Thursday August 6th 2026
Robert Marshall Borders Music Festival
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A music festival is set to transform the Scottish Borders into a hub for world-class performances next month.
For the first time The Sixteen, one of the world’s finest choral ensembles, is to perform at the Borders Music Festival.
This year’s festival, from September 11 to 20, is being staged at various venues, including Melrose Parish Church, the town’s Corn Exchange and The Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels.
From Baroque to brass, choral to opera and folk to jazz, music lovers will be treated to performances by internationally renowned musicians and ensembles in the heart of the Borders.
Harry Christophers, founder and conductor of The Sixteen, said: “It is always a great pleasure for us to perform in Scotland but to be part of the new and enterprising Borders Festival is very special indeed.
“We are so looking forward to getting to know a new community and bringing our music to a wider audience.
“I firmly believe that our music is for everyone and we cannot wait to see you all in September. May it be the first of many visits.”
Fresh from Celtic Connections, international harpist Lucie Hendry brings her folk trio to the festival, and after a sold-out performance at the Edinburgh Jazz Festival, the Paul Harrison Trio perform The Koln Concert Revisited and The Great American Songbook.
The London Handel Players bring the baroque period vividly to life and The Ross Milligan Quartet pay tribute to the great names in jazz.
But as well as bringing exceptional musicians and ensembles from across Scotland and beyond to perform, the Borders Music Festival is equally passionate about championing local musicians and giving them a platform to perform alongside world-class artists.
This is perfectly illustrated by The Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s acclaimed VIBE in the Borders Showcase which promises a high energy orchestral performance with young Borderers.
There’s also a celebration of the work and sound of the brass band, with the Scottish Borders Youth Brass Band performing alongside the UK championship standard Jedforest Instrumental Band.
Fittingly, the festival concludes with Evensong performed by Borders Chamber Choir in Melrose’s Holy Trinity Church, where the festival began.
Robert Marshall, CEO and artistic director of the Borders Music Festival, said: “We are thrilled to announce the programme for this year’s Borders Music Festival, bringing world class performers such as one of the world’s finest choral ensembles, The Sixteen, to the Scottish Borders for the first time ever.
“As our audiences have grown, the variety and originality of our musical offering has become widely recognised across Scotland and beyond. From baroque to brass, choral to jazz, and opera to folk, we look forward to sharing our love of music with you during ten special days in September.
“Our ambition is to establish a flourishing festival that heightens the awareness and appreciation of high-quality music across the Scottish Borders – and create opportunities for talented young musicians to shine.”
For further information contact Mr Marshall at director@bordersmusicfestival.com
Event and ticket information is available at www.bordersmusicfestival.com.
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