| Where: | Jedburgh, Borders - Rideouts fom Old Bongate |
| When: | Friday in early July |
| Time: | From 8.30 am |
The old name for Jedburgh is Jethart and the Callants Festival is a long celebration marked by several traditional Common Riding and other local events, culminating in Festival Day on the Friday. It dates back to the mid Twentieth century but commemorates events much further back in the history of the town. The first Rideout on the Sunday afternoon commemorates the town’s alliance with Kelso during the troubled times of the Border Reivers; the Callant meets the Kelso Laddie and wreaths are laid at Morebattle War Memorial. The fifth Queen’s Ride follows the route that Mary Queen of Scots took to visit the wounded Earl of Bothwell at Hermitage Castle. On Festival Day itself here is a final Rideout to Ferniehurst Castle with special local songs and music.
Helpful Hints
The festival Southdean Rideout is on the last Saturday in June each year and the other dates are fixed from that point.
In 2025 the Morebattle Rideout should be on 22nd June (always the week before Southdean) with Southdean on Saturday 28th, Reidswire on Saturday July 5th, Queens Ride on Monday July 7th and Festival day on Friday 11th.
The carpark near the Abbey is taken over by a funfair during the festival, and there are some road closures. We managed to park near the Co-op.
Click here for the event website : http://www.jethartcallantsfestival.com/
My husband and I were staying overnight en route for northern Scotland last year and were so lucky to arrive the day the Callant was inaugurated. What a wonderful evening it was and then to watch the ride going past was one of the best things we have ever seen. we had hoped to come back this year but unable but 2016 is definitely on our agenda. Good luck for a successful year
Can someone please tell me the exact route the fifth Queen’s ride follows. From an old book I have:
Barnaa? Farm
Stobs Castle
Earlside
Bonchester Bridge (Queen’s Well)
Lady’s Knowe
Queen’s Mire
Priesthaugh
Hermitage Castle
Is this correct and in the correct order.? If not, could you please correct it for me?
Thank you in anticipation. I look forward to hearing from you
Dear Fiona,
Here at calendarcustoms we don’t organise the event, we just report the dates and an overview of what happens – I’ve checked the callants’ own website but there isn’t much detail on the route and what’s there doesn’t appear to tally with your old book. However, of you follow the link to http://www.jethartcallantsfestival.com/contact.html you can contact the organisers directly, who’ll be able to tell you if the route is still the same or if it’s changed over time. They’re sure to know!
Best wishes,
Averil