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WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL Books, art, readings and installations across Scotland’s Book Town Scotland’s National Book Town welcomes a roster of authors, illustrators and performers for another brilliant festival this autumn. Now in its 21st year, Wigtown Book Festival remains one of the warmest and most welcoming of Scotland’s excellent book celebrations. There are more than 275 events for people of all ages, including the exuberant Big Wig strands for children and the newly renamed WigWAM for young people. Now in its eighth year, WigWAM is a collection of free, peer-programmed creative events for 16–25 year-olds with a focus on words, art and media. The main programme offers plenty to entice too, including special guests like journalist and author Kirsty Wark, rugby legend Doddie Weir
and crime royalty Denise Mina. Mari Kidd offers inspiration from Scotland’s history in new book Warriors & Witches & Damn Rebel Bitches, while Gavin Esler (pictured with festival patron, Sally Magnusson) will be calling for straight talking in the discussion of Brexit without the Bullshit. Securing a place on the Book Town Tour is recommended for anyone on their first trip to the festival (be sure to pack a tote bag for browsing all the beautiful bookshops), while the opening fireworks and the annual book quiz are musts for Wigtown first-timers and regulars alike. Put your literary knowledge to the test or simply soak it all up at this special festival. (Lynsey May) ■ Various venues, Wigtown, Fri 27 Sep–Sun 6 Oct.
1 Sep–31 Oct 2019 THE LIST 53