Kirk Yetholm

Every year, in June, Yetholm holds a week-long festival. There are social events, a dance, games and – in the middle of the week – Yetholm’s rideout in which a cavalcade of riders beat-the-bounds of the village.

Although it may be a small village, Yetholm’s ride is one of the most beautiful and dramatic in the Borders going right up into the Cheviot Hills to ‘the’ Border

The Yetholm custom is believed to have its origins way back in the thirteenth century. The ride out of Festival Week involves a cavalcade of over 100 equestrians, led by Principals Bari Gadgi and Bari Manushi, take a three-and-a-half hour round trip to the Stob Stanes, standing stones on the hilltop near the border with England.

When is Kirk Yetholm Festival Week?

Kelso Civic Week takes place annually, normally during the third week of July.

For specific dates and further details, please see our events calendar.  

What to Expect: Festival Week Schedule

Like many of the Common Ridings celebrations, Kirk Yetholm has a busy week-long calendar of events, bringing together locals and visitors.

As well as the ride out to the Stob Stanes there is the famous Duck Race.

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5.30: Riders leave the Haugh
6.45: Ride crosses the ford at Halterburn
7.15: Halterburn Stop
8.45: Rturn to Kirk Yetholm

Unique Local Traditions 

The Yetholm Principals names are dervived from the villages extensive gypsy heritage, Kirk Yetholm has the Gypsy Palace which was home to the King of the gypsy’s Billy Blyth.

The Principals are known as Bari Gadgi (male representative) and Bari Manushi (female representative).

The Stob Stanes, where according to tradition Gypsy Kings were crowned in days gone by. Yetholm has strong ties with the Gypsy community and the names of the Principals mean “Best Boy” and “Best Girl” in the Romany language.