What’s On this June

As Spring slides into Summer there are plenty of events happening around the South of Scotland during June. From celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee to arts, literature, cycling events and a brand new car show, there is plenty to see and do, so read on to see what piques your interest.

Enduro World Series Tweed Valley

Where: Innerleithen

When: 2-5 June

The Enduro World Series Tweed Valley mountain bike race and festival is returning to the Scottish Borders with the festival events starting 26 May and the racing happening the first weekend in June. Last year the event brought 15,000 visitors to Innerleithen and this year promises to be even bigger. The event programme takes in everything from a children’s biking skills evening, a global film premiere, and a heritage walk to locally organised events including the Borders Blue Club and the 19th Innerleithen Pipe Band Competition. There is also a Tweed Valley Makers Market planned for Sunday 5th June, in the Festival Village.

And of course, there is the cycling. Expect international elite athletes and top mountain biking teams competing on daring trails, bike demos and top cycling brands all in town for the weekend.

Spring Fling

Where: Various venues around Dumfries and Galloway

When: 2-5 June

The Spring Fling Open Studios Weekend, which takes place over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend, will see 96 specially selected artists and makers across Dumfries and Galloway throw open their doors to welcome the public.

Visitors can follow six colour-coded routes taking them round studios throughout the region, with some artists holding special evening openings or offering demonstrations. As ever, there will also be bus tours round selected studios.

In addition to open studio events throughout the weekend there is a retrospective of Spring Fling over the past 20 years featuring works of art by more than 40 past and present artists at Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries. The arts centre will also celebrate young people learning traditional craft techniques with a Modern Makers exhibition.

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations and Scooter Rally Kelso

Where: Across the South of Scotland

When: 2-5 June

The Border Union Agricultural Showground will host Scotland’s only National Scooter Rally from 2-5 June. There will be Music Rooms, a silent disco, parts fair, custom show, live music, hot food and more.

Then, on Saturday 4th June, Kelso will host a main celebration event to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a re-enactment, parade, and performers throughout the day. The Market Square will host speciality stalls by Kelso Farmers Market from around 10am to 4pm and there will be a family funfair.

In Dumfries & Galloway, Kirkcudbright is celebrating Sunday 5th June and hosting a street party for the Jubilee with children’s activities, funfair, music on the Main Stage and plenty of food and drink options.

Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival

Where: Kirkcudbright

When: 9-12 June

If jazz is your thing, head to the Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival, back for its 23rd year with four days featuring some of Europe’s finest jazz musicians and bands. With a range of bands, venues and ticket options, it’s the ideal way to enjoy jazz or try it for the first time.

Borders Book Festival

Where: Melrose

When: 16-19 June

The Borders Book Festival will once again welcome big names in books; stars of stage and screen, and leading figures from the world of politics and current affairs.

The diverse programme of over 100 events includes a talk with Joanna Lumley on her book about the Queen; the hilarious and best-loved comedian Julian Clary; comedian, presenter, turned psychotherapist Jack Dee; current affairs heavy-weights Andrew Marr, Clive Myrie, Gavin Esler and Allan Little; former cabinet minister Ed Balls with his very personal memoir; crime-writing royalty Val McDermid, Chris Brookmyre and Mark Billingham; bestselling novelists Lisa Jewell and Jenny Colgan; much-loved Yorkshire writer and humorous raconteur Gervase Phinn. To name but a few.

The Family Book Festival on the weekend is packed with even more thrilling author events including: Mairi Kidd sharing Scottish Fairy Tales, Myths & Legends; the chance to learn about Scottish dinosaurs with Steve Brusatte, an actual palaeontologist; Dr Punam Krishanon on How to be a Doctor; what we can do to help our planet with Christopher Lloyd and his latest book It’s Up To Us, the story of global climate change as well as kids craft activities, storytelling and interactive creative workshops.

Sir Jackie Stewart Classic

Where: Thirlestane Castle, Lauder

When: 18-19 June

Thirlestane Castle is the location for the first ever Sir Jackie Stewart Classic. This motoring event will showcase the career of three-time Formula One World Champion, Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, featuring a display of his most iconic cars and memorabilia, live motorsport action including Mark Webber’s 2012 Redbull F1 Race Car, an award-winning car show with over 1000+ classic cars, the very best of Scottish food and drink and much more. Car fans of all ages are welcome, with family fun activities including a Simtek Karting Simulator, Airvolocity, festival rides, and more on offer. The event is in aid of Race Against Dementia; a global charity, founded by Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, to raise money to fund breakthrough and innovative research to find a prevention or treatment for dementia.

Summer Solstice at Crawick

Where: Crawick Multiverse, Sanquhar

When: 21 June

Fancy watching the start of the longest day of the year? Head for Crawick Multiverse which is opening at 4am for a special new outdoor event to celebrate the special connection between Crawick Multiverse and the summer solstice.

The morning will include musical performances, wellbeing workshops and a live theatre performance.

2022 British National Road Championships

Where: Dumfries, Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright

When: 23-25 June

The 2022 British National Road Championships will take place in Dumfries and Galloway, once again bringing together the time-trial, circuit and road race championships into three days of scintillating racing.

Watch on as riders battle for the coveted red, white and blue national champions’ jerseys over three days in three locations.

The championships will begin with the time-trials, starting and finishing on the picturesque Crichton Estate in Dumfries, with riders taking in Caerlaverock Castle and Nature Reserve on Thursday 23 June.

The circuit races will then take place on the following day on a fast but technical 1km circuit around the historic port town of Kirkcudbright.

Finally, the road races will start and finish in Castle Douglas. The route will pass through the centre of Castle Douglas a number of times during each race, while also taking in the challenging local terrain.

Common Ridings

Where: Hawick, Selkirk, Peebles, Melrose, Galashiels, Dumfries

When: Throughout June

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the annual Common Riding, most common in the Borders where protecting the land from encroachment and raiders was vital in days gone by. Start in Hawick, where this year the Common Ridings begin on the 9th of June; this is the oldest equestrian festival in the world! Selkirk, Peebles, Melrose and Galashiels in the Borders follow suit throughout June.

Dumfries has Guid Nychburris Day, usually the third weekend of June where riders leave Midsteeple and ride the marches before returning to a parade, musicians and dances in the town centre.