This year’s Wigtown Book Festival will take place from September 21-30, 2018.
If you love books, I urge you to go along! What’s more, the event is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, which makes it extra special.
Over two weeks, this lovely Dumfries and Galloway town will be buzzing with book lovers. The programme is a stellar one, and there are lots of big names appearing. Highlights include broadcaster Clare Balding, comedian Susan Calman, author Ann Cleeves and journalist Sally Magnusson. If I was going, I’d make a beeline for Isla Dewar, whose book “It Takes One To Know One” is sitting on my bedside table. It’s set in Portobello near Edinburgh, where my mum grew up, so has special resonance for me.
Insider authors
Our very own Polly Pullar will be talking about her fabulous new book “A Richness Of Martens”, while our lovely DC Thomson colleague Chae Strathie will be delighting young visitors with “Mack And The Missing Cheese”.
Last year I was lucky enough to visit the Wigtown Book Festival. As well as enjoying lots of fascinating events, I loved strolling around the picturesque little town, browsing its many second-hand bookshops (it has more than a dozen!) I also loved the way the authors mingle with the crowds in a very relaxed way, popping into shops and cafes and just wandering about.
Discovering new authors
One of the nicest things about the festival is having the chance to discover new authors and books. Sometimes the pot luck sessions are the most fun!
If you can’t make it to the festival, don’t worry – Wigtown is a great place for lovers of literature at any time of the year. However, it really does shine at festival time and should be on every book-lover’s bucket list!
Want to find out more? Go to http://www.wigtownbookfestival.com/
Angela Gilchrist I am the former Editor-in-Chief of “The People’s Friend” magazine. My passions include cats, Highland ponies, good books, vegetarian food and long walks in the Scottish countryside. My favourite place to get away from it all is the magical Isle of Skye.
