Populism, Middle East, @MeToo, Good Friday Agreement, Refugee Crisis, Catalonia – these buzzwords are not commonly found in conjunction with pop-up poetry, novelists such as Joseph Conrad and Muriel Spark or iconic Scottish singer Barbara Dickson. Yet all appear on the programme of a remarkable festival to be held in the Scottish Borders next weekend.
Beyond Borders is a two-day festival, now in its ninth year, that is held annually at historic Traquair House near Innerleithen. The concept of its founder, UN Senior Mediation Advisor Mark Muller Stuart QC, it has grown steadily in numbers and reputation. It is dedicated to facilitating dialogue and international cultural exchange between nations.
‘The organisation aims to create a vibrant international platform within Scotland, to break down borders between peoples, and help facilitate wider international cultural exchange, dialogue and reconciliation. Beyond Borders works across several different mediums including literature, performing arts, visual arts, heritage, film, politics and dialogue.’
The atmosphere of this relatively small festival is unique. The combination of Politics and the Arts produces unusual debates and visual experiences not often found at political gatherings (The New York Times’s award-winning exhibition of news photographs is going to be a must-see for many).
Equally powerful as input to the original atmosphere is the wide diversity of the delegates who attend, ranging from the grandees of the county and surrounding area to students, local townsfolk and alternate lifestyle specialists (there is a Foraging Walk with the remarkable Fi Martynoga on the programme). Political heavyweights such as Lord David Steel of Aikwood (he is a Patron of the festival) might perhaps be planning to attend the ‘Rock and Roll Politics’ comedy show of comedian Steve Richards.
All who attend will expect to be informed, stimulated and entertained. Be aware however, that this is essentially a serious gathering. Expect your attitudes to be challenged as speakers and debaters cast light on thorny subjects such as Syria, Yemen and Refugees.
Beyond Borders is likely to touch your conscience as much as your consciousness. It hopes to open your mind to new attitudes, new ideas and new interests. A festival that does that is indeed remarkable.
Beyond Borders International Festival
Traquair house, Innerleithen, EH44 6PW
25 – 26 August 2018
