Record crowds for book festival in founder's final year

The Borders Book Festival recorded its strongest figures to date in the final edition before its founder Alistair Moffat stepped down as a director.

Organisers said attendances, ticket sales and book purchases all rose during the four-day event in Melrose.

The festival ran from 11 to 14 June in the Harmony Garden.

Ticket sales were up 8.1% on 2025, while total footfall reached nearly 34,000, an increase of more than 5%.

Book sales also hit a record high, rising by 17% compared with last year.

Warm weather from Thursday evening helped draw large crowds, with visitors attending events featuring authors, broadcasters, politicians and comedians.

The programme included historians, biographers, crime writers and figures from the food and drink sector, alongside returning attractions such as its food village.

Moffat described the event as a triumph, saying feedback suggested it had been the best yet.

He added that the latest figures reinforced its continued growth after more than two decades.

He steps down after 23 years, with co-director Paula Ogilvie expected to take the festival forward.

Dates for next year's event have been confirmed for 10 to 13 June 2027.