The Borders Book Festival, sponsored by Brewin Dolphin, has over 100 events in its programme for all ages, and on a wide variety of topics, all taking place over the weekend of 16th-19th June 2016.  borders Headline acts this year include master storyteller Frederick Forsyth, who makes a rare appearance to talk to Rory Bremner about his extraordinary life as one of the most lauded thriller writers of our time; world renowned musician Evelyn Glennie in conversation with Kirsty Wark; the founding member of Genesis, Mike Rutherford; comedian Phill Jupitus,  returning to his roots as a performance poet; food critic Jay Rayner;  popular novelist Kathy Lette and comedian Sara Pascoe talking about her first book Animal: How a Woman is Made. Former Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, will join Borders Book Festival regular Gordon Brown and Scottish politicians, Jim Sillars and Michael Forsyth in a series of political debates.  Douglas Alexander talks about life after politics and veteran broadcaster James Naughtie gives the insider’s view on the American Primaries and upcoming Presidential election.   Further highlights include world famous chef Albert Roux; ‘Rab C Nesbitt’ actor and comedian Gregor Fisher; leading Scottish historian Tom Devine; best-selling author and raconteur Gervase Phinn and Top Gear script writer Richard Porter going behind the scenes on one of TV’s most successful series.   Leading authors from the world of children’s books will take to the stage during the ever-popular weekend SBHA Family Book Festival including Cressida Cowell, author of the bestselling How to Train Your Dragon series (Sat 18th June) and acclaimed War Horse author, Michael Morpurgo talking about his book Private Peaceful to mark the Battle of the Somme centenary (Sun 19th June).   The winner of this year’s prestigious £25,000 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction will also be announced on Saturday 18th June, from a shortlist, including authors Patrick Gale, William Boyd and Simon Mawer.   Primary schools from across the Scottish Borders will attend the Schools Gala Day on Thursday 16th, and there will be an exciting new strand of events on Friday 17th, thefuture@bbf, with an afternoon of live music, creative writing, theatre, poetry and film/TV recording workshops, entirely programmed by local youth organisations.   There will be even more opportunities to take part as well as spectate this year, with a variety of live music and theatre performances and workshops, a street market, tented food village, gin and wine tastings, performances by Scottish Opera, and kids craft and activity workshops.   The ever-popular Family Day pass will be available, where for £35, four family members can enjoy a number of events on either the Saturday or Sunday.  It’s the ideal way to make the most of the SBHA Family Book Festival supported by Arts & Business Scotland.   The newly-opened Borders Railway offers a new way of getting to the festival for visitors from outside the area, with festival signage showing the way for walkers from Tweedbank Station 1.5 miles away, and a shuttle for those who prefer not to walk.   Box Office (opens 27 April 2016): 0844 357 1060     www.bordersbookfestival.org