RETIRED vet Nigel Brown and his partner, Melrose Primary School head teacher Gilly Innes, have been confirmed as the Principal Guests ahead of this year’s Melrose Festival.

They will play an important role during the Installation and Crowning Ceremonies at Melrose Abbey on Thursday, June 19.

While Nigel will deliver the oration, Gilly will Crown the Festival Queen.

The festivities get underway with the Kirkin’ of the Melrosian in Melrose Parish Church on Sunday, June 15, at 11am.

Speaking in this year’s programme, Melrose Festival chairman James Marjoribanks said: “Last year we all enjoyed celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Installation of the first Melrosian, Mr John Frater in 1938. It was great to have so many Ex-Melrosians and their partners join us for the Crowning and Installation Ceremonies at the Abbey on the Thursday night and we look forward to welcoming them back this year.” Melrosian this year is Fraser Anderson, only son of Ian and Vada Anderson, of Fairways in Dingleton, and older brother of Katie who was Festival Queen in 2006.

He will lead ths year’s festivities alongside Festival Queen Charlie Hume, from Tweedbank, and her Court - Katherine Donaghy (Attendant 1), Heather Panter (Attendant 2), Ruaridh Tullis (Courtier - Proclamation), Matthew Kirk (Crown & Sceptre), Ben Lynch (Herald), Alex Daunas (Herald), Maia Thomson (Trainbearer) and Lucy Whiting (Trainbearer).

Charlie’s grandpa, Johnny Bunyan, was Melrosian in 1965, as was his brother, George, in 1956.

The programme for the 2014 Melrose Festival is as follows - Sunday, June 15: Wreath laying at War Memorial, 10.45am; Kirking’ of the Melrosian in Melrose Parish Church, 11am; Football Fives in Gibson Park, 1pm. To enter an adult team call Brian Rout on 07780336858 before Thursday, June 12.

Monday, June 16: Melrosians Rideout, leaves Greenyards at 6pm; Concluding Ceremonies in Market Square, 9.30pm.

Tuesday, June 17: Fancy Dress Parade in Gibson Park, 6.15pm. Float entrants please contact Jenny Roper on 01896 823283. Disco in Melrose RFC Clubrooms for all participants after parade until 9pm.

Wednesday, June 18: Cycle ride, leave from Gibson Park at 6.30pm. Arrive at Annay Road for family BBQ at 8pm.

Thursday, June 19: Installation of Melrosian and Crowning of Festival Queen in Melrose Abbey (or Melrose Parish Church if wet), 7pm. It will be followed by a Triumphal Procession through the town by the Melrosian and the Festival Queen and her Court.

Friday, June 20: Visits by Melrosian and Supporters to Borders General Hospital, Melrose Grammar School and St Mary’s, from 10am to 3pm. Festive Ball at Annay Road Rugby Ground, 7.30pm for 8pm prompt. Ticket enquiries to 07810384660.

Saturday, June 21: Tour of Ceremonies, starting in Market Square at 9am. It will visit Newstead (9.15am), Trimontium (9.45am), Gattonside (10am), Abbotsford (10.45am), Darnick Tower (11.15am), and Melrose Abbey (12 noon). Sports in Gibson Park will follow at 2.30pm, with the Eildon Hill Race and Ribbon Dance taking place at 3pm.

The week will conclude with a Celebration Festival Dinner in the Greenyards at 7.45pm for 8pm. Tickets from 01896 822162.