Edinburgh International Book Festival welcomes Alice Oseman

On 13 August the Edinburgh International Book Festival will welcome award-winning author and HEARTSTOPPER creator Alice Oseman with a whole day of FREE events and activities.

Article Source: Edinburgh International Book Festival
Last Updated: 29 July 2024 11:49

On Tuesday 13 August the Edinburgh International Book Festival will welcome award-winning author and HEARTSTOPPER creator Alice Oseman to the Festival with a whole day of FREE events and activities for audiences of all ages.

Alice Oseman says: ‘I always love visiting the Edinburgh International Book Festival and I couldn’t be happier to be teaming up with them and BKMRK for a whole bunch of extra special Heartstopper activity on site this year. There’s loads for fans and festival goers to get involved with, whether that’s coming along to the event itself or getting creative with the free zine making sessions, hugging a Therapets puppy, or joining in on the Heartstopper treasure hunt – I can’t wait to see you all there!’

Alice, who enjoys global success thanks to their graphic novel HEARTSTOPPER series (and subsequent Netflix show of the same name) will be in conversation with young adult author Lauren James at an event at McEwan Hall as part of the Festival’s Front List. The pair will discuss the success of the series which tells the story of the ups and downs of first loves, friendships, coming out and mental health.

Aspiring illustrators, comic creators and all round creatives can relax in the dedicated Chill Out Zone on site at the Edinburgh Futures Institute throughout the day. Inside there will be drop-in zine making sessions courtesy of the Glasgow Zine Library. For those needing a more mellow moment, Therapets® will also be joining us for the day in this brand new outdoor area. In keeping with the relaxed vibe of this space, the Therapets® are dogs with calm and gentle dispositions, who love being petted, and bring canine cuddles to site.

Throughout the day of Alice’s event, LGBT Youth Scotland will be onsite at EFI delivering self led activities in Venue C, and there will be Heartstopper leaves for visitors of all ages to write messages to their past selves. If you would like to share your experience pre-or-post event you can catch a sound recorder roaming around site, and there will also be a podcast episode with Alice to listen back to after the day is over.(TBC) You will have the option to add your stories and letters to their (Un)seen, (Un)heard archive.

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is also delighted to be partnering with Young Scot, with the Young Scot Reward scheme offering 15 members an opportunity to win the chance to attend Alice Oseman in conversation with Lauren James with a friend, as well as an exclusive meet and greet with the author.

Fans of Alice’s will also have the opportunity to share their very own letters with Alice via an onsite postbox and will be able to record dedicated vox pops via a special sound recorder.

Before all of this, from Mon 29 July you can also snap a selfie with a series of illustrated posters at three city centre sites, to be in with a chance to win a signed complete HEARTSTOPPER Vol 1-5 set, and tickets to Alice’s event on 13 August.

Young Scot Chief Executive, Kirsten Urquhart, said: “We continuously aspire to provide unique opportunities for young people, it is therefore extremely exciting to have partnered with the Edinburgh International Book Festival to offer a chance for Young Scot Members to win tickets to see Alice Oseman, author of the global phenomenon Heartstopper, in conversation with Lauren James. If you're not already a member you can sign up for free here. We hope the lucky winners have an incredible day!”

At a time when the cost of living crisis continues to impact families, the Book Festival is committed to providing free events and entertainment through its two week run to ensure that all young people in the capital, and indeed from further afield, can enjoy engaging with books and the power of words.

These events make up Future Tense, the first Edinburgh International Book Festival programme from Director Jenny Niven, and it will unfold for the first time at the Festival’s new home at Edinburgh Futures Institute. The full programme can be found here: https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival/whats-on

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Glamorous Edwardians to be explored in major Edinburgh exhibition

A glamorous, never-before-exhibited portrait of Queen Mary and a miniature sleigh made of rock crystal will be among highlights on show in Scotland for the first time in this major exhibition.

Scotland goalkeeper kicks off Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh

Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations officially began last night as Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon kicked off the city's iconic Torchlight Procession.

Hibs women support Scottish charity with Nuby this Christmas

Two Hibernian Women players have helped bring festive cheer to local families this Christmas, donating Santa Surprise Boxes to a Scottish charity on behalf of baby brand Nuby.

Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.

Hauf and hauf revival as Edinburgh drinks partnership hits the pub

A modern twist on a traditional Scottish serve is being poured across Edinburgh this festive season, as two of the city's leading independent drinks producers announce a flavour-led collaboration.

Opening New Years Day: Turner in January triumphantly returns to the National Galleries of Scotland

Following the incredible success of last year's blockbuster exchange with the National Gallery of Ireland, Scotland's own much-loved Turners are back in Edinburgh for 2026!

Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year

Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!

Historic Edinburgh pub set for major investment in the New Year

A much-loved Belhaven pub in the heart of the Old Town is set to ring in the New Year in style with a brand-new look and elevated offering as it undergoes a significant programme of refurbishment.

Castle of Light offers special priced tickets for spectacular closing night

Experience the award-winning after-dark event at Edinburgh Castle one final time, with a special £10 ticket available for the final night (Sunday 4 January 2026).

Edinburgh Rugby scores new deal with city centre sports bar

Edinburgh Rugby has scored a new deal with one of the city’s most popular sports bars, which will see all the buzz from Hive Stadium pop-up in the Grassmarket.

A Goal So Good it is a Work of Art!

It’s a winner! A spectacular new photograph is now on show at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait to celebrate Scotland’s men reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026.

First Footin goes Global with Live Streaming announced from iconic venues

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has announced the event will include live streaming for the first time, opening the New Year’s Day performances to audiences around the world.

Distillers Fair returns for its 25th year at the The Scotch Whisky Experience

This December, The Scotch Whisky Experience invites guests to raise a dram to a quarter-century of discovery as the Distillers’ Fair returns for its 25th year.

National Galleries of Scotland celebrate the return of Surrealism collection

Scotland’s world class collection of surrealist art is back home in Modern One and free to visit from 17th December 2025.

The Johnnie Walker Experience named Europe and The World Leading Spirit Tourism Experience again.

Two in a row: The Johnnie Walker Experience has once again been named Europe and The World’s Leading Spirit Tourism Experience at the 2025 World Travel Awards(WTA).

Dynamic Earth Announces Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer

Dynamic Earth is pleased to announce the appointment of Gwilym Gibbons as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a rigorous and far-reaching recruitment process.

Edinburghs Christmas adds themed skating sessions

Edinburgh's Christmas has added new special themed skating sessions to run throughout the season.

Vue Edinburgh Omni set to dazzle with new Laser by Barco technology

Film fans in Edinburgh can now enjoy the latest releases in even greater clarity and colour with the arrival of Laser by Barco projection technology at Vue Edinburgh Omni.

Deer Park backs Livingston FC Community young footballers with kit sponsorship

Deer Park is helping to kickstart the footballing journey of young players by sponsoring new training kits, match kits, and rain jackets for the Livingston FC Community’s 2017 age group.

DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy

DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.

Dance Base to celebrate 25th year in Grassmarket home

2026 represents a landmark year for Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, as the organisation celebrates 25 years in its purpose-built home in the heart of Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.

Edinburgh Zoo welcomes second rare sloth bear

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed a second male sloth bear, named Rajath.

Innis & Gunn unveils 1875 Arctic Ale in tribute to legendary North Pole expedition

A ‘KNOCK-OUT’ new beer has been unveiled inside an ice sculpture in Edinburgh to celebrate 150 years since the legendary North Pole expedition it was originally brewed for.

National Galleries of Scotland get their skates on to recreate iconic Skating Minister

To celebrate World Ice Skating Day on 14 December, the National Galleries of Scotland got their skates on to recreate one of the most iconic paintings, Sir Henry Raeburn’s Skating Minister.

Everyman presents Nationwide preview screenings of Sentimental Value

See the highly anticipated new comedy drama before anyone else, with preview screenings at Everyman cinemas nationwide.

Enlightenment an Immersive Experience set to transform McEwan Hall in Edinburgh

Swiss art collective PROJEKTIL brings its vivid light and sound show to Edinburgh from 31 January, following acclaimed runs in Glasgow, Liverpool and Leeds

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership bringing together Scotland's most celebrated writers and musicians!

Hogmanay celebrations at Lost Shore set to kick 2026 off with a bang

Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surf destination, is gearing up for a spectacular start to 2026 with a packed programme of festive events.