Let the music play …
An area with a long history of musicianship, a love of live music lives large in these parts. And there’s something to suit every musical taste.
Peep through the windows of local houses and chances are that you might spot a musical instrument or two. A guitar here, a fiddle there, maybe even a clarsach or set of pipes.
Unsurprisingly, there are local bands aplenty and some true stars that straddle different genres – the likes of folk songstress Heidi Talbot, fiddle legend John McCusker, dreamy duo The Jellyman’s Daughter and the supremely talented Tommy Ashby all have strong links with the area.
The bulk of live music locally can be found on stage at the Eastgate Theatre, with regular appearances not just by the cream of Scottish talent – Kris Drever, James Yorkston, Horse McDonald and more – but also touring bands from around the world. Traditional and folk music are very much the specialty of the house, but an eclectic programme of live performances includes plenty of up-and-coming bands and stunning tribute acts.
There is also a programme of world-class chamber music courtesy of Music in Peebles. This long-running promoter presents a series of concerts each year, mostly in the form of solo recitals or performances by small ensembles. Among the performers are many international musicians and groups of the very highest calibre.
Elsewhere, live sessions can pop up all over the place. For classic pub jams, head to the Neidpath Inn, which has regular music nights, while The Bridge Inn and St Ronans Hotel both feature cracking music sessions.
The Tweed Valley’s love of music is no better demonstrated than by the annual Innerleithen Music Festival, which showcases an array of local talent alongside bigger names. It’s a big weekend, full of big tunes!