Bang Goes The Borders

Experience. Engage. Explore.

2026 date: Saturday 19th September

2025 programme of events was as follows:

Bang Goes the Borders is an annual science and learning festival. The festival, which is traditionally held on the 3rd Saturday in September, typically comprises around 30 presentations and interactive workshops, running continuously throughout the day. The event is free to all attendees and is hosted by the school and a committee of volunteers. The event takes place in the buildings and beautiful grounds of the Abbey Park Campus.

Last year's Festival saw over 1,200 visitors on site St Mary's Melrose - Bang Goes The Borders - 20th September 2025 

Initially the brain child of parent Dr Sara Shinton, the festival has run since 2011 and consistently welcomes over 1,000 young people and their parents from across the Borders region and beyond. It is generously supported by the passionate and highly inspiring scientists and presenters from universities, schools and educational organisations across the UK, who volunteer their time to engage with our enthusiastic and appreciative participants, and educate them in numerous aspects of modern science.

The event is highly valued by many educators, parents and carers across the Borders as a fun, inclusive and engaging family event and the committee are therefore extremely grateful to our most recent sponsors, Mitchells Glass, Bright Green Nature and Mary-Anne Johnston Limited for their highly valued support to cover all external running costs and allow the festival to remain a free, educational experience for so many children and young people.

We look forward to welcoming our presenters, young people and their parents back to the campus on Saturday 19th September 2026.

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Instagram: @melrosestmarys

Facebook: Bang Goes the Borders

Website: www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk

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