A NEW festival in Galashiels is hoping to cement its place as a must-go event with the announcement of a major building firm as sponsors.

Maroon’d at Gala takes place next month across all the pitches at Netherdale.

With around 1200 participants taking to the parks for rugby, running and football, as well as a music line-up, the new festival is expected to rival nearby Melrose for crowd numbers.

And organisers have been given a major boost with an agreement from Hart Builders to act as official sponsors.

Gala Rugby president Ian Dalgleish said: “We’re delighted to have Hart Builders on board for the inaugural Maroon’d at Gala event.

"Already a valued sponsor of Gala RFC, we know that they’re committed to supporting the local community and that’s really important for us.

“By working together to promote the event, including engagement activity with local schools, we’re confident that we can create a real buzz and make this event a success.”

Hart Builders deliver construction projects throughout the Central Belt, Lothians, Fife and currently have multiple sites across the Borders, including two in Galashiels.

The Hart team is already active within the community, most recently demonstrated by its local schools’ engagement project which resulted in the mural - with artwork themed around ‘why we love living in the Borders’ - surrounding the town’s Huddersfield Street development site.

Duncan Scott, project manager at Hart Builders, is delighted to become involved in Maroon'd at Gala.

He said: “As a Borders resident and proud member of Gala RFC, I am thrilled that Hart Builders is sponsoring the Maroon’d at Gala event, which promises to be a fantastic festival of sport and music for all the family to enjoy.

“As well as giving back to the local community through sponsoring this event, we will shortly have 206 much-needed new homes under construction here, providing long-term economic benefit and creating local jobs for local people which will leave a lasting legacy for years to come.”

Showcasing rugby at every level from primary school age through to under-14s, under-16s, under-18s, senior and ladies’ sections, Maroon'd at Gala will bring together players from every corner of Scotland in addition to Newcastle and Gosforth.

Taking place alongside football and running events and culminating in the final of the famous Gala 7s, the Saturday, April 18 festival is being branded an inclusive celebration of sport.

As well as all the sports action, an extensive music line up has already been confirmed.

And there will also will be street food, themed drinks areas and fun zones, as well as a Sportsman’s Dinner on the Friday night.