FINAL preparations are being made to transform Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott, into a colourful carnival site for ScottFest 2022, a fun family festival in its second year inspired by the life and works of the legendary author.
The festival celebrates Sir Walter Scott’s birthday each year and will be held on August 12th, 13th and 14th.
This year Scott’s birthday marks the 200th anniversary of Scott’s very own grand festival; when 300,000 people lined the streets for the visit of King George IV to Edinburgh on 15th August 1822.
It was the first time a British monarch had been on Scottish soil since 1650.
As well as meeting the animals in the interactive stable, visitors can have a go at archery, shop at local craft and market stalls and enjoy a full programme of live music and dance.
There will be an incredible gunpowder finale at the end of each day.
ScottFest visitors can also experience spectacular jousting tournaments, watch the Dandie Dinmont Terriers race for victory, hold a bird of prey and watch them fly in an amazing display, and explore living history.
The event is suitable for all ages and includes plenty for children such as craft activities and face painting. Tickets also include free entry to Scott’s historic home and gardens.
Sir Walter Scott is the most influential historical novelist in our history and his best-selling works, from Ivanhoe to Waverley, brought 600 years of history to life.
Scott believed that collecting and displaying historical items could help us imagine past lives, and this passion was essential to his inspiration and success as a writer.
He was a champion and early pioneer of ‘living history’ as we understand it today and ScottFest celebrates his legacy by bringing history to life at Abbotsford.
Julie Merrilees, Commercial Manager at Abbotsford, said: “After the success of last year, we are so excited to be bringing ScottFest back for 2022, this time as a bigger 3 day event.
"The program for the festival weekend will include a range of performances, live music, dancing, sword fighting, jousting and more!”
“We can’t wait to welcome locals and visitors alike for a fantastic weekend of entertainment on the last weekend of the school holidays.”
Car parking will be available at the event, with all Abbotsford car parking charges suspended during
ScottFest and the Abbotsford minibus will be running continuously between Tweedbank station and
Abbotsford for visitors arriving by train. Access to Abbotsford will only be possible on August 12th, 13th and 14th with a festival ticket, available online or at the Abbotsford Visitor Centre, discounted advance tickets will be available until Thursday 11th August.
Gates will open at 10.30am each day, with the entertainment finishing at 5pm. Discounted advance tickets can be purchased online, at scottsabbotsford.com, or at Abbotsford’s Visitor Centre.
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