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Glasgow’s Aye Write has confirmed that standalone events and a smaller-scale version of Wee Write festival will take place this year following an unexpected £65,000 donation. Planned events feature the likes of David Nicholls, Val McDermid and Murdle author G T Karber.
The Bookseller understands that a donation from The Colin Weir Charitable Foundation – which supports Scottish-based community groups and small charities – was offered shortly after the festival’s cancellation was announced earlier this month. The funding will enable pop-up events to take place during 2024 and in the new year.
Confirmed events include Damian Barr and James Ley in conversation with Jackie Wylie on 30th April at The Mitchell Library, G T Karber’s "How To Solve A Murdle" presentation on 16th May at Waterstones Sauchiehall Street and Val McDermid in conversation with Nicola Sturgeon MSP on 21st May at The Old Fruitmarket.
Lionel Shriver will appear on 26th May at Waterstones, Sauchiehall Street, David Nicholls on 14th June at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall while Alan Cumming will appear with Forbes Masson on 8th August at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
The Wee Write programme will go ahead in autumn this year on a smaller scale. There will still be a range of activities for children and young people as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. More details will be available in the coming months.
Glasgow Life said it would like to thank the “foundation, authors, publishers, and members of the public who have helped or offered to support Aye Write”.
Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Aye Write is a much-loved festival, which is apparent from the outpouring of support over the past few weeks. The generous donation from the Colin Weir Charitable Foundation means it can continue to have a positive impact on Glaswegians and people throughout Scotland.”
A spokesman for the foundation, said: “We are pleased to be able to support Aye Write to put on a programme of great events in 2024. It was unthinkable that Aye Write should be silenced until next year. Happily, the donation means that won’t be the case.”
Glasgow Life is continuing to develop a multi-year funding application to Creative Scotland for future editions of the festivals. If this is successful, Aye Write will return in full in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
Tickets are now on sale on the Aye Write website and to fund future festivals and help support literacy, visit ayewrite.com.