14 - 20 JUNE
Welcome to the Melrose Festival website. The Festival is held in the third full week of June each year to promote an interest in the life of the community and remind us of Melrose’s historical past. You can find details for this year’s Festival here and in the brochure. Rosettes are available in Abbey Fine Wines in the Square, priced at £4.00.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW the DIGITAL VERSION OF our BROCHURE
LOOK OUT for printed copies of the brochure around the town!
2026 MELROSIAN
Paul Fairbairn
Our Melrosian this year is Paul Fairbairn.
Paul is the 26 year old son of Sandy and Marion
Fairbairn, brother of Tommy and Katie. He is
nephew of 1997 Melrosian, Alastair Fairbairn.
Left-hand Man is William Macpherson (below) and Right-hand Man is Lachlan Gaddie (left).
LEFT-HAND MAN for 2026
William Macpherson
William is the Left-hand Man for 2026. He is the 21 year old son of Jamie and Annie, and brother of Lucy and Angus.
2026 FESTIVAL Court
Ella Scully, is the Festival Queen for 2026.
Cadha Smyth First Attendant
Jessica Smith Second Attendant
Darren Tan Courtier - Proclamation
Saul Murdock Courtier - Crown & Sceptre
Struan Gill Herald
Leo Hume Herald
Georgie Helps Trainbearer
Sarah Edwards Trainbearer
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
MONDAY 1 JUNE
Junior Rideout
(18:00 Triangle, Greenyards)
WEDNESDAY 17 JUNE
Cycle Ride & BBQ
(18:30 Gibson Park finishes at Annay Rd)
SUNDAY 14 JUNE
Wreath Laying (10:45 War Memorial)
Kirkin’ of the Melrosian (11:00 Parish Church)
Festival Football (12:30 Gibson Park / Greenyards)
THURSDAY 18 JUNE
Installation of the Melrosian
and Crowning of the Festival Queen
(19:00 Melrose Abbey)
FRIDAY 19 JUNE
Festival Ball (19:30 Annay Road)
MONDAY 15 JUNE
Rideout (18:00 - meet at 17:30, Triangle next to Greenyards)
If the water level is too high, the cavalcade will not crossing the river.
The alternative route travels via Trimontium, over Leaderfoot Bridge via A68 and along the Gattonside road.
SATURDAY 20 JUNE
Tour of Ceremonies
(08:50 leaves Market Square)
Sports & Family Day
(14:30 Gibson Park)
TUESDAY 16 JUNE
Fancy Dress (18:15 Gibson Park)
PLEASE NOTE: All float entrants are required to have:
• two responsible persons on the night
• suitable edge protection to prevent any falls from the float
• safe access on and off the float.
Failure to meets these requirements will result in the float not participating in the parade
Festival Finale
(17:00 The G&A Hotel)
Pipe Band
(18:30 Market Square)
Disco (After the parade, held at Melrose RFC, until 21:00)
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PLEASE NOTE: All times and venues are provisional any changes and additional information will be posted on here and on social media. For any assistance, please email
With thanks to:
© Copyright Melrose Festival 2026
Festival Photography: Andy McLean
Graphic Design:
