Country and Food Festival, Selkirk: Full details and early-bird ticket offer
When it comes to grand days out, it doesn’t get much grander than the Philiphaugh Estate in the idyllic Scottish Borders.
Just over an hour south from Edinburgh, the family-run estate is dedicated to landscape, wildlife and the local community. Against a backdrop rich with Roman ruins, packed with stunning vistas and oozing generations of heritage, Antonia and Ed Strang-Steel have created an inaugural Country & Food Festival to celebrate the region, which they hope will become a stalwart in the Scottish calendar.
Brought to you by Philiphaugh, in association with headline sponsor Abbey Fine Wines, Antonia and Ed are planning something magical for those in the Borders and beyond.
The festival has something for foodies and fun-lovers, those looking for culture or those who want to set their adrenalin soaring. Whether its quality Scottish products and high-end brands, field sports and glamping inspiration, amazing art from a local creative or simply wanting to give the whole family an unforgettable day out, the often over-used ‘something for everyone’ phrase is entirely accurate here!
For tiny tots
Enjoy complimentary face-painting before grabbing tickets for merry-go-rounds and rides, all the fun of the fair is here including clowns and other pop-up shows. Remember, admission for kids under six is free with paying adults.
For bigger kids
The festival experience is more than just music or noisy rides; a proper family-friendly festival has it all. How about mini golf, cookery masterclasses, or the chance to try their hand at axe-throwing (some height or age restrictions may be in place), variety of sports activities , this is a day out that will have even the huffiest of teens demanding to come back again next year!
For the foodie
ITV This Morning favourite Suzanne Mulholland will share her batch cooking tips, while Billy Hamilton, owner of the popular Bucckleuch Arms and recent winner in the Eat Game Awards 2023, will be showcasing his work. There will be a wild game inspired demo, while the head chef at No. 1 will set your tastebuds tingling. From oysters to venison and everything in between, this is foodie festival with a side serving of entertainment and inspiration.
And on the side …
You don’t get fine foods without even finer wines and spirits, and Abbey Fine Wines will be offering up delicious temptations, alongside a range of pop-up bars and stalls from some of Scotland’s most interesting craft breweries and distilleries. Don’t forget the gin tasting, cocktails or barista lessons, with plenty of tipples to take home with you to enjoy once the day is done.
Food trucks
Feeling peckish while on the go? The food trucks at the event will offer up haggis surprises, wood fired pizzas, game flame BBQ, coffee, cake ... need we go on?
Main showground fun
There are demos on all day to delight and entertain – from pipe bands to hunt and hounds, including the Sealpin Kennels gundog demos, if you love rural life then this is the must-see event of the year.
For the country lover
There will be demos from Bisley at Braidwood, experts in farming, walking, cycling, land management, fieldsports and more – they’re talking your language, living your lifestyle and there to help you fall in love with Borders life all over again.
Feeling crafty
Watch the chainsaw sculptors create something magical as they entice outstanding, one-off pieces of art from within giant tree logs; try your hand in the creative tent or just wonder at the talent on offer from potters, painters and more. Don’t miss the antiques and artisan stalls and tents.
Retail therapy
From household names in outdoor clothing and footwear to artisan creatives, cheesemakers, brewers, artists, pet suppliers, equine outfitters and everything in between will be on offer.
Where to get tickets
The best deal in town is to buy in advance on the website – where you save £3 on every ticket’s on the door price.
Pre-booked tickets start at £15 per adult, £10 for concessions, £5 for six to 16-year-olds and £30 for two adults and two kids under 16.
How to get there
All roads lead to Philiphaugh Estate, and there’s parking onsite – access by public transport is via Tweedbank Train Station or buses to Selkirk, then just short walk down the hill
Save the date
It’s all happening on Saturday, September 23, but make sure you and your family don’t miss the early-bird offer online. Buy your tickets here.