The world’s only book festival dedicated to biography and memoir returns live to Dumfries House next month.
The Boswell Book Festival, named in honour of the great biographer, Ayrshire-man James Boswell, will take place from May 13-15.
It’s a return to in-person events this year, but following the success of last year’s online festival, many of this year’s events will also be live streamed.
The festival will feature the likes of Scottish football personality Pat Nevin, the ex-Chelsea, Everton, and Kilmarnock man, who will kick off proceedings on Friday, May 13.
Following him on the Friday will be the Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda Owen and then Scottish superstar singer-actress Barbara Dickson.
On Sunday 15, Frank Skinner and Denise Mina will discuss their adventures in the footsteps of Boswell and Johnson. Skinner will also be talking about his renowned poetry book and podcast along with his Comedian’s Prayer Book. Another star appearance will be Graham McTavish of Outlander and The Witcher.
Caroline Knox, director of the Book Festival said: “It’s truly exciting to be back after three years in front of audiences at Dumfries House as well as now being able to offer many events online.
“As always we present a stimulating, some might say quirky range of life stories which will reveal fascinating personalities, with new takes on the challenges and joys of both the everyday and the world stage.
“With the needs of younger readers in mind, we are also staging a live and online festival for Schools and Children full of amazing stories and with all ages catered for we can guarantee an immersive weekend of entertainment for everyone.”
Katalina Watt, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland said: “It is a pleasure to be able to continue to support the Boswell Book Festival and its bringing together of authors and readers. As the world’s only festival of biography and memoir, it’s wonderful to see this year’s programme take a hybrid format after the success of last year’s digital offering, allowing both local and international audiences to enjoy the events.”
The full programme of this year’s Boswell Book Festival is available to view on the festival website.
The Boswell Book Festival started in 2011 and is staged by The Boswell Trust.
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