BORDERS Book Festival director Alistair Moffat looks back at 50-years of festivals as another stellar line up of literary giants and famous faces head to the Scottish Borders this month.

He said: “Late in the evening of 21st September 1972, I was negotiating with Phil Collins in a dressing room backstage at the Tait Hall in Kelso.

“I had invited Genesis to perform at the Kelso Arts Festival before they had had their first big hit with songs from the Foxtrot album, and, despite the meagre fee, to their credit, they didn’t cancel the Kelso gig or have their management ask for a cash increase.

 “In fact, I was trying to persuade Phil to take less than £750 if I could persuade the manager of the TSB to open his safe and let me have £650 in cash.

“He agreed despite Peter Gabriel getting a doing from Mrs Nichol, the hall manageress, for letting off indoor fireworks during their set. ‘Wait till I tell your Dad,’ she said to me.

“It was all a long time ago, but the Kelso Festival was the beginning of a life-long love affair with festivals.

“I found the buzzy excitement, the atmosphere and the fact that they were live intoxicating. I then ran the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for six years and when I came home to the Borders,

“I started a book festival, almost twenty years ago now. Live events are wonderful, unrepeatable and unavailable on any other format.

 “If you miss a festival, it won’t be on next week -- you can’t stream it on Netflix or buy the DVD. You have to be there.

“It’s what we’ve missed for three years -- but this June we’re back, with a stellar line-up including Jim Naughtie, Miles Jupp, Val McDermid, Clive Myrie and Lisa Jewell, amongst many others.

“What’s particularly magical about the Borders Book Festival is the atmosphere amongst the marquees in Harmony Garden, Melrose, during the long days of summer.

 “In the McInroy & Wood Orchard, Hickory Bars add to the good cheer with their finest beers, wines and craft gins.

“After three years starved of festival fare, foodies welcome back Alandas Scottish Sea Food, Greek Street Food, Pizza Geeks, amazing burgers from The Penny Bun, and splendid cakes by Mimi’s Bakehouse – accompanied by live music over the weekend. All of that will fortify you for a dazzling four-day menu of book festival sessions.

“Some are sold out of course, but there’s plenty still to choose from, with tickets available – some for names you’ll know and others for fabulous new discoveries.

“You can check at the box office on the day. But the point is simple. Just come along! Harmony Garden and the McInroy & Wood Orchard - the hub for our dedicated Family Book Festival too, will be the location of a wonderful outdoor party that lasts four days.

“There’s something for all the family to enjoy in a relaxed and comfortable setting, with an abundance of outdoor space and a unique Heartlands Market offering an array of artisan goodies.

“As for Genesis: well, Mike Rutherford came four years ago, and I’m working on Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel.”

Borders Book Festival, Melrose. Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th June www.bordersbookfestival.org.