The Melrose Festival has been a beloved annual summer event since 1936. Held each June, the vibrant week-long Festival celebrates the town of Melrose through traditional ceremonies, re-enactments, scenic ride outs as well as family-friendly entertainment. At the heart of the festivities is the Melrosian, a symbolic figure who leads the celebrations and represents the town across the Scottish Borders for the Common Ridings season.

Whether you’re a visitor or a local, the Melrose Festival offers an unforgettable way to experience the local culture, history, and hospitality.

When is the Melrose Festival?

Traditionally, the Melrose Festival takes place during the third week of June, from Sunday to Saturday. For specific dates and further details, please see our events calendar.  

What to Expect: Festival Week Schedule

Like many of the Common Ridings celebrations, the Melrose Festival 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.

Monday: Melrosians’ Ride Out

At 6pm, the Melrosian leads a procession of the town and surrounding countryside with his supporters. Setting off from Greenyards, they are joined by numerous other riders, making their way along the High Street to the Market Square and up to Dingleton and the Golf Course.  They then ride along the lower slopes of the Eildons and down to Newstead, crossing the River Tweed at Millmount (water levels permitting).  The ride then goes through Gattonside and up onto the Heights, before returning to the Market Square via Darnick, returning late in the evening.

Saturday: Tour of Ceremonies

The Tour of Ceremonies is a key part of the Melrose Festival, celebrating its community and history. On this day, the Melrosian leads a procession to key local sites. At the same time, community celebrations are held and it all culminates with the Festival Finale at the rugby club at the Greenyards..

Click on the arrows for more information

8.50 am: Tour of Ceremonies sets off from Market Square

In the morning, the Melrosian and his supporters gather in Melrose Market Square. From here, he leads a procession on horseback through the town and to key historical and ceremonial sites. Coaches are provided free of charge for the general public to follow along the route.

From Melrose, the cavalcade and supporters make their way to surrounding villages and historic sites. The head to Newstead village (9.10am), then Trimontium Fort Site (9.40am), and Gattonside village (10am). Afterwards, they proceed to Abbotsford (10.55am), Darnick village(11.35am), and finally to Melrose Abbey (12pm).

2.30 pm: Sports & Family Day

It’s an afternoon of fun and celebrations for all at Gibson Park including The Eildon Three Hill Race, part of the East District Championships, is a challenging 7.2 km trail run with 510 meters of ascent. The course traverses the iconic three Eildon Hills, starting and finishing at Gibson Park

5 pm: Festival Finale and Conclusion Ceremony

The Rugby Club at the Greenyards

Unique Local Traditions 

The Melrose Festival boasts one of the most spectacular backdrops in the region for some of its ceremonies: Melrose Abbey. It is here that the Installation Ceremony for the Melrosian and the Crowning of the Festival Queen take place. Access to the abbey is free of charge for all spectators on this special occasion. The Festival Queen’s duties are both ceremonial and symbolic: Selected on merit among the pupils of Melrose Primary School, she and her Court assist in various events and help to uphold the Festival’s traditions.

On Saturday, the main ceremonial day, the Tour of Ceremonies is held. It’s a highlight of the annual Festival, offering an immersive way to explore the local history and heritage. Led by the Melrosian, and joined by the Festival Queen and her Court, a guided procession visits several historic sites around the area, including Newstead village, the Trimontium Fort site, Gattonside village, Abbotsford, Darnick Tower, and Melrose Abbey, where the granting of the foundation charter by King David I is re-enacted.

Best Viewing Spots and Spectator Access

Want to catch the ceremonies and ride outs? During the week of the Melrose Festival, these are the best spots to watch:

  • Melrose Market Square: Watch the evening Junior Ride Out. It sets off from the Greenyards Triangle towards the Market Square at 6pm two weeks before the main week.
  • Cowie’s Hole on the River Tweed: An excellent viewing spot to see the cavalcade ford the river during the Melrosians’ Ride Out. Make sure to check local information that water levels are suitable. Entry to the river is at Millmount (What3Words: mornings.pitch.talkative ) and exit on the Gattonside bank (What3Words: Influencing.recitals.angry)
  • High Cross Avenue and the High Street (from 6pm): As the Melrosians’ Ride Out starts, it passes along the High Street and to Melrose Market Square.  The cavalcade later returns along High Cross Avenue and up the High Street for the concluding ceremonies in the Market Square (approximately 9:30pm).
Melrose Abbey