Book event is bouncing back

WIGTOWN’S book festival continues to weather the storm post-pandemic with a packed programmed planned for 2026.

Recent challenges have included the loss of a major funder, the effects of the cost-of-living crisis, plus the ravages of Storm Amy which caused serious travel disruption and the cancellation of a small number of events.

But figures show Wigtown Book Festival continues on the path to recovery with 294 events taking place, 19,644 ticket sales and a nine per cent increase in unique visitors during the 2025 event.

Much of the success was down to the efforts of the 120 volunteers who do everything from hosting venues to selling tickets and driving guests to and from airports and railway stations.

Festival chief executive Isla Rosser-Owen this week said: “This year was a huge success and a real tribute to a superb programme, our staff and volunteers, our funders and supporters – but above all to the love that audiences have for our National Book Town and its annual book festival.

“Like so many arts organisations we have faced, and continue to face, enormous challenges as we negotiate the road to recovery.

“Right now, though, the future is starting to look brighter thanks to successes like this year’s award of a three-year funding package from Creative Scotland.”

Meanwhile, programmer Lee Randall is looking forward to developing a packed programme for the 2026 festival, she added: “My love affair with Wigtown - the place, the people, the festival - is approaching its 20th anniversary, and the prospect of being there still makes my heart beat that little bit faster!

“Stepping back into the programmer’s post is especially exciting at a time of organisational change; I’m keen to embrace the challenges and opportunities that brings, and relish the task of assembling a roster of fresh and also familiar faces in our annual celebration of the human need to share stories.”