is packed with events, starting with the St Ronan’s Silver Band coffee morning.

Afterwards, the band will be continuing their eight-hour sponsored play out and about in the town.

At the Church of Scotland there’s concerts galore with The Taylor Family & Friends, Borders piper Matt Seattle accompanied by guitarist Donald Knox, and superb Innerleithen-born singer-songwriter Tommy Ashby.

Over at the Masons, the region's favourite cover band The Derivatives are appearing, while Rory Speirs is at the Tweedside.

There will be something for all the family to enjoy, with a wide selection of workshops, including beginner’s ballet and line dance with the Fiona Henderson School of Dance, as well as singing, belly-dancing and an introduction to ukelele.

There will also be an opportunity to learn more about the town on a historical walk with local experts from the Innerleithen Community Trust.

Sunday sees the music continue over at the Church of Scotland, with a concert by leading Scots folk singer Christine Kydd, supported by the Borders Gaelic singing group ‘Turas’ and Folksters.

And to round off the weekend, there’s informal music sessions at the Gordon Arms and the Corner House hotels.

One of the festival's organisers, Robin Dempsey said: “We are really excited that we have possibly our biggest ever line up, with around 80 performances and events on the programme, spread over eight venues. 

“The music festival is truly encouraging local talent in the community and it is great to see so many locals and visitors coming together to share their love of music. 

“What has really helped this year is support from our new sponsor, private development group, Whiteburn, who are currently regenerating the former Caerlee Mill site in the town. We are very grateful to them. 

For a full list of events and times, visit www.innerleithenmusicfestival.org