VICTORIA Halls will play an integral part in the first Borders Music and Comedy Festival which takes place next month, writes Kenny Paterson.
The Scott’s Place venue hosts the opening act of the inaugural festival when Idlewild hit the stage on Sunday, November 1.
Currently touring around the UK, the Scottish group led by singer Roddy Woomble will make their first appearance in the Bord
ers in support of their latest album, Post Electric Blues, which was released earlier this month.
Five days later, comedian Craig Hill, who is a regular performer at the Edinburgh Fringe, will arrive at the Halls for his first gig in Scotland since returning from New York.
Another five acts will also arrive for the festival at other venues during the first two weeks of November.
The Corn Exchange in Melrose will host McIntosh Ross, left, on Tuesday, November 3. Combining the talents of Ricky Ross and wife Lorraine McIntosh for the first time outside of their band Deacon Blue, the duo have released their debut album, The Great Lakes, to critical success.
The same Melrose venue will see well-known comedian Janey Godley perform on Wednesday, November 4.
Kelso’s Tait Hall hosts the final three acts. Edinburgh-based group Broken Records, on Saturday, November 7, comedian Phil Kay takes to the stage the following day and The Trashcan Sinatras round off the festival on November 13.
SBC’s venues manager, Alan Scott, added: “The festival brings a mix of acts to our local venues in the Borders. We are encouraging everyone to get these performances in their diaries and come along to Victoria Halls, the Corn Exchange and Tait Hall, or all three.”
Richard Sweetnam, SBC’s economic development manager, added: “This is a pilot project and an event we hope to develop in the Borders. A festival of this type and at this time of year has genuine potential to deliver added benefits to local businesses.”
Tickets for the Borders Music and Comedy Festival 2009 are available through www.border events.com
