Border Book Festival hosts schools day in Galashiels

Back in June, the Schools Gala Day at Borders Book Festival had to be cancelled due to the wrath of Storm Hector, with winds far too strong for the marquees in Harmony Gardens.
Schools Gala Day at this year's Borders Book Festival had to be cancelled. It is now being held in Galashiels next Wednesday (September 12).Schools Gala Day at this year's Borders Book Festival had to be cancelled. It is now being held in Galashiels next Wednesday (September 12).
Schools Gala Day at this year's Borders Book Festival had to be cancelled. It is now being held in Galashiels next Wednesday (September 12).

But organisers were determined to arrange another event for the region’s schoolkids ... and it takes place next Wednesday, September 12, in Galashiels.

Festival director Alistair Moffat told us: “We were incredibly disappointed that it couldn’t go ahead this June, as it’s one of my favourite events at the festival.

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“It’s so wonderful to throw open the gates of Harmony House and watch the hordes of St Trinian’s swarm in. The kids really love it, and it’s great to see.”

Not taking any chances with the vagaries of the Scottish weather, the event moves to Galashiels’ Volunteer Hall, as well as the MacArts building in Bridge Street, from 10am-2.30pm.

Alistair added: “What is even better is that all the children’s authors and performers booked for June are coming along.

“We’re expecting almost 800 kids to attend, which is perhaps not every child who was disappointed in June, but certainly most of them.”

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Event sponsor, social landlord Scottish Borders Housing Association, is also still on board.

Authors at the event include Alan Windram, perhaps best known for his Mac and Bob books and music, and prolific children’s writer Vivian French (Tales of the Five Kingdoms and The Tiara Club).

Timetable

10am-11am: One Button Benny (with Alan Windram), nursery to P2, Volunteer Hall.

10am-11am: Creepy Castles and Rattling Bones! (with Vivian French), P3-P5, MacArts.

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10am-11am: Ghosts! Monsters! And... Teddy Bears?! (with Barry Hutchison), P5-P7, MacArts.

Noon-1pm: Magna Cow (with Barry Hutchison), P1-P3, Volunteer Hall.

Noon-1pm: Read All About It! Read All About It! (with Fergus and Claire McNicol), P5-P7, MacArts.

1.30-2.30pm: Dekko Comics Workshop (with Rossie Stone), P5-P7, MacArts.