MELROSIAN Will Owen has reflected on an ‘unforgettable’ time after an action-packed week of events during the town’s festival.

From the wreath laying on Sunday, June 18, through to the festival dinner on Saturday, the history and traditions of Melrose have been celebrated.

And 23-year-old Will has been at the forefront of it all, dutifully carrying out the many roles and responsibilities that come with being a Melrosian.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph, Will, who is the first in his family to have the honour of leading the festival, said: “The week was absolutely amazing, something I’ll never forget.

“The highlight for me was definitely the Rideout on the Monday night. It was just amazing to lead the cavalcade.”

The sun shone throughout the week, showing the picturesque town in all its glory.

However, truth be told, not even a downpour would have dampened spirits as townsfolk young and old rejoiced at the return of the annual celebrations.

On Thursday, large crowds gathered for the Installation of the Melrosian and the Crowning of the Festival Queen.

Ex-Melrosians packed into the sun-drenched Abbey, undoubtedly all casting their minds back to their own Installation while listening to the latest in a long line to be bestowed this honour.

It was a case of practice makes perfect for the Melrose-born man when it came to addressing the enthusiastic spectators.

Will, who works for Charlie and Phil Robson at Monksford, said: “I’m definitely not used to being the centre of attention and speaking in front of a crowd doesn’t come easy, so I’ve had to work on that over the last few months.

“The town was just amazing across the week and the support my family and myself got was just unbelievable.”

Will’s mum and dad, Angie and Tim, as well as his sister, Sarah, were there for him throughout the festival.

But Will was also ably supported every step of the way by Douglas Crawford and Robin Sharp, his Right and Left Hand Men. Sharp, who is doing an electrician’s apprenticeship, will take on the role of Melrosian in 2024.

Festival Queen Olivia Milne was also a credit to the town throughout the week.

Olivia – who has three brothers, Elliot, 7, Joshua, 5, and Samuel, 3 – carried herself with poise and elegance throughout the Crowning ceremony, a moment she is unlikely to ever forget.

She was helped across the festival by her Court – Millie Ashman, Hannah Ramsay, Brodie McLean, Rory Wight, Finlay McLean, Finlay Brown, Charlotte Allan and Arabella Warwick.