The environment will be a strong focus of this year’s Wigtown Book Festival – with events exploring everything from the wonders of the Galloway coast to the global climate crisis.
A full programme is being planned of around 250 events and activities including a multitude of author talks plus music, theatre, topical debates, workshops and walks.
Details and names of guests will be revealed when tickets go on sale on Tuesday, 6 August.
The central Change the Stories strand will look at new stories to tell about climate change, while Coastal Fringe will invite visitors to experience the beautiful Solway shoreline around Wigtown in the company of different speakers.
The festival will also be launching a sustainable transport initiative, encouraging visitors to share transport and providing extra bus links.
All this will form just a part of Wigtown’s annual 10-day literary celebration, which runs from 27 September to 6 October.
From the opening-night fireworks and pipe band to the final weekend ceilidh, the event aims to create an atmosphere of celebration.
This is despite the difficulties of running a large event during a cost of living crisis and after the decision by Baillie Gifford to end its funding due to a hostile campaign against its sponsorship of book festivals.
Festival artistic director, Adrian Turpin, said: “In an unprecedentedly challenging year for book festivals, we’re proud to present a programme that we hope will surprise, amuse and inspire audiences new and old.”
WBF aims to be accessible to all. An accessibility guide is available on the website and concessions include free tickets for carers and for young people aged 15-25.
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