THE 2022 Borders Book Festival programme has been announced today (Tuesday, April 26).
And tickets have gone on sale, as organisers prepare to welcome back on stage big names in books; stars of stage and screen and leading figures from the world of politics and current affairs.
Returning to its usual home at Harmony Garden, Melrose, for the first time since 2019, the four-day book extravaganza runs from Thursday, June 16 to Sunday, June 19.
The diverse programme of over 100 events includes the fabulous Joanna Lumley on her book about the Queen; the hilarious and best-loved comedian Julian Clary; comedian and presenter, turned psychotherapist Jack Dee; current affairs heavyweights Andrew Marr, Clive Myrie, Gavin Esler and Allan Little; and former cabinet minister Ed Balls.
And as always crime-writing royalty Val McDermid, Chris Brookmyre and Mark Billingham will entertain audiences.
In addition, journalists and social commentators Darren McGarvey, Jonathan Freedland and Fintan O’Toole; bestselling novelists Lisa Jewell and Jenny Colgan; much-loved Yorkshire writer and humorous raconteur Gervase Phinn; TV wine expert Helen McGinn and BBC’s The Great British Sewing Bee judge, Esme Young will be there.
Book Festival favourite Rory Bremner also returns with two exclusive events: The Scottish Impressionists, alongside Ronni Ancona, and Lewis MacLeod, as well as I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Buccleuch, a special Borders Book Festival edition of the legendary BBC radio comedy panel game, I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue, hosted by the inimitable Jack Dee, with panellists Miles Jupp, Rory Bremner, Pippa Evans and Tony Hawks and music by Colin Sell.
Taking time away from covering the war in Ukraine, Clive Myrie hosts a special Melrose edition of Mastermind, with well-known guests seated in the original black chair, lent by Sally Magnusson.
Celebrating the power of storytelling as part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, the book festival has an exciting strand of events to spotlight the wealth of stories inspired by, written, or created in Scotland.
These events are woven throughout the four-days, involving some of Scotland’s finest writers, thinkers, and performers including: Alexander McCall Smith, Flora Johnston, Jean Findlay, Sue Lawrence, Andrew Douglas-Home, Claire Askew and Jenni Fagan.
Tickets now available at www.bordersbookfestival.org or by calling 0131 290 2112.
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