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
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
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
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
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 Sir Grayson Perry’s The American Dream for the people of Scotland.
READ MORE
Step aboard and unwrap the magic of The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh's Port of Leith this Christmas.
READ MORE
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
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
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
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 MORE
To mark World Kindness Day, the team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) is encouraging more people to show compassion, unity and kindness to others through voluntary work.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
Free face-to-face energy support comes to Edinburgh as nearly a third still don’t seek help when struggling with bills.
READ MORE
Monday 10th November : Wingstop UKI, the restaurant brand that doesn’t play when it comes to flavour, today opens its first site in Livingston.
READ MORE
This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.
READ MORE
The countdown to this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions has begun, with the much-loved Christmas Markets in East Princes Street Gardens opening this Saturday 15 November.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.
READ MORE
Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.
READ MORE
Collective announces an unmissable programme of exhibitions for 2026, spotlighting ambitious new projects by artists who have developed their practice in Scotland.
READ MORE
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has welcomed four-year-old female cheetah Domino to Edinburgh Zoo from Zoo de Cerza, France.
READ MORE
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORE
From Christmas to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in this festive season!
READ MORE
Independent businesses in Edinburgh celebrated as part of Small Business Saturday’s Tour highlighting the nation’s favourite businesses
READ MORE
Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.
READ MORE
Two immersive experiences which bring the work of a pair of iconic artists to life in mesmerising and moving fashion are set to open in Edinburgh this month.
READ MORE
As the The Long Walk wraps up in cinemas, fans of Stephen King can look forward to seven classic re-releases heading to the big screen this autumn.
READ MORE
A very special cinema event is coming to Edinburgh this week, comprising a preview of a brand-new film, a world-renowned literary event and an appearance from a BAFTA-winning actor.
READ MORE
Flight Club Edinburgh kicks off Christmas party season with the unveiling of its specially curated limited-edition menu and festive celebration-worthy bottomless brunch.
READ MORE
Deer Park Golf & Country Club is set to bring a touch of Christmas magic this December, with a month-long programme of festive events for families, friends and colleagues to enjoy.
READ MORE