Wigtown Book Festival unveils diverse 2026 programme
Scotland's National Book Town gears up for a literary celebration
Scotland's Wigtown Book Festival is poised to kick off with more than 250 events, spanning literature, film, poetry, music, and theatre over 10 days.
Today marked the unveiling of this year's programme, featuring an array of special themes from Scottish debut novels to witchcraft.
Festival-goers can purchase tickets starting from 24th July.
Among the renowned names set to appear are the beloved Scottish actor Bill Paterson, comedian Lucy Porter, and Outlander star Sam Heughan.
Paterson, known for his roles in Fleabag and The Repair Shop, will discuss his book, Tales from the Back Green, and share tales of his upbringing in 1950s Glasgow.
Reflecting on his enduring relationship with the event, Paterson said, “I’m really looking forward to returning to Wigtown after nearly 20 years. The festival has grown so much in that time and this year’s programme looks dazzlingly varied."
Lucy Porter, who will be present on 28th September, will provide insights into her latest book, Middle-Aged Women Get Sh*t Done, set for release on 13th August.
Sophie Raworth will give a talk about her book, Running on Air, and her passion for running on 2nd October.
The festival's grand finale features Sam Heughan, who was born in Balmaclellan not far from Wigtown.
Heughan will engage with audiences about his connection to Dumfries & Galloway and his love of Scotland.
His contributions extend to tours and events at the nearby Galloway Distillery, co-founded by Heughan himself.
The festival promises a broad appeal, catering to all ages.
Young adult attractions include the Make a Scene filmmaking workshop and engaging poetry events.
There's an entire series of "Big Wig" children's activities.
RMG Parker's taut Tartan noir novel, Snowstorm in June, will be part of the programme, showcasing local ties.
Isla Rosser-Owen, CEO of Wigtown Festival Company, expressed excitement over this year's lineup, stating, “There’s so much in this year’s programme - life stories, family tales, Scottish fiction, witchcraft, crime, poetry, film, theatre, young adult and children’s literature. Over the 10 days we will present everyone from household names like Bill Paterson, Lucy Porter and Sam Heughan to a whole selection of up-and-coming debut novelists."
Lee Randall, who curated the main programme, highlighted the programme's diversity, saying, “My goal was to create a richly varied menu with much to tempt a variety of interests — and to do justice to much-missed Wigtownshire writer Alastair Reid, whose centenary year we mark this year."
In addition to the famous faces, several other notable guests are lined up:
Manjeet Mann, Maclean brothers, Louise Welsh, Chris Brookmyre, and many others will engage audiences with discussions about their works.
Events will span a variety of genres and topics, including resistance novels, Scottish crime fiction, and seasonal creature comforts.
Panel discussions are set to focus on critical subjects like Scotland's international challenges and rural depopulation.
The festival will feature the Wigtown Poetry Prize awards and unveil the winner of this year's Anne Brown Essay Prize.
Live music will enhance the atmosphere as The Bookshop Band performs and Jessica Fox, an author and filmmaker, co-hosts a series of Moon Snacks podcasts.
Attendees will have opportunities for mindful walks, foraging expeditions, and town tours rich with history.
Workshops on offer will cover writing techniques, character development, and artistic crafts like zine creation.
Cathy Agnew, Chair of Wigtown Festival Company, summarized the event’s purpose: “Yet again we are extremely proud to present a truly diverse 10-day programme of stimulating and challenging experiences of literary related talks, panels, walks and films."
Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.