Kelso Civic Week

Kelso Civic Week came about merging a number of events in the 1930’s. Many Civic Weeks and Festivals were developing in the Borders at this time. Not every event is based on equestrian skills, a Grand Ball and joint church service, as well as the Fancy Dress Parade are key elements of the week.

The highlight of the week is the Colour Bussing of the town flag in the beautifully decorated Town Square, in front of a large crowd, when the Kelso Laddie is entrusted with the Burgh Standard.

When is Kelso Civic 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, Kelso has a busy week-long calendar of events, bringing together locals and visitors. The most spectacular days for viewing the celebrations are Monday, the day of the Melrosian Ride Out, and Saturday, when the Tour of Ceremonies takes place.

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Unique Local Traditions 

The Kelso Laddie now leads an annual cavalcade of around 200 horses to Yetholm to qualify for his Blue Bonnet for having crossed the English Border. The Blue Bonnet is in reference to the famous ballad by Sir Walter Scott, a song about. Bonnie Prince Charlie & the Jacobite’s. Both of which have a connection to Kelso (link to history of the shoe)

The Whipmans ride is the festivities of this early trade union. The Whipmen were formed from various occupations all of which were connected with horses, such as ploughmen, carters and farm servants. The society was known to have been at one time, very large and it enjoyed a certain measure of success. It had an annual parade of the members with races and other sports, the members being all finely dressed in their best clothes and adorned with great bunches of beautiful green red and blue ribbands, the receiving of the ribbons is still part of the weeks evens at the Whipmans ride.