Fireworks over Wigtown by C John Lindsay

Wigtown Book Festival

22 September - 1 October 2023

Programme Launch

A Ten Day Celebration of Books in Scotland's National Book Town

Our flagship event, Wigtown Book Festival welcomes international audiences and a prestigious cast of authors each year.

Founded in 1999, the 10-day festival is now one of the UK's best-loved literary events. This year the programme has over 200 events and activities for all ages, including music, theatre, food and visual arts.

WBF 2022 High Res18
Joanna Lumley launches Windows Appeal at Wigtown Book Festival 1 Colin Tennat
DSC1355

Every Autumn Wigtown, a town with a population of little over 1000, welcomes 13,000 visitors to the Book Festival

Festival Highlights

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Memberships and Discounts

Our Friend of the Festival scheme offers 10% off one main programme ticket for each event booked and an invitation to the Festival Opening Party.

The Standby Day Pass offers entry to all events with remaining capacity on an individual day during the festival for only £20

Learn more
Img 2298
Copy of nigel planer web banner

Opening Night

We begin each festival with a bagpipe procession through the town followed by fireworks and a hog roast.

Learn more

Visit

MORE

Venues

MORE

Accessibility

MORE


Children and Young People

WBF 2022 High Res24

The Big Wig Programme

A festival within a festival, catering for pre-schoolers, primary students, pre-teens and their families.

We host authors events, workshops and activities for children, making Wigtown Book Festival a fun-packed family getaway.

Big Wig Programme
Any Awkward Questions

Wigtown YA

Our programme for teenagers and young adults.

Engage with the latest Teen and Young Adult literature
with author events and workshop.

Explore relevant topics through our thought-provoking panel discussions, opening conversations between the authors telling our collective stories.

Wigtown YA Programme
Copy of firework banner 1

A Family Day Out

Learn more about family spaces, places to eat and activities around the festival

Learn more
The Kist

Find gifts, artwork and a flavour of Dumfries and Galloway at the Autumn Kist. Set in the centre of Wigtown, the Autumn Kist hosts artists, craftspeople and local businesses from across the region. As well as stallholders, the Kist Corner boasts a curated selection of local products.

Open throughout the festival from 22 September - 2 October

Read More
Untitled design 2023 06 06 T220909 718
Copy of Copy of nigel planer web banner

Festival Ceilidh

Each year we celebrate with a Ceilidh - no previous experience required!

Learn more


About us

Wigtown Book Town

MORE

History of the Festival

MORE

Our Mission

MORE


Support Us

Donate

MORE

Volunteer

MORE

Become a Sponsor

MORE
Ae4I0702Des
Wigtown has managed to create a real ‘boutique’ feel to its festival. It’s refreshingly unstressed, set in stunning landscapes and with an enviably broad and sophisticated programme.

Stuart Kelly, Scotland on Sunday