A POPULAR book festival got underway on Friday, with appearances from Pam Ayres and other famous names.
Wigtown Book Festival, which runs until October 6, has a programme of more than 250 events.
Comedian and poet Ayres (below), who was greeted with applause by a sell-out audience of more than 400, spoke about her long career ahead of the publication of her latest book Doggedly Onward next month.
During the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, she sheltered Allied pilots, gave refuge to persecuted Jews and participated in acts of sabotage.
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Sixsmith is also the author of Philomena, which inspired the acclaimed movie of the same name starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.
Meanwhile, historian William Dalrymple’s (pictured below) event The Golden Road, explored how India was the intellectual and technological superpower of ancient Asia.
Visitors will be able to go out with rangers, fisheries and other experts to discover more about the Solway coast, from the creatures that live in the mud and the water of the saltmarshes to the importance of the surrounding woodlands.
“More than that, it plays an essential part in the cultural life of Scotland and its people – and in encouraging a new generation of readers and writers through its work with children and young adults.”
The second weekend will feature a festival-within-a-festival dedicated to food – with demonstrations plus talks by authors – hosted by the Hebridean Baker Coinneach MacLeod.
More information about the Wigtown Book Festival can be found here.
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