Cameras will roll at book festival

VISIT Wigtown Book Festival and you might find yourself appearing in a new Scottish movie. The biggest-ever ten-day annual festival of literature and storytelling kicks off this Friday with more than 230 events and activities lined up. They include author talks by celebrities, novelists, leading thinkers and journalists, plus poetry, theatre, guided walks, wild swimming, music, song, a ceilidh, a new choir, fireworks and a mobile sauna. And Wigtown – The Movie (the working title) aims to capture the spirit of of the community of less than 1000 people and the 8000 or more visitors they welcome each year for the festival. Director and resident Jessica Fox said: “Wigtown, its festival, people and visitors are amazing. The town’s character, energy, fun, openness to outsiders and sheer sense of community make it a very special place – one that deserves its own movie. “Some of the film will be scripted and we’ve recruited local people for key roles – but much will be unscripted and will be shaped by who gets involved and what happens during the festival.” Jessica and cinematographer Ben Please will be filming throughout the ten days and the resulting 15-minute movie will be screened next year.

Meanwhile, other festival highlights are talks by Nicola Sturgeon, TV anchor Louise Minchin, and BBC newsreader Reeta Chakrabarti, as well as Del Amitri frontman Justin Currie, and Still Game’s Greg Hemphill with Balamory star Julie Wilson Nimmo. If that's not enough, there'll also be TV antiques expert James Braxton, Classic FM presenter John Suchet and performance poet Len Pennie. Adrian Turpin, the festival's creative director, said: “We are really looking forward to everything getting underway – there’s just so much happening, so come and join us for as long as you can. “But it’s important to say that none of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors and supporters." He pointed to their partnership with Bladnoch Distillery for an evening of storytelling and an event with Natalie Jayne Clark, author of The Malt Whisky Murders. Adrian also flagged up the Big Wig events for younger readers, along with outdoor events such as the Wigtown Wild Swim at Rigg Bay in Garlieston; a guided women's walk, nature tales in the bird hide, and a night walk with music and readings. Pic by Colin Hattersley