Yassin, O’Farrell, Harris and more confirmed for 25th annual Wigtown book festival

Authors Hamza Yassin, Maggie O’Farrell and Michael Morpurgo have been confirmed as part of the line-up for this year’s Wigtown book festival, which in 2023 marks its 25th anniversary.

The organisers say the festival, which takes place in Scotland’s National Book Town from 22nd September to 1st October, and for which tickets go on sale on 1st August, will be a 10-day “feast of activities and events including the chance to hear a multitude of authors discussing their latest books, plus poetry, film and music".

There will also be a series of lectures and discussions on issues ranging from the climate emergency to the 25th anniversary of the Scotland Act and the failure of world economics to account for the use of natural resources.

Yassin, author of Be a Birder (Gaia Books), will discuss winning “Strictly Come Dancing”, his Sudanese childhood, dyslexia, Highland life and his passion for birds. O’Farrell will discuss The Marriage Portrait (Tinder Press), and Joanne Harris will discuss Broken Light (Orion).

Authors including Judy Murray, Henry Dimbleby, Sally Magnusson and Pat Nevin have also been named on the line-up.

Guest programmer Lee Randall said: “Ever since I began chairing events in Wigtown, I’ve told people that a piece of my heart remains here year-round. To programme the 25th event has been a privilege and a challenge. How do you celebrate Wigtown’s journey while looking to the future?

“I hope that what we’ve come up with adds up to a full 10 days of delights – a really exciting mix of brilliant contemporary fiction and the very best in non-fiction alongside superb debut novels and Galloway yarns. This all rubs shoulders with wild walks, music, film, poetry, lectures and discussions.

"The programme also attempts to reflect the unique character of Scotland’s National Book Town. I hope you enjoy it – and that, like me, you won’t want to leave.”

Cathy Agnew, chair of the festival trustees, added: “What a difference 25 years makes. To survive and thrive for a quarter of a century would be an achievement in any circumstances. But after the challenges of the national lockdown and in the face of the hostile winds blowing through the cultural sector, it feels faintly miraculous.  

“None of it would have happened without the enduring support of our funders and sponsors and the extraordinary team of volunteers who help make the festival happen. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. Here’s to the next 25.”

Starting in 1999, a central aim of the festival has been to help drive regeneration across Wigtownshire, a highly rural area which has seen a steep decline in its traditional industries, and beyond. In that time it has generated over £50m for the regional economy and each year more than 10 times the town’s population (of just under 1,000) attend the festival.

More information can be found here.