If you missed her last year, Sylvia Sceptre is back with two performances of Phantasmagorical! Phantasmagorical is a supernatural spectacle of stories and magic, swirling with dark storytelling, drama and magic. Does Sylvia Sceptre have the gift of second sight? Whatever you decide, you will have an intriguing experience to remember with this engaging, fun and alternative magic show.

Ages 16+, with themes of death and the afterlife

The annual celebration of creativity in Innerleithen and Walkerburn returns with a packed programme of open artist studios, pop-up galleries, workshops, walking tours and live music. Keep an eye on social media for more updates!

This fascinating event brings together internationally renowned broadcasters, writers, thinkers, artists, diplomats and politicians to meet, talk and exchange ideas with the public about some of the most interesting and pressing issues of our time. Alongside the talks is a growing programme of music, visual and performing arts, film, spoken word, and well-being activities including meditation, yoga, walking, and cycling – all set in the inspiring grounds of Traquair House.

The stage is set for a memorable weekend of live music and festival vibes in the heart of Innerleithen. Expect plenty of local talent, exceptional performances and a hearty Tweed Valley welcome in the town's fabulous Vale Club, Union Club and other venues. Check out the Facebook page for the full line-up – and a few hidden gems at the Saturday afternoon open mic session.

Instituted in 1827, The Games are the oldest organised sports meeting in Scotland and are part of a wider eight-day festival in the town of Innerleithen. The mysterious Cleikum Ceremonies are central to the events, celebrating the town’s association with its patron saint, St Ronan. A monk who took no nonsense from anyone, St Ronan is said to have engaged the Devil himself in combat, using his staff to drive him out of town. The festivities culminate in a torchlit procession that leads to Burnin’ the De’il and a fireworks display on top of nearby Caerlee Hill!

A spectacular festival of local legend, history and tradition, with a calendar of events that span the week. Celebrations begin with an inaugural service at the Cross Kirk on Sunday evening, the installation of the Cornet and Riding of the Marches a must-see event for the Wednesday and the Crowning of the Beltane Queen and lively procession the centrepiece to Beltane Saturday. Expect a week of silver bands, pipers, fancy dress and LOTS of horses!

The Borders Book Festival returns to the Harmony House & Orchard in Melrose for another gathering of the great and good from the literary world. Keep an eye on the event website for programme details.

Outdoor promenade performances of Shakespeare classics return to the stunning grounds of Traquair House. Following last year’s thrilling production of Richard III, the company are tackling a less dark but equally thought-provoking tale of money and mercy, prejudice and social injustice. The Merchant of Venice may be over 400 years old, but its messages about love and humanity are just as relevant for audiences today.

The return of the annual celebration of all things creative is centred on Peebles’ Eastgate Theatre with an exciting mix of live music, drama – with Borders Pub Theatre giving six new plays about the Tweed and The National Theatre of Scotland presenting a resonant story around political morality – and plenty of action outside. Look out for the Callants Annual Busking Competition, film shows in one of the smallest theatres in the country, plus a walk and talk themed around John Buchan’s local connections.

The people of Peebles (and beyond) celebrate their creative skills in visual arts, music, poetry, film and crafts. All interspersed with live theatre performances, talks by guests with intriguing stories, mass participation events, walks and explorations, enjoying everything from a very famous dessicated rat in Neidpath Castle to the annual busking competition on Peebles High Street and more.