FOLLOWING the programme launch of the 20th edition of the Borders Book Festival only last week April 25, tickets have been flying out of the box office, with some of the biggest names coming to the 2023 extravaganza.

These include ex PM Gordon Brown and comedian and ventriloquist Nina Conti -- close to selling out, and many others off to a bright start and set to be sell-outs, including national tennis champion, coach, ambassador for women’s sport, and mother of Andy and Jamie, now turned novelist, Judy Murray.  

Early indications show audience confidence in returning to live events has been restored since the pandemic, and with tickets priced at between £8 and £16, the Book Festival makes for an affordable trip out. 

So if you’d like to hear the TV secrets of Strictly Come Dancing from star judge Dame Arlene Phillips, who is geared-up to share with Melrose the story of her stellar career before and since the show that made her a household name and a legend of BBC Saturday night glitz and glamour.

Or get in on the gossip from the Great British Bake Off tent from previous winners Peter Sawkins, Rahul Mandal and Giuseppe Dell’Anno; or secure your place to hear Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham address the political issues of the day, head to www.bordersbookfestival.org to get your tickets for the biggest party in the Borders, 15th-18th June 2023.

Peeblesshire News:

Alistair Moffat, Director of the Borders Book Festival, said: “We’re absolutely delighted with how quickly ticket sales have got out of the blocks this year, but the beauty of the programme is that we have multiple events taking place at one time – all with fantastic speakers and scintillating debates. 

So if you fancy a jaunt down to Harmony Garden this June, you’ll be sure to find something on our eclectic programme to get your brain cells buzzing!”