Newstead Sundials Festival 2025

The village of Newstead in the Scottish Borders will be celebrating the story of Newstead, its connection to the River Tweed and its contribution to the area’s wider history with their first community festival in September 2025. The Newstead Sundials Festival, themed around ‘time’ and ‘heritage’, will feature the legacy of generations of resident stonemasons who helped to build Melrose Abbey and left their mark in the many sundials that adorn houses throughout the village.

Home to one of the earliest masonic lodges in Scotland, Newstead is at the centre of an important chapter in the story of this heritage craft, and the artistry of these skilled stonemasons continues to shape the village’s identity. A commemorative sundial made by stone carver Natasha Smith, with the
help of local volunteers, will be unveiled at its permanent home on the Village Green, and a legacy Stonemasons Trail has been created in collaboration with Stewart Wilson - the Tweed Valley Blogger - who will be leading guided tours on the day of the festival.

Newstead is situated at the foot of the Eildon Hills on the banks of the River Tweed and is home to Trimontium, one of the most important Roman fortified sites in Britain. The Trimontium Trust and Newstead community are working in partnership on a number of projects to raise awareness of the village’s rich heritage and the festival will include displays of Roman dancing and Roman firepower, including a replica ballista in action! Rob Longworth, Heritage Resources Development Officer, Trimontium Trust and an ancient weapons expert, will demonstrate the ballista, akin to a large catapult, near the site of Trimontium for an authentic experience of Roman weaponry.

Festival highlights also include:

● Pop-up Sundial Inn on Newstead Village Green with live music, barbecue, and local beers.
● Market Stalls on Main Street.
● Family-friendly activities including storytelling, crafts, treasure-trail and face painting.
● Refreshments in Newstead Village Hall.

Newstead Sundials Festival 2025 is a free festival supported by Destination Tweed’s Community Grants Scheme, which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The event is being organised by Newstead Village Community Trust (NVCT) in collaboration with Trimontium Trust and Connecting Threads (the cultural strand of the Destination Tweed project).