Free RIDONKULOUS street day comes to Hawick on September 12

Hawick High Street will become a pedestrian-focused festival space on Saturday, September 12, when RIDONKULOUS – The Great Street Day runs from 10am to 4pm. The free community event will stretch from the Horse to the Heart of Hawick and is open to residents and visitors.

A temporary road closure will remove through traffic from this section of the High Street during the event. Families, people interested in walking or cycling, and visitors looking to shop from local traders will find activities spread through the town centre.

Six traffic-free hours on Hawick High Street

The Scottish Borders Council Active Travel Team and Outsider Events are organising the day as part of the No More RIDONKULOUS Car Trips campaign. The aim is to let people experience the High Street as a place to walk, shop, meet and spend time without through traffic.

Walking, wheeling and cycling will be presented as practical options for shorter everyday journeys. Visitors will be able to learn about active travel, watch demonstrations and try different types of bikes during the rolling programme.

The road closure is also intended to show how the town centre can operate as a people-focused space. It will cover the event area between the Horse and the Heart of Hawick for the scheduled six-hour period.

Farmers’ market joins the family programme

A farmers’ market will bring local producers and traders onto the High Street with fresh, local and artisan produce. It will run alongside entertainment, activities and family-friendly attractions rather than as a separate event.

The full programme has not yet been published, but the confirmed format includes active travel demonstrations, opportunities to try bikes and activities suitable for families. The programme will roll throughout the day, allowing visitors to arrive at different times between 10am and 4pm.

Local shops invited to take part outdoors

Businesses along the High Street are being encouraged to decorate their windows, prepare special offers or promotions and bring parts of their operation outside where appropriate. They may also host activities, demonstrations or displays.

The event is being developed with local businesses, community organisations and other partners. Councillor Jenny Linehan, the council’s Executive Member for Environment, Sustainability and Transport, said the day is designed to encourage people to explore Hawick, support businesses and discover the shops, services and community groups based in the town.

What visitors should confirm before setting out

RIDONKULOUS – The Great Street Day is free and open to the public. The event notice does not provide separate booking instructions, accessibility arrangements, parking guidance or public-transport information.

Visitors should account for the temporary closure of Hawick High Street between the Horse and the Heart of Hawick. Further details covering the activity programme and traffic management arrangements are due to be announced before September 12.

Source: Scottish Borders Council News