BUILDING on its success in 2021, the Maroon’d@Gala sports and music festival will return to Netherdale next year.

The event will take place at the home of Gala Rugby, on Saturday, August 20, 2022.

Praised for its innovation and inclusivity, the inaugural edition of Maroon’d@Gala provided competition opportunities for primary school age rugby players; under 14s; under 16s; under 18s; senior and ladies sections and players with physical and learning disabilities.

It also played host to football and running events.

In addition to the showpiece sporting event – which culminated with the final of the famous Gala Sevens - there were live bands, street food, themed drinks areas and fun zones.

Despite challenging weather conditions and the requirement to work in accordance with government coronavirus guidance, the free 2021 event was attended by around 3,500-4,000 people.

It received positive feedback with participants, vendors and spectators stating their intention to return for future editions.

Ian Dalgleish, the president of Gala RFC, said: “The Maroon’d@Gala concept has been very well received and the success of our inaugural event this summer, coupled with positive feedback and the continued support of our partners, has given us confidence to bring it back in 2022.

“Together, we’re committed to creating a community event that local people want to be part of and to celebrate the proud sporting history of Gala Rugby, as well as to inspire our future stars.

"We also want to build on what we achieved this year and to extend the feel-good factor beyond the Netherdale site, maximising the positive economic impact in Galashiels town centre.”

Maroon’d@Gala was initially scheduled to take place in April 2019 but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Further details will be announced in due course.