Glasgow’s highly anticipated annual book festival, aptly named Aye Write!, returns this year between the 15th and 25th of March. The festival will host appearances from over 200 writers at various locations across the city, celebrating an impressive mix of local, national, and international talent. This year, festival goers can expect to see talks from big names in literature, including Val McDermid and Susie Orbach, alongside introductions to the city’s best emerging talent, such as Chris McQueer. In addition, audiences will be able to enjoy the return of the festival’s popular series “The Books That Made Me”, with Composer Sir James MacMillan, Lawyer and University of Glasgow rector Aamer Anwar, Scottish poet laureate Jackie Kay, and founder of Glasgow Women’s Library Dr Adele Patrick all discussing the books that have a special place in their hearts.
The variety and diversity of events coming up at this year’s festival is truly staggering. There is something for everyone, whether you are a die-hard fiction lover, a committed non-fiction reader, or just interested in hearing from writers, politicians, lawyers, and immersing yourself in culture. From displays of Scottish landscape photography to talks on Icelandic crime novels, and from discussions about the use of swear words in literature to introductions to Gaelic Sci-Fi, even those with very specific interests are catered for at Aye Write. Masterclasses in creative writing from experts in the field also make up part of the festival’s programme, for those who perhaps aspire to be speaking at events such as this in years to come. So regardless of your interests, this literary celebration is not something you want to miss!
Tickets can be purchased online and from various locations around Glasgow (more information here).
My top 5 Aye Write highlights:
- Nasty Women: Laura Lam, Mel Reeve and Sim Bajwa. Chaired by Chitra Ramaswamy. 17th March 2018, 8:15PM – 9:15PM, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
- Chris Renwick & Vickie Cooper: The Origins and Dismantling of The Welfare State. 24th March 2018, 6:30PM – 7:30PM, Tramway.
- Helen McClory: Launch of Mayhem and Death. 24th March 2018, 8:15PM – 9:15PM, Mitchell Library.
- Leo Barasi: The Climate Majority. 18th March 2018, 4:45PM – 5:45PM, Mitchell Library.
- Dave Wardell + Finn: Fabulous Finn – The Brave Police Dog. 18th March 2018, 3:00PM – 4:00PM, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
[Katie Fannin – @katfnan]
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