New headquarters is significant

WIGTOWN Book Festival has come full circle as its original birthplace has become its new HQ, just in time for the 2025 event.

Wigtown Festival Company (WFC) has just completed a high-speed flit from 11 North Main Street to 26 South Main Street to benefit visitors at the 27th annual festival next week.

This year’s ten-day festival will be the biggest ever, bringing thousands of visitors to the town.

Cathy Agnew, WFC chair, said: “It’s quite remarkable to be coming full circle like this and moving back to the place where Book Town and its festival began.

“This is a big year for us as we try to build a sustainable future for the festival and for Scotland’s National Book Town, expanding our work to support and strengthen the community.”

In 1998 Number 26 was the base for the Machars Action charity, and the place where the bid to become Scotland’s National Book Town, complete with annual book festival, was coordinated.

The new headquarters, has a new-look bookshop and box office and more office space for the festival’s growing team. It also gives WFC the security of owning its own building.

Cathy continued: “Our long-standing partnership with the council is fundamental to this, bringing very real gains to Wigtown and the whole of Galloway.

“Thanks to investment from SOSE, and other funders, we are delighted to own a home of our own, where the festival company can continue its mission to use the power of the word to generate economic, social and cultural benefits for all.

“And this will start straight away, with Number 26 as the place where we’ll welcome thousands of visitors when this year’s festival begins.”

Councillor Hagmann added: “Dumfries and Galloway Council is proud to support the Wigtown Book Festival, a cornerstone of our region’s cultural life. Our investment in the development of its new headquarters marks a major step forward - securing a permanent home for this brilliant festival and its hard-working, dedicated team.

“This funding strengthens the festival’s future and reinforces our commitment to the creative sector, economic growth, and community identity in Scotland’s National Book Town.”

An official opening of Number 26 will take place at a later date.