Jan 2026
Wild Horizons: Shorts Programme
Wild Horizons showcases a thrilling selection of short films celebrating outdoor adventure, bold journeys, and exploration in all its forms. Curated for the 2026 Wild Writers Festival, this inspiring programme will play at three different times over the weekend. So don’t miss your chances to experience these stunning stories shaped by the call of the wild.
Festival Walk
Join local guide Stewart Wilson, AKA Tweed Valley Blogger, on a wild, storytelling walk through beautiful Hay Lodge Park and on beneath Neidpath Castle, returning through the Neidpath Tunnel and surrounding woodland.
Fuel For Thought
Food should be simple, but for many people – whether athletes or not – that's not always so. Join Renee McGregor, one of the country’s leading voices on athlete nutrition, REDs and hormonal health, as she discusses her latest book Fuel for Thought, a practical guide to sports nutrition whether you’re an elite athlete, an every-day one or just someone keen to improve their relationship with food.
There She Goes
In times where fear and worry seem so prevalent, There She Goes brings together 17 female writers in an anthology of travel tales to inspire, encourage and empower women adventuring through the world in different ways and at all stages of life.
3,000 Feet + Q&A
This is the remarkable story of the origins of Scottish mountaineering and of Hugh Thomas Munro, the man whose name has become synonymous with Scotland’s highest mountains.
Further
In his latest book, former professional cyclist and commentator Michael Hutchinson (known as Dr Hutch to readers of Cycling Weekly) immerses himself in the world of ultra-distance bike racing.
Nature's Genius
An exploration of how humans shape the lives of plants and animals – and how they in turn shape us – David Farrier takes readers on a profound and mind-bending journey into a natural world that has always found new ways to adapt and thrive.
Meet The Macleans
Not having set foot in a rowing boat prior to 2019, the Maclean brothers went on to row across the Atlantic that same year, breaking multiple world records. In an even bigger challenge, the brothers recently captured hearts around the world when, after 139 days at sea, they completed the fastest non-stop, unsupported, human-powered crossing of the entire Pacific Ocean.
Feb 2026
Festival Ride
Led by the FNY Collective – a group of local riders passionate about getting more women out on two wheels – this is a fabulous opportunity to enjoy a scenic and easy-going ride together with mountain biking superstar Tracy Moseley.
Wild Horizons: Shorts Programme
Wild Horizons showcases a thrilling selection of short films celebrating outdoor adventure, bold journeys, and exploration in all its forms. Curated for the 2026 Wild Writers Festival, this inspiring programme will play at three different times over the weekend. So don’t miss your chances to experience these stunning stories shaped by the call of the wild.
Pathfinding
The desire to walk defines us as human beings, bringing joy, connection and freedom. But what happens to this when women become mothers?
Running Challenges
Despite – or perhaps because of – her fear of the dark, Keri Wallace, author, runner and co-founder of Girls on Hills, recently achieved a Fastest Known Time (FKT) when she became the first woman to run the West Highland Way solo and unsupported in winter.
7Stanes in 7Days
Having retired from full-time racing in 2016 following a stellar career, former World Champion and mountain biking icon Tracy Moseley recently embarked on a film project, 7Stanes in 7Days – a celebration of where she came to ride so often and which now, as mum to a young son with a love of riding, offer so much freedom and opportunity for family adventures.
Casablanca (U)
Step into the smoky allure of wartime Morocco with one of cinema’s most beloved classics. Casablanca follows nightclub owner Rick Blaine, whose world is upended when former lover Ilsa Lund walks back into his life — along with the husband she’s determined to help escape the Nazis.
Leo Houlding - Exposed
Join legendary climber Leo Houlding for his next new show, Exposed, a gripping live experience with stunning visuals, film, and storytelling from the world’s wildest places.
These Mechanisms
In her eightieth year, Christine wondered if she might create her first show. Who says an octogenarian shouldn’t be working with stepladders, electronics… and water?
Christine Bovill's Paris
Award winning chanteuse, Christine Bovill has built her reputation on the massively successful sell-out show, PIAF. Now, she beckons you back to the Golden Age of French Song; a demi-monde of heroes and outcasts, cynics and bruised romantics.
Friends Ceilidh & Dinner
Brighten up a winters evening, put on your dancing shoes and bring your friends and family to join us for a 2-course dinner and a night of ceilidh dancing with the Jiginaboot Ceilidh band.
Miguel Girão
Miguel is a rising guitarist redefining Scotland’s traditional music scene. From Portugal to Glasgow, he blends Scottish roots with classical, jazz, and contemporary sounds, moving seamlessly between accompanist and soloist. A 2025 BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician finalist, Miguel is fast becoming known for his bold creativity, expressive playing, and distinctive new voice.
Strange Brew
Classic Rockers Strange Brew make a long awaited return to the Eastgate! Expect a high energy rock show featuring classic rock anthems from the likes of Cream, Free and Thin Lizzy, with deeper album cuts mixed in for good measure.
