SCOTLAND’S “national book town” has unveiled its full line-up for its annual book festival, which is returning for the 25th year.
Wigtown Book Festival will take place from September 22 to October 1 and will host a wide range of contemporary adult, young adult, and children’s authors.
The most anticipated authors include Judy Murray, Maggie O’Farrell, Michael Morpurgo, Sally Magnusson, Pat Nevin, Josie Long, and Robin Ince.
The festival aims to cater to all ages, with Big Wig Festival set up specifically to host children’s events.
In addition to the programme of writers, a series of lectures and discussions are due to take place on topics including the climate emergency and the 25th anniversary of the Scotland Act.
READ MORE: 25 years of Wigtown: The story of Scotland's book town
Visitors will also be able to enjoy wildlife and literary walks led by authors and countryside rangers, as well as the annual ceilidh.
The festival also aims to highlight local literary heritage, with spotlights on authors from the Dumfries and Galloway region, and a screening of local award-winning feature film Stella.
Lee Randall (below), guest programmer for the festival, said: “To programme the 25th event has been a privilege and a challenge.
“The programme attempts to reflect the unique character of Scotland’s national book town. I hope you enjoy it – and that, like me, you won’t want to leave.”
Cathay Agnew, chair of the festival trustees, added: “What a difference 25 years makes. To survive and thrive for a quarter of a century would be an achievement in any circumstances.
“But after the challenges of Covid and in the face of the hostile winds blowing through the cultural sector, it feels faintly miraculous.”
The festival has generated more than £50 million for the regional economy since it first took place in 1999, organisers say, and expects to see around 10,000 visitors to Wigtown – more than ten times the town’s population.
Tickets for the festival go on sale on August 1. Wigtown Books Festival said its full line-up would be published on the "what's on" section of its website at the same time.
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