Scotland’s National Book Town has unveiled the programme for its annual springtime celebration of literature, storytelling and community.
This year’s Wigtown Spring Weekend, 3-5 May, promises a combination of author talks, events dedicated to Galloway’s people and history, activities for children and families, plus art, music and the chance to climb aboard the Story Boat.
Organised by the Association of Wigtown Booksellers, and supported by Wigtown Book Festival, it’s a chance to explore Wigtown’s many delightful bookshops while enjoying a relaxed festival atmosphere.
Among this year’s guests are Karen Campbell, who will be talking about her book This Bright Life, andShona MacLean, author of The Bookseller of Inverness, who talks to Helen Graham about her journey into the world of historical fiction.
Owner of Scotland’s largest second-hand bookshop, Shaun Bythell, will join forces with the former BBC journalist Glenn Cooksley, to read extracts from their diaries, and Dr Sharon Blackie discusses themes of empowerment and the power of myth and folklore.
Emma Healey, bestselling author of Elizabeth is Missing talks about her book Sweat, exploring exercise addiction and coercion, and asking how far one would go for revenge on an abusive ex.
Dr Jacqui Robertson, Chair of The Association of Wigtown Booksellers, said: “The Wigtown Spring Weekend is a celebration of literature, creativity, and the vibrant community that makes Wigtown Scotland’s National Book Town.
“We look forward to welcoming people from across the region and the country to join us for a weekend filled with engaging author talks and stimulating discussions.
“However, it is not just about books; it is about the connections we make, the ideas we share, and the inspiration we find in every conversation and story. So, enjoy the festival, make new friends, and let the pages of countless books inspire and delight you.”
Among the family-friendly attractions will be The Storyboat, created by traditional boat builder Gail McGarva from the upturned hull of Vera, a fishing boat built in 1923.
There will also be live music and storytelling in the McGuffie Memorial Gardens, plus a barbecue – or bring your own picnic.
Steve Munroe invites visitors to join him on a stroll through Wigtown’s history, discovering its heroes and honouring lost fathers, brothers, sons, a deserter-turned-hero, a missing Commando, and ties to A Bridge Too Far.
There will also be a Makers’ Market, with the chance to browse through a curated mix of stalls from makers and artists from across the region.
Some weekend highlights
Here are some of the other events and activities:
- Elaine Barton and Julia MacDonald look at The Great War at Sea, discussing WW1 U-Boat activity near Wigtownshire, featuring the Bayano, Baralong incident, and U-Boat surrenders in Lochryan.
- Sharon Blackie, Wise Women. A look into themes of women’s empowerment, the power of myth and folklore, and the connection between personal and environmental healing. Through bestselling books like If Women Rose Rooted and Hagitude, Dr Blackie reimagines traditional narratives to inspire contemporary solutions.
- Kirsten MacQuarrie, Remember the Rowan. Longlisted for the Highland Prize and the People’s Book Prize, Kirsten’s debut novel is inspired by the true story of Kathleen Raine and Gavin Maxwell’s ‘some-requited’ love.
- Sandy McKnight, Scotland’s most tattooed man explores the rituals, traditions and folklore surrounding spring in pre-Christian cultures both in Scotland and across the world.
- Helen Graham talks about The Real Mackay, her acclaimed debut novel is based on the life of Charles Mackay – favourite stage comedian of Sir Walter Scott.
- Sarah Stewart leads a creative bookbinding workshop where you can learn how to create your own artists books and zines.
- Renita Boyle, Words for the Birds – a family-friendly event where you can enjoy a story, a song, a poem, a lullaby and a cosy cuppa.
- Bob Frith, writer of Horse and Bamboo and founder of Britain’s only horse-drawn touring theatre company tells of 40 years bringing his unique theatre to rural areas from the Hebrides to Hungary and Slovakia.
- Kirkyard Chronicles, a talk by Breagle Martin, who uncovers the fascinating, surprising, and heart-wrenching life stories of the people buried in the local old kirkyards.
- A Harbour Goes to War. Roy Walter talks about the history of the Mulberry Harbour in Garlieston – the story of a local village and the impact it had on the war effort in WW2.
- Magi Gibson, winner of the Wigtown Poetry Prize, talks about how she draws inspiration from the little things that affect the big issues in our lives to write poetry that is both timeless and modern.
- Crystal Maw discusses why winter geese leave just as African migrants like swallows arrive – the natural pressures that make these journeys necessary for survival.
-Ends-
Notes
Booking tickets
- Online secure ticketing via wigtownbookfestival.com
- By phone Mon-Fri 10am-4pm on 01988 403222.
With thanks to the Wigtown Spring Weekend sponsors
- At the Sign of the Dragon
- Byre Books
- Anne Dunford
- Faodail
- The Old Bank Bookshop
- ReadingLasses
- The Smiddy Accommodation
- Stranraer & District Local History Trust
- David Sumner
- Wigtown Community Shop
- Wigtown Emporium.
For media information: Matthew Shelley at [email protected] or 07786 704299.
Wigtown Festival Company Ltd, 11 North Main Street, Wigtown, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland, UK, DG8 9HN. Wigtown Festival Company Ltd is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. Scottish Charity No. SCO3798