Nikesh Shukla and Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers to appear at first Paisley Book Festival

Author Nikesh Shukla will join broadcaster Kirsty Wark to headline the inaugural Paisley Book Festival in February 2020 with contributions also coming from Emma Jane Unsworth and the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers.

The event will feature various writers and commentators, taking place across various venues in the town, in the west central Lowlands of Scotland, from 20th to 29th February 2020. Kirsty Wark will share insights from writing her recently published novel The House by the Lock (Two Roads) and her life reporting politics while Nikesh Shukla, editor of The Good Immigrant (Unbound), will also appear and there will be a live gig from the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers - including thriller authors Val McDermid, Christopher Brookmyre, Mark Billingham, Doug Johnstone, Stuart Neville and Luca Veste. Paisley-raised playwright John Byrne will also celebrate his 80th year with a Big Birthday Bash in his hometown during the festival.

Other highlights include Janice Galloway, Jackie Kay, Kirstin Innes, Jenni Fagan, Chris McQueer, Emma Jane Unsworth and Alan Bissett.

First announced last month, organisers plan for the event to become a regular annual festival in Paisley’s cultural calendar. It celebrates “Radical Stories and Rebel Voices” to mark the 200th anniversary of the Paisley Radicals who campaigned for better wages and working conditions.

Keira Brown, co-producer of the festival, said: “We are excited to reveal a rich and diverse cultural programme for the inaugural Paisley Book Festival, with a variety of events that open the space for debate and reading, from our discussion with Kirsty Wark in conjunction with the University of West of Scotland to our BAME Writing Masterclass with Nikesh Shukla. There is something for everyone in Paisley in February 2020.”

Tickets to all events go on sale 10am Friday 29 November at paisleybookfest.com, or call 0300 300 1210 or visit the Paisley Arts Centre.