Countdown begins to a weekend of fairy fun at Selkirk's Haining

Flushed with success following their recent appearance on hit TV show '˜Outlander', Jedburgh's Les Amis d'Onno will shortly be playing yet another starring role, but this time on local turf.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Jul 2016, 08:56 BST
Updated 12th Jul 2016, 09:57 BST
Les Amis d'OnnoLes Amis d'Onno
Les Amis d'Onno

Their stunning milk white steed will be adding its own particular touch of magic to Selkirk’s new Festival of Fairy Tales, inspired by the town’s Andrew Lang and his Rainbow Fairy Books.

The Festival Opening Ceremony on Thursday July 21 at 5.30pm involves a charming procession choreographed by Ashkirk’s Kedzie Penfield, and led by the Queen of Elfland on horseback, accompanied by a retinue of Rainbow Fairies.

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The Borders Youth Theatre will anchor the Festival with four promenade performances of their major new summer show ‘There Be Fairies,’ now in full rehearsal. Meanwhile, the Haining’s former Dairy Cottage is transformed into the ‘Gingerbread House’ – story telling, puppetry and extremely busy, naughty gnomes will all feature prominently in this busy corner of the Haining’s grounds.

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    The Andrew Lang Fairy Tale Festival Launchtakes place at The Haining, Selkirk, from Thursday 21 to Saturday 23 July. Photo by Colin Hattersley.The Andrew Lang Fairy Tale Festival Launchtakes place at The Haining, Selkirk, from Thursday 21 to Saturday 23 July. Photo by Colin Hattersley.
    The Andrew Lang Fairy Tale Festival Launchtakes place at The Haining, Selkirk, from Thursday 21 to Saturday 23 July. Photo by Colin Hattersley.

    Meanwhile out and about on the estate there is secret treasure to be found! Borders based ‘Nature Unlimited’ who are passionate about strengthening our relationship with nature in many innovative ways, have devised an exciting fairy Treasure Hunt; lots of intriguing clues, fairy puzzles, elfin dens and tree spirits perfectly capturing the magic of this unique weekend.

    Why not come dressed as a fairy, or as a gnome?

    Renowned expert on Scottish Fairy Belief, author Dr. Lizanne Henderson who, on the Thursday evening, will be talking about the influences that inspired Andrew Lang to write his Rainbow Fairy Books and in turn – this magical new Fairy Tale Festival itself.

    The Fairy Tale Festival runs from Thurs July 21– Sat July 23. Tickets can be purchased at the event or from various Selkirk outlets.

    For BYT tickets, call 07392 824 301

    Full programme here: http://www.thehaining.co.uk/documents/fairy-tale-festival-2016-online-programme.pdf

    Related topics:SelkirkQueen