A packed programme of authors, celebrity speakers and events has been unveiled for the 20thannual Wigtown Book Festival – described as the “brightest jewel on the festival circuit”.
Visitors to Scotland’s National Book Town during the festival, which runs from 21 to 30 September will be able to see broadcaster, writer and presenter Clare Balding along with bestselling author Patrick Gale, and comedian Susan Calman who danced her way into the hearts of millions on Strictly.
Others include Louis de Bernières, who first captivated readers with Captain Corelli’s Mandolin,celebrated landscape artist Andy Goldsworthy, equality campaigner Jo Swinson MP, comedian and radio presenter Robin Ince, historian Tom Devine, leading crime writer Ann Cleeves, actor, writer and comedian Arabella Weir, philosopher John Gray,mountain walker and writer Cameron McNeish and broadcaster and writer Sally Magnusson.
There will also be a series of events as special celebrations for the 20thfestival. These include panel discussions offering writers’ perspectives on how Scotland has changed in the past two decades and what Europe will look like 20 years from now.
Adrian Turpin, Wigtown Book Festival Artistic Director, said: “The 20thfestival is a very special moment for us and we are celebrating with a vibrant and exciting line-up of guests. Some are new to the event, others are old friends.
“We are also seizing the moment to look at a series of wider issues, including the ways in which Scotland has changed – for better or worse – since the late 1990s. And in a country, a continent and a world riven by upheaval and uncertainty we will explore what things might be like when the 40thfestival comes around.
“It’s one of the great strengths of an event of this kind that we can bring together some of the most creative people alive today to get new insights and perspectives on every aspect of the past, present and future.
“Another is that we have a lot of fun.”
Professor Dame Sue Black, the forensic anthropologist who became a household name with her TV series History Cold Case, said:“I am so looking forward to Wigtown book festival. It’s the brightest jewel on the festival circuit and I know it is going to be a really precious experience.”
Stuart Kelly, critic, journalist and author, who has been chairing Wigtown Book Festival events for more than a decade, added: “It’s a festival I absolutely love. What makes it special is that it has carved out its own identity. Every year Wigtown is distinctive.
“It’s also powerfully rooted in the area and the local people, offering a great deal for them and about their region as well as bringing in famous writers from all round the world.”
And 2018 will be no exception with an impressive line-up of authors and poets either based in, or writing about, Wigtown and the rest of the southwest Scottish region of Dumfries and Galloway.
Historian Ted Cowan will discuss John Ross of Stranraer’s ill-fated voyage to discover the Northwest Passage, Shaun Bythell talks about his bestselling Diary of a Booksellerone year on and Sara Maitland presents A Pocket Pilgrimage – St Ninian’s Cave.
Julia Muir Watt will look at Whithorn: An Economy of People, and Mike Morley shares stories of sacrifice and bravery from his book Wigtown Warriors. Meanwhile journalist Stephen Norris explains the unique charm of the Galloway hills and Jessica Fox discusses her re-released memoir Three Things You Need to Know About Rockets, which has now been optioned by a major Hollywood film company.
The festival is supported by Dumfries and Galloway Council, EventScotland part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, Creative Scotland and The Hollywood Trust.
Councillor Adam Wilson, the Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Events Champion said:“The Wigtown Book Festival is a huge success story and the celebrations for its 20thmake this year even more special. It has grown to become an internationally known feature of Scotland’s cultural calendar and we look forward to welcoming visitors from all over the UK and far beyond to enjoy a fabulous event, in a beautiful town, set within one of Scotland’s most scenic regions.”
The festival programme caters for all ages and interests. There is the Big Wig children’s programme and WTF for young people. There are also film screenings, drama, poetry, music, visual art and the ever-popular Wigtown’s Got Talent contest.
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland, said:“The Wigtown Book Festival has been supported by EventScotland since 2005, and is an established part of Scotland’s world-class portfolio of cultural events. We are delighted to be funding the special 20thanniversary programme, a series of fantastic events, panels and discussions which will feature a number of well-known writers to the festival alongside new guests, and will showcase why Wigtown is one of the UK’s best loved literary festivals.
“It is also fantastic to see WTF joining the celebrations for Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018 with young people helping to develop and implement the wonderfully diverse programme, giving them the opportunity to let their creative talents shine.”
For full details of Wigtown Book Festival go to wigtownbookfestival.com.
- Festival goers will also be warmly invited to attend another colourful regional event – The Kirkcudbright Festival of Light, which will be taking place in Scotland’s Artists’ Town from 5 to 14 October – see kirkcudbrightlight.com.
- Lovers of crime writing can also enjoy the Bloody Scotland festival in Stirling from 21-23 September. See https://bloodyscotland.com.
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For further information and interview requests contact Matthew Shelley on 07786 704299 or [email protected]
Photo by Colin Hattersley
About EventScotland
EventScotland is working to make Scotland the perfect stage for events. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org. Follow EventScotland on Twitter @EventScotNews.
EventScotland is a team within VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, the national tourism organisation which markets Scotland as a tourism destination across the world, gives support to the tourism industry and brings sustainable tourism growth to Scotland. For more information about VisitScotland see www.visitscotland.orgor for consumer information on Scotland as a visitor destination see www.visitscotland.com.
About Year of Young People 2018
- A global first, YoYP 2018 is a part of the Scottish Government’s themed-year programme which focuses on celebrating Scotland’s greatest assets.
- A year-long programme of events and festivals are taking place across the whole of the country for all ages to enjoy, led by EventScotland part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate. More information at www.visitscotland.com/yoyp2018
- Local authorities, schools, youth groups and organisations are running their own YoYP 2018 activity. Search #YOYP2018 on Twitter for the latest news.
- Young people co-designed the Year. A group of young leaders, Communic18, lead on all key decision making.
- The Year is delivered in partnership between the Scottish Government, VisitScotland and EventScotland – part of the VisitScotland Events Directorate, Young Scot, Scottish Youth Parliament, Children in Scotland, YouthLink Scotland and Creative Scotland.
- More information can be found at yoyp2018.scot, searching @YOYP2018 #YOYP2018 on Twitter or by emailing [email protected]
Wigtown Festival Company Ltd, 11 North Main Street, Wigtown, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland, UK, DG8 9HN © 1999 – 2018. Wigtown Festival Company Ltd is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. Scottish Charity No. SCO37984