The 5th Paisley Book Festival programme is announced
A stellar line-up of authors are set to take Paisley by storm at this year's Paisley Book Festival in April!
Article Source: Paisley Book Festival
Last Updated: 1 March 2024 11:48
The 2024 Paisley Book Festival highlights at Paisley Town Hall include:
• Sally Magnusson (Music in the Dark) on Thu 25 Apr, 8pm
• Andrew McMillan (Working Lives) on Fri 26 Apr, 5pm
• Pat Nevin (The Beautiful Game) on Fri 26 Apr, 7.30pm
• Aasmah Mir (A Pebble in the Throat) on Sat 27 Apr, 2.30pm
• Judy Murray (The Wild Card) on Sat 27 Apr, 5pm
• Graeme Armstrong (part of Scottish Masculinities with Alan Bissett and Brian Conaghan) on Sun 28 Apr, 5pm
Over four days, from Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 April, Paisley will welcome some of the UK’s finest literary talent for discussions and events in venues including the recently refurbished Paisley Town Hall and the new Paisley Central Library. Now in its 5th year, the 2024 Festival theme is ‘Imagine Something Different’ where audiences will embark on a journey of discovery into the world of stories and storytelling. To assist in helping make the arts as accessible to all, the majority of events will be on a pay what you can basis.
Having curated the first three festivals, Jess Orr returns as Programmer. Her tenacity since the Festival’s inception has firmly placed it as a firm fixture in Scotland’s rich cultural calendar.
She said: “It’s great to be back in Paisley and to have the opportunity to bring some of Scotland’s finest writers - plus a few from further afield - to these stunning venues, as they help us to imagine different worlds and possibilities in a programme of fun and inspiration for all ages”
Cllr. Lisa Marie Hughes, Chair of OneRen said: “We can't wait to welcome people to Paisley Book Festival 2024 and to our fantastic venues, whether you are a return visitor, or this will be your first time attending the festival. Books have the power to transport people to other worlds and times, both real and fictional. They help us explore the stories of people we've never met and places we have not been. This year's spectacular and diverse program offers so many of them; there really is something for everyone. I can't wait to attend some of the sessions; at every Paisley Book Festival we've hosted I have gone home loving the work of new authors, and having seen some of my favourites talk about their work.”
The Festival kicks off with a celebration of Scotland’s favourite sport in an evening hosted by Daniel Gray, football writer and editor of the Scottish football magazine, Nutmeg. Daniel will interview the legendary Rose Reilly and crime novelist and founder of the Scottish Crime Writers football team, Craig Robertson with poetry interspersed from Graham Fulton, Stephen Watt and St Mirren’s own poet in residence Julie McNeill. The Beautiful Game series also welcomes national football hero and football media pundit, Pat Nevin to the festival on Friday 26 April.
Other festival highlights include Sally Magnusson who will talk about her latest novel Music in the Dark and her career as a writer.
Historical fiction writers Sara Sheridan and Lesley McDowell will be in discussion about how they transform the people and places we know (or think we know) into fiction. Sara will also be taking part in a relaxed session on the Friday when all book lovers can ask the questions they have always wanted to ask of one of Scotland's top writers.
London-based Nigerian German author, Olumide Popoola, introduces her new novel, Like Water Like Sea, which deals with themes of grief and mental illness.
Andrew McMillan introduces his debut novel - Pity - to festival audiences. The book narrates the lives of three generations of men from a South Yorkshire mining town, which was once a hub of industry but now struggles to find a new identity in the wake of seismic social change.
Asamah Mir will read from her book and discuss the nuances of growing up between two continents.
Local writers' group Nights At The Round Table celebrates their 10th Anniversary, featuring regular and familiar Paisley Buddy faces from a decade of poetry and spoken word.
Another strand of the festival is its Oot and Aboot series exploring the human drive to get out into nature. Author Merryn Glover, will be joined by musician Hamish Napier for a magical journey through Scottish landscapes via music, images and words. Audiences will also have a chance to get outside and create their own work inspired by nature in a special workshop, Walking and Writing Paisley.
Writing the Wrongs of the Past, Ajay Close and Donna Moore will chat with fellow author and ex-police officer Karen Campbell about the events that inspired their books, and whether in light of social campaigns such as the #MeToo movement, we might begin to imagine a better future for women in their dealings with the law.
Join the conversation about being a woman in the public eye with Tik Tok sensation and Scots poet Len Pennie and award winning film-maker and author Sarah Grant, who discuss stereotypes, marginalised identities, the importance of visibility, and imagining something different from the mainstream in their new books.
Local Scottish author, Victoria Williamson, will launch her latest book Red Runs the Witch's Thread, which re-imagines the story of Christian Shaw and the Bargarran Witches of Renfrewshire.
Poets come to the stage to compete in the Loud Poets West Regional Slam Heat, hosted by Kevin Mclean and featuring last year’s winner Gray Crosbie, plus a chance to win a place in the Grand Slam Final in Edinburgh this August.
New to this year’s Festival is Ireland in Focus, curated by Northern Irish writer, Jan Carson, bringing five of Ireland's most exciting contemporary voices to Paisley. Writers include Sheila Armstrong, Noel O’Regan, Dawn Watson and Martin Doyle.
Festival favourites Graeme Armstrong, Alan Bissett and Brian Conaghan have been working on a project with young people in Renfrewshire schools talking about Scottish Masculinities. Hear what they’ve learnt with Renfrewshire school librarian Kenneth Naismith.
Another highlight of the festival is The Wild Card with Judy Murray. Hear her read from the book and discuss the real-life events of her career that inspired it.
In memory of the legacy of Janet Coats of the renowned thread-making family, J&P Coats, the Janet Coats Memorial Prize is the Festival’s annual poetry prize for adults and young people. On Friday 26th March, the winners will be announced by the judging panel at an Award Ceremony.
Music has always played an integral part in the Paisley Book Festival and this year is no different. Playwright, poet and Paisley Book Festival’s first Writer-in-Residence, Imogen Stirling and producer and multi-instrumentalist, Susan Bear present a new fusion of poetry, theatre and live drum and bass.
The Festival will close with an evening of Live Literature and Music produced by Glasgow-based Anoraq, featuring Mexican-Scottish poet and translator Juana Adcock, Austrian-Nigerian writer, Titilayo Farukuoye, and Scottish poet, musician and artist Nicky Melville.
The Festival’s Saturday will host a dedicated Family Day, providing a wide range of fun and diverse activity at the Paisley Town Hall and Paisley Central Library that is completely free for families with young children. Interactive workshops and performances - from puppet making to interactive storytelling - all exploring the magic and power of the imagination and featuring Festival favourite children’s authors Alan Windram and Ross Mackay and innovative performances from The Audio Storytelling Company and The Scots Opera Project.
Family day events can be booked in advance, or you can drop in on the day.
All of the above plus a schools programme curated by the school libraries team. From Monday 22 April to Friday 27 April, the programme will feature some of the finest children’s writers with sessions that will appeal to all ages. Making their Festival debut are Eve Ainsworth, Nadine Aisha Jassat, Alastair Chisholm, Victoria Gemmell, Rachel Plummer, Neil Slorance and Alan Windram.
The full 2024 programme can be found by visiting paisleybookfest.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
BBC Cbeebies starts the Panto Season at Edinburgh Cinemas
Now a festive family tradition, the CBeebies panto Cinderella is coming to the big screen in Edinburgh from Friday 21st November.
READ MORE
Scottish rugby stars to ignite Edinburgh Castle this Friday at Castle of Light: Fire & Ice
Edinburgh Castle is set to shine this Friday (21 November) as Scotland rugby stars Matt Currie and Adelle Ferrie officially switch on the spectacular Castle of Light: Fire & Ice.
READ MORE
Celebrate The Autumn Internationals at The Ivy On The Square, Edinburgh
As the Rugby Autumn Internationals take centre stage across the UK and Ireland, The Ivy on The Square, Edinburgh is serving up a winning special worthy of champions.
READ MORE
Spotlight shines on the first shows announced for redeveloped Kings Theatre
The King’s Theatre takes a major step forward on the path to reopening following its landmark redevelopment, unveiling some of the first shows set to appear on the iconic Edinburgh stage.
READ MORE
Four Major International Performances Go on Sale for Edinburgh International Festival 2026
Following a record number of sold-out performances in 2025, audiences can book early for what promise to be must-see performances in 2026!
READ MORE
Christmas in Edinburgh and Glasgow: Celebrate the festive season with Candlelight Concerts
Featuring classic Christmas carols, this live, multi-sensory musical experience will light up St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and Merchants House and The Trades Hall for an unforgettable evening.
READ MORE
Find a Festive Backdrop in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife
From frosty gardens to candlelit palaces, National Trust for Scotland places in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
The Leddie Hotel in Aberlady announced its Christmas 2025 programme
The award-winnng Leddie Hotel in Aberlady has announced its Christmas 2025 programme, bringing together creative workshops, family experiences, live music and seasonal dining.
READ MORE
Charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes
Edinburgh locals are being encouraged to walk more as charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Open Workshop Unveils An Exciting New Course Line Up for 2026
Edinburgh Open Workshop unveils an expanded range of hands-on workshops in woodworking, welding, DIY, mixed media, and two newly developed laser-cutting workshops.
READ MORE
Edinburgh locals encouraged to embrace the season of giving
Edinburgh locals are encouraged to embrace the season of giving with the launch of The Leith Collective’s Re-Gifting Tree and Christmas Tree Exchange projects.
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Film Festival announces dates and submission details for 2026
The revitalised Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced today that its 79th edition will run from 13 - 19 August 2026.
READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
Forth Awards celebrates Amy Macdonald and Wet Wet Wet alongside local heroes
The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, crowned the very best of Edinburgh and the East last night at a star-studded award ceremony.
READ MORE
King Pins, state of the art bowling and activity venue, is set to open its second Scottish site in Edinburgh
King Pins is announcing a new bowling and activity venue opening in Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh in early 2026.
READ MORE
Edinburgh locals get discount at Hard Rock Cafe this November
This November, locals with an EH postcode can enjoy 25% off food and drinks until 5pm, Sunday to Friday, plus 25% off in retail at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Highlight paintings from Buckingham Palace go on display in Scotland
Portraits by Frans Hals, Titian and Parmigianino are among eight of the finest paintings from Buckingham Palace to go on display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse from today.
READ MORE
Roti King crowns Edinburgh with its first Scottish restaurant
Roti King is making its first move outside England, heading north to the foodie capital of Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Luxury kitchen brand unveils fully refurbished Edinburgh showroom
Harvey Jones, specialists in hand-crafted beautifully designed kitchens and luxury furniture for the home, has opened its doors to its newly refurbed Edinburgh showroom.
READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
Former courthouse and jail completes multi million pound transformation
Edinburgh-based Code The Court has unveiled a new attic floor of signature boutique hotel rooms, marking a major next step for the landmark venue overlooking the historic Parliament Square.
READ MORE
18 million success for Lost Shore just one year after opening
Lost Shore Surf Resort has firmly established itself as one of Scotland’s most exciting tourism success stories, already generating an £18 million boost to the Scottish economy.
READ MORE
The Ivy on the Square unveils festive set menu for 2025
From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.
READ MORE
The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired The American Dream by Sir Grayson Perry
The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired Sir Grayson Perry’s The American Dream for the people of Scotland.
READ MORE
Christmas Magic Returns to The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh
Step aboard and unwrap the magic of The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh's Port of Leith this Christmas.
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland
Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!
READ MORE
Tesco customers in Edinburgh can spread festive joy by gifting toys this Christmas
From today until the 15th of December, Tesco’s Edinburgh Hermiston Gate Superstore is holding a collection for new and unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal.
READ MORE
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Black Friday Offers
From 5 star stays to chef’s table feasts and afternoon tea with bubbles, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh offers unforgettable experiences at unbeatable value this Black Friday.
READ MORE
Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links