Festival begins in Scotland's book town
The programme for young people at the festival has its own mascot, Big Wig
At a glance
The Wigtown Book Festival is starting in Scotland's national book town
It will see more than 200 events held over 10 days
A number of free or pay-what-you-can events are included in the programme
The Wigtown Poetry Prize will also be awarded during the festival
- Published
A 10-day celebration of stories and literature is starting in Scotland's national book town.
More than 200 events are planned between now and 2 October in Wigtown.
The book festival begins with novelist Karen Campbell and poet Hugh McMillan premiering their modern versions of two traditional Galloway tales.
It will also see the announcement of the winners of the annual Wigtown Poetry Prize.
The Dumfries and Galloway town became the nation's book town by winning a competition in 1998.
Since then, numerous book shops have opened and the annual festival attracts big names in the world of literature to south-west Scotland.
Artistic director Adrian Turpin said: "There's a huge amount to look forward to this year, with guests ranging from Lisa Jewell and Robert Harris to Graham McTavish and Hannah Jackson."
It also hopes to attract younger readers with its Big Wig programme which has its own mascot.
Mr Turpin said the organisers had tried to take into account the wider situation in the country when putting this year's festival together.
Resident storyteller Renita Boyle is running a number of events
"In the wake of the pandemic and with the cost-of-living crisis we recognise that many people are facing tough times," he said.
"Our hope is that by providing free activities and introducing pay-what-you-can events, the festival is affordable as well as fun for everyone."
The festival has its own storyteller in residence, Renita Boyle, who will be running a number of events this year.
“Stories help us to laugh and cry, express joy and give voice to grief," she said.
"They bring healing and clarity, understanding and decisiveness.
"They can influence as well as entertain, turn wisecracks into wisdom, help us discern how to love, live and forgive.
"But more than anything - storytelling is essential to being human."
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