A BORDERS drama festival is set to return for its fifth year at the end of this month.

From Friday, April 28 to Saturday, May 6 DunsPlayFest will host more than 60 stage shows will entertain crowds and showcase an amazing range of talent to be found in the Borders and surrounding areas.

The shows on offer at this year's festival include historical plays, comedies, youth theatre, and performances focusing on important themes such as dementia, refugees, and mental health.

Festival Director and founder, John McEwen, a local playwright, said: “We have top names in local theatre and dramatic writing, performing brand-new plays with stellar casts: Firebrand, Tideline Runners, Northumberland Theatre Company, Playwright Studio Scotland and Two Destination Language.

"Borders Youth Theatre has two new plays, and there’ll be workshops teaching youngsters stage production, writing, acting and auditioning.

"Outdoors, we’ve got a free family day with stilt walkers and fairies at Duns Castle (thanks to Marchmont Makers Foundation), plus a chicken-themed Western in Duns Public Park.

"Each day of DunsPlayFest has a different theme.

"For instance, our Day for Heart & Heid on Friday. May 5 will include ‘Sing for Wellbeing’, a Sound Bath, and a gentle Movement session.

"The town’s Volunteer Hall will be transformed into a magical festival hub, with two stages, a bar, hot food, workshop space and break-out areas with sofas for chatting and relaxing.

"We’re even running a free screening of the King’s Coronation on Saturday, May 6 with a free glass of bubbly, followed by the big-band closing concert and ceilidh.”

Tickets are up to £10, with a number of the week's events free to access.

For more information, please contact: John McEwen, Festival Director, at dunsplayfest@gmail.com or see dunsplayfest.org.uk