A NEW summer festival will launch next month to celebrate the 250th birthday of Sir Walter Scott.

ScottFest, which is inspired by the life and works of Scott, will be held over the weekend of August 14-15 at Abbotsford, the author's Borders home.

This year's festival will be Ivanhoe inspired with jousting, stunt horse riding, living history displays, falconry and traditional crafts, plus archery, live music, dancing and a Borders towns’ tug o’ war competition.

Border Telegraph: Medieval games and events will be held over Sir Walter Scott's 250th birthday weekend at AbbotsfordMedieval games and events will be held over Sir Walter Scott's 250th birthday weekend at Abbotsford

Giles Ingram, chief executive at Abbotsford, said: “ScottFest is a new festival, funded this year by EventScotland, that will be staged annually on Scott’s birthday, enabling us to continue to celebrate Scott’s achievements and influence on Scottish life after the 250th anniversary commemorations have ended."

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Live displays of medieval events can be seen throughout the weekend as well as a range of stalls for food, drink and crafts.

Mr Ingram said: “We are now putting the final plans in place for what promises to be a fantastic weekend of entertainment for locals and visitors, an opportunity for a great day out on the last weekend of the school holidays and a cause for celebration after the difficult year everyone has been through.”

Tickets for the festival will include access to the celebratory carnival, Abbotsford House and the gardens.

For ScottFest, Abbotsford will be open from 10am-5pm.

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Tickets will soon be available to purchase from: scottsabbotsford.com or in-person from the Abbotsford visitor centre.