27th - 29th March 2026
The 2026 Festival
The 2026 Reivers Festival will take place from 27th until 29th March 2026 in Hawick, Scottish Borders. A weekend of 16th century fun is scheduled to take place, and once again there will be keen history enthusiasts descending on Hawick. All of the details will follow later in the year, so make sure to follow us across social media! To get a flavour of what to expect, have a look at our 2025 event:
A Border Reiver was a raider who operated along the Anglo-Scottish border from the late 13th to early 17th century. Known for their fierce loyalty to their families and clans, the Reivers were skilled horsemen, often engaging in cattle theft, skirmishes, and battles to survive in a turbulent frontier. During this time, the region was marked by feuds, shifting allegiances, and a harsh climate, making the Reivers both feared and respected.
Hawick, a historic town nestled in the Scottish Borders, was at the heart of this Reiver culture. As a stronghold for several powerful families, Hawick’s people became known for their resilience, resourcefulness, and pride. This heritage lives on today through the Hawick Reivers Festival, an annual event celebrating the town's Reiver past. Visitors to the festival can experience reenactments, storytelling, music, and dance that bring to life the gritty and vibrant history of the Border Reivers.
A trip to Hawick offers a unique glimpse into Scotland’s turbulent past and allows visitors to connect with a legacy of courage and kinship. Embrace the spirit of the Reivers and discover why this story still resonates in Hawick today.
