NEWSTEAD SUNDIALS FESTIVAL 2026

Newstead Sindials Festival is back on 6th September!

Get ready for a family fun day of time travel and entertainment celebrating Newstead's unique history and heritage.

Highlights of the 2026 Festival :

Workshops throughout August leading up to the Festival, including Connecting Threads artist-led community workshops, historic lecture by Trimontium, music workshops for prospective performers and film showings.

Festival opening with a procession of the Melrose Pipes and Drums Band down Main Street with a fancy dress parade

Village Green Stage 

Live Music, Bar and BBQ

Trimontium Stage 

Roman dancing, Ballista Demonstration, Trimontium finds table, guided walks.

Once Upon a Time Stage

Children’s area including storytelling, crafts, children's entertainment, face painting and treasure hunt.

Yiddy Stage 

Artists workshops with Connecting Threads, nature-based activities with Bright Green Nature

Our New Medieval Stage 

Stone carving demonstrations and taster sessions throughout the afternoon

Historic Environment Scotland with talks about the history of Melrose Abbey, the links with the stonemasons of Newstead and hands-on history demonstrations.

Mediaeval herbalist demonstrations.

Guided Stonemasons Trail throughout the afternoon

Cornerstone ‘pop-up’ café showcasing local bakes

Market stalls along Main Street showcasing local makers

Border Reivers Classic and Modern Car Display

Support from Cycling Without Age Scotland to provide transport for less mobile visitors to negotiate our Main Street.

Enjoy the welcome and hospitality of Newstead's current residents. 

The Festival is entirely run by volunteers and last year the  feedback was fantastic.