A BORDERS music festival made a big return last weekend.

Marking its second year, BordersFest (formerly GalaFest) once again offered locals and visitors to Galashiels the chance to enjoy two great days (September 9-10) of music for free.

Taking to the town’s Public Park, as well as a range of musical entertainment BordersFest also had a fun fair running alongside it and food and drink stalls.

The weekend-long festival was created by Bill Jeffrey, who last year took on a fundraising challenge of pulling a kayak up the Eildons – with help from friends and family – in an effort to raise money for the festival.

On this year’s festival, Bill said: “It was brilliant, we had the time of our lives.

“It was absolutely great to see families enjoying the sunshine.”

This year BordersFest welcomed musical talent from around Scotland as well as much closer to home, with well known local bands, such as Patersun, taking to the two stages.

Performers included: Patersun, Galashiels Ex-Service Pipe Band, The Wispz, Steve Adams, I Am Pluto, Joel Quigley, Craig Jeffrey, and Jigsaw.

Bill said: “There was a brilliant atmosphere.

“There were around 4,500 [people] throughout the day on Saturday.

“My 10-year plan is to have a series of events like this all summer-long in different areas of the Borders.

“I can see it becoming an annual event.”

And following the weekend’s events, Bill has made sure to get as much feedback on BordersFest as possible.

He added: “I have been looking at [Facebook] comments and the festival is definitely wanted, and I think it’s needed too.”

After a short rest, Bill has already set his sights on next year’s festival.

“Things are looking all good for next year,” Bill said.

For more information on BordersFest, visit the festival’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/bordersfest