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Are you a book lover looking for a unique experience? Look no further than the Wigtown Book Festival! This annual event, held in the Scottish town of Wigtown, is a true celebration of literature and the written word. From author talks and book signings to workshops and panel discussions, there’s something for everyone at this vibrant festival.
Wigtown, known as Scotland’s National Book Town, is a picturesque destination littered with quaint bookshops and coffee shops lining its streets. During the festival, the town comes alive with a buzz of excitement and creativity, as locals and visitors alike come together to share their love of books.
The first festival was held in 1999 and it has grown into one of the most cherished book festivals in the UK
Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-time visitor, there’s no doubt that the Wigtown Book Festival is a must-see event for any book lover.
The Wigtown Book Festival 2024
The Wigtown Book Festival is a ten-day event that takes place from 27 September to 6 October. There will be more than 200 events, for all ages.
The Festival Marquee is located in the Louis McGuffie VC Memorial Gardens (or Gardens) at the centre of the town. On one end of the Gardens on Wigtown Square is Wigtown County Buildings. This will hold the Main Hall, Festival Cafe, Festival Book Shop, Visitor Centre, Osprey Room and Library. The McNeillie Tent is in the garden at the back of The Old Bank Bookshop on Wigtown Square. Another place to note is The Kist Marquee, showcasing fine food and drink and local art from Dumfries and Galloway outside the County Buildings.
With a packed schedule of events should include Author Talks, workshops, panel discussions, and a bookshop crawl.
These are just a few of the many highlights of the Wigtown Book Festival. With so much to see and do, there’s never a dull moment during the festival. Don’t forget to check the festival’s official website for the Wigtown Book Festival programme 2024 and to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
The festival also organises the Wigtown Poetry Prize, the Compass Mentoring Scheme and the Anne Brown Essay prize.
The Wigtown Book Festival 2024 Dates
The Wigtown Scotland book festival will be from 27 September to 6 October.
Creation of a Book Town
Modelled on Hay-on-Wye, Wigtown became Scotland’s National Book Town in 1998, and the book festival soon followed. You can read more about this amazing journey here.
Getting to Wigtown:
Wigtown is located in the southwest of Scotland and can be reached by car, train or bus. If you’re driving, Wigtown is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh. There is plenty of free parking available in the town centre.
If you prefer to take public transport, there are regular bus services from nearby towns such as Stranraer, Dumfries and Newton Stewart. The closest train station is in Stranraer, which is approximately 20 miles from Wigtown.
Accommodation:
During the festival, accommodation in Wigtown can book up quickly, so it’s important to plan ahead. There are a variety of options available, including hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses and self-catering cottages.
One popular choice is to stay in a local bookshop! Several bookshops in Wigtown offer accommodation, giving you the opportunity to sleep among the shelves and immerse yourself in the literary atmosphere. Alternatively, there are a number of campsites and caravan parks in the surrounding area if you prefer to stay closer to nature.
Exploring Wigtown
When you’re not attending events at the festival, there’s plenty to explore in Wigtown and its surrounding areas. Here are some must-see attractions:
- Wigtown Bookshops: Take a stroll down Wigtown’s main street and discover its many independent bookshops. Each shop has its own unique charm and specialises in different genres of literature.
- Bladnoch Distillery: Scotland is known for its whisky, and the Bladnoch Distillery is a great place to sample some of the region’s finest. Take a tour of the distillery and learn about the whisky-making process.
Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve: Take a scenic walk through this beautiful nature reserve, home to a variety of wildlife including seals and otters.
To discover the things to do in the area read Mark Bibby Jackson’s Road Trip through Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway.
