| Where: | Coldstream, Borders starting at Lees Mill then to Flodden Battlefield at Branxton and back to Tweed Green in Coldstream |
| When: | Thursday of 1st full week in August |
| Time: | Start at 10am, Flodden Cross at Noon, back in town 5pm for Abbey Ceremony at 5.45 |
Coldstream Civic Week is a traditional borders celebration dating back to the 1950s. As well as sports, parades and fireworks, the festival is a commemorative event and the highlight of the week is the Thursday Rideout to Flodden Battlefield, about 4 miles away. The battle was fought between the forces of England’s King Henry VIII and Scotland’s James IV; the Scots king was slain in the battle. The cavalcade of around 300 equestrians is led by the Coldstreamer with his flag; wreaths are laid at the cross and there is a short service in memory of the fallen accompanied by a piper. Following this, an oration is delivered on Flodden Hill nearby and a turf is cut which returns with the cavalcade for the Abbey Ceremony at 5.45.
Helpful Hints
In 2025 it should be on Thursday 7th August with other events on the days preceding and succeeding it (full festival is 3rd to 9th August- all to be confirmed)-check the Facebook page below for details.
Parking opportunities at Flodden Battlefield are limited so try to arrive in plenty of time. There is only a footpath to the Cross so the horses don’t go right up to it but are left waiting in the carpark.
Click here for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/coldstreamridersassociation/
Click here for the event website with full details of times, routes etc: http://www.coldstreamcivicweek.com/
had great ride to flodden yesterday!!ok no many canters but still beutifull countryside!!and well organised!!thanx coldstream!
Can anyone please tell me what date the Coldstream Guards march through Coldstream in August 2014 so I can arrange my holiday dates around that time to be there. (former Regiment).
Hi Andy,
Try contacting this link as I expect they’ll be able to put you in touch with somebody who knows: contact@coldstreamcivicweek.com
Best of luck!
Averil
I’m thinking of participating in the ride this year. How fast is the pace and what type of terrain will we be traveling over – hilly or flat? How many hours in the saddle?
thanks!
Hi Margery,
I’ve only attended as a spectator rather than as a rider, but if you follow the link to http://www.coldstreamcivicweek.com/contact/
there’s a form on the organisers’ own website and I’m sure they’ll be able to fill you in on all the facts about the terrain- if the Flodden ride is too long (approx 10.30 am -5.30pm according to their website), there are also a range of shorter ride-outs during the Civic Week (details are on the Civic Week website at http://www.coldstreamcivicweek.com , select Rideouts and facts/times etc for each route are on the drop-down menu)
Best of luck!
Averil
2022 I need details please. I want to experience this fkn horseback would be awesome.
Hi John,
You need to contact the organisers directly for all the up-to-date information for the coming season- here at calendarcustoms we’re not connected to the running of the event. If you go to https://www.facebook.com/coldstreamridersassociation/ you can find contact details and I’m sure they’ll be pleased to let you know what the current plans and rules are. Best of luck!
Averil