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

Sotto Enoteca and Trattoria to open in Stockbridge

Sotto, a neighbourhood Enoteca and Trattoria, will open in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge on Friday 4th October.

Courtney Bowman To Join Johannes Radebe and Dan Partridge in Kinky Boots at Edinburgh Playhouse

Producers ROYO and Curve are delighted to announce WhatsOnStage Award-winner, Courtney Bowman, will star as Lauren in KINKY BOOTS The Musical playing at the Edinburgh Playhouse in February!

Tiqets reveals Nominees for Annual Remarkable Venue Awards

Tiqets, the leading online ticketing platform for museums and attractions, today announced the nominees for the prestigious Remarkable Venue Awards 2024 (RVAs) including two in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Castle celebrates the 900th anniversary of the city with return of Castle of Light

Edinburgh is celebrating its 900th anniversary in 2024 with a spotlight on the capital's incredible journey from the 12th century to the 21st.

Where to Find the Best Christmas Parties in Edinburgh for 2024

With Christmas just around the corner, there's never been a better time to start thinking about your Edinburgh Christmas party!

Gravity Active launches incredible new deals, just in time for Autumn

Gravity Active is excited to introduce two brand new offers, set to provide families with unforgettable experiences this Autumn.

The Pakora Bar Say Cheers to New game changing Pale Ale

Iconic Edinburgh family business The Pakora Bar have announced the launch of their highly-anticipated pale ale 'Chakk De Phatte'.

Star Casting Announced For Chicago The Musical At The Edinburgh Playhouse

David Ian for Crossroads Live in assocoation with Barry and Fran Weissler are delighted to announce star casting for multi-awarding winning CHICAGO, which plays the Edinburgh Playhouse in 2025.

Conifox Adventure Park unveils ultimate Halloween Festival 2024

Prepare for a spine-tingling spooky season as Conifox Adventure Park proudly announces the return of Edinburgh’s ultimate Halloween Festival for 2024.

Join the V for Life Lunch Club

Hendersons, in collaboration with charity V for Life, is excited to announce a special lunch club event tailored for older vegans and vegetarians on Monday 23rd September.

Roxy Lanes Launch Student Discounts

Roxy Lanes, the ‘Booze & Ball Games’ venues, have launched a new selection of student discounts, available to claim through an exclusive student loyalty scheme, every Sunday to Thursday.

Edinburgh Butter Company announces search for the Best Croissant in Scotland

The Edinburgh Butter Company is excited to announce the launch of Scotland’s first-ever croissant competition, open to bakers across the country.

Local Social Enterprise Tackling Youth Food Poverty on National Food Bank Day

On National Food Bank Day, Edinburgh Food Social invites the community to join in their mission of empowering children through essential food education.

Get ready to be blown away... Twisters returns to 4DX at Cineworld

Hold onto your popcorn, because Cineworld is thrilled to announce the whirlwind return of the blockbuster hit Twisters to 4DX screens nationwide, due to an overwhelming tornado of popular demand!

Lannan to host Midweek Recipes pop up by Jess Elliott

On Thursday 26th September, Lannan - Darcie Maher's Stockbridge bakery - will host a pop-up by Jess Elliott Dennison, food writer and founder of Elliott's, in celebration of Jess's new book.

The Force reawakens at Vue venues in Scotland this September as the Star Wars saga returns to the big screen

Film fans are invited to revisit a galaxy far, far away this September as every main Star Wars film brings some of cinema's most iconic heroes and villains back to the big screen.

Great Scottish Run: 4 weeks to go

Are you ready to take on Scotland's greatest running event at this year's AJ Bell Great Scottish Run in Glasgow on Sunday 6 October?

Freshers... this bar NEEDS to be on your bucket list

What better way to break the ice with your new flatmates than with some competitive fun and few drinks? Cue Social Darts at Flight Club!

Social Bite joins The Pitt with dessert pop up

Leading homelessness charity Social Bite today announced their dessert pop-up as the newest addition to an exciting line up of local food businesses at The Pitt, Granton.

Unique venue offers the perfect stage

Festival-goers attending the fourth Music at the Multiverse festival at the weekend enjoyed fantastic live music, sunshine and showers in one of Scotland’s most spectacular outdoor venues.

Thousands from Northern Ireland set sail for Scottish universities

Students go FREE with Stena Line on Cairnryan and Liverpool routes.

Nigerian eatery to celebrate anniversary with weekend festivities in Edinburgh

Bongou Cafe, Edinburgh's cherished Nigerian eatery, will commemorate its fifth anniversary this weekend with a celebration and a series of exciting culinary developments!

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh kicks off the semester with a new bar menu just for students

With a valid student ID, students throughout the capital can enjoy a range of bar bites and drinks to welcome them back to university.

NEW OPENING: The Shore, Edinburgh welcomes the arrival of Mara

The Shore district in Edinburgh has welcomed the arrival of Mara, a new relaxed waterside drinking spot anchored in Old Leith.

Edinburgh Cocktail Week returns for 2024 with its most exciting lineup to date

Featuring a 10-day programme of new experiences and festival features that promises to raise the bar for cocktail enthusiasts and fun-seeking festival goers across the country.

Tickets now on sale for Moulin Rouge! The Musical! at The Edinburgh Playhouse

Tickets are now on sale for the only Scottish dates to be announced for the first ever world tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

Savour the iconic streets of Tokyo on a transformative six course culinary adventure with Six by Nico

Conceptual dining experience Six by Nico will transports guests to the vibrant streets of the Japanese capital with their next innovative tasting menu, Tokyo!

Fudge Kitchen staycation activities with FREE fudge for the whole family!

Whether you're exploring Edinburgh's attractions or looking for a sweet pit-stop, Fudge Kitchen's welcoming atmosphere and mouth-watering fudge are sure to be a hit with visitors of all ages.