In this longer than usual special episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of one of the most exciting creative festivals in the South of Scotland: the Wild Writers Festival, happening across Peebles and the Eastgate Theatre from Thursday 29 January - Sunday 1 February.

I’m joined by three of the brilliant people shaping this celebration of words, wild places and imagination:

🎙️ Rich Rowe — Go Tweed Valley

Rich shares how outdoor culture of the Tweed Valley has shaped the festival’s ethos and how a diverse programme of events has grown. We talk about the origins of the festival, why Peebles is the perfect home for a festival that blends creativity with the natural world and swap our highlights of the stacked programme.

🎙️ Erin Thompson & Fraser Morrison — Eastgate Theatre

Erin and Fraser lift the curtain on the festival’s ambitions, it's place in the Eastgate's seasonal lineup and the incredible programme they’ve curated. We also touch on the huge role the Eastgate plays in the cultural and social life of the area.

📅 Festival Dates

29 January – 1 February, Eastgate Theatre, Tontine Hotel & Around Peebles

🎟️ Tickets & Programme

• Browse and book events via the Eastgate Theatre:
  https://eastgatearts.com/
• Explore the full festival programme:
  https://indd.adobe.com/view/3a0028a6-ff92-4485-966e-9b163d76c42f

What to expect in this episode

• How the Wild Writers Festival came to life
• Why creativity and place based storytelling matter
• A preview of standout events and speakers
• Reflections on collaboration, local identity and the joy of making something new together
• The important role of the Eastgate as a Theatre, Arts Venue and hub for Tweeddale

Thanks for listening, please share far and wide. Remember to subscribe for weekly podcasts from the Tweed Valley. Thanks to Go Tweed Valley and Gareth Easton for use of the image. Please also note that this is not a paid advert but is an endorsement by me of an event I wish to support :)