STARS of the screen, stage and literature will descend on Melrose at the weekend for the annual Baillie Gifford Borders Book Festival.

Dinner Ladies actress, Anne Reid; Fawlty Towers star John Cleese; TV legend Michael Parkinson; and top international tennis coach Judy Murray are just a few of the big names to visit Harmony Gardens to mark the annual event which runs from Thursday to Sunday.

This year’s 100 event-strong programme also includes TV adventurer Steve Backshall; bestselling novelist Joanna Trollope; gardening expert Carol Klein; No. 1 crime writers Val McDermid, Chris Brookmyre, Mark Billingham and Ann Cleeves, best known for the TV hit series Vera and Shetland.

Top Gear and The Grand Tour TV script editor Richard Porter, will talk about what it’s really like to work with Jeremy Clarkson and one-time Labour MP Joan Ruddock will also talk about her life as a political campaigner – to name just a few of the sessions on offer.

Alistair Moffat, festival director, said: "In a climate of political turmoil and unease, we could all do with a dose of fun and entertainment, and the Baillie Gifford Borders Book Festival has it in spades.

"There are serious moments of reflection and contemplation too, as we examine our rapidly changing world.

"This year the book festival has something for everyone and we look forward to welcoming our audience to Harmony Gardens to enjoy a truly memorable weekend."

Around 2,000 children and teachers from local primary schools will also attend the Schools Gala Day on Thursday.

Councillor David Parker, convener of Scottish Borders Council said: "The Borders Book Festival has become a major event for the Scottish Borders attracting a great many visitors to our region.

"This year’s programme is once again an outstanding mix of authors and events, and the team behind the Book Festival work tirelessly to deliver a truly special event.

"The economic impact of the event on the Scottish Borders is now very significant, and it is fantastic that from its very small beginnings the Book Festival has become one of the UK's most respected literary events."

Entry to Harmony Gardens is free, and between events there will be live music; a street market offering food, drink and gifts; a family-friendly tented food village; Champagne and whisky tastings, as well as a bookshop to browse in, and free events including kids’ storytelling, circus skills and stilt walkers.

The full programme is available at http://www.bordersbookfestival.org

Ticket prices range from £5 to £20, with some free events in the SBHA Family Book Festival, which features children’s authors including Philip Ardagh, Guy Bass, Vivian French, Petr Horacek and Derek Landy.

Tickets are available from the box office: 0844 3571060 and online.