THE full programme for the 20th anniversary of the Aye Write has been announced as the popular book festival returns to Glasgow after it was cancelled last year.
The much-loved book festival will run over 10 days from November 6-16 after securing more than £260,000 in funding for the next three years from Creative Scotland in January.
This year’s programme features 130 events showcasing established authors and the next generation of writers.
It includes discussions and debates with 180 authors from around the world and includes former first minister Nicola Sturgeon in conversation with Josh Smith after the release of her autobiography last month.
Other big names announced for the festival include Irvine Welsh, Jeanette Winterson, Sally Magnusson, Dougie Donnel, Justin Currie, Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman.
Genres at the 2025 Aye Write festival include memoirs and autobiographies, poetry, crime fiction, true crime, LGBTQI+, historical fiction, and science fiction.
Bob McDevitt, Aye Write Festival Programmer, said that festival goers can expect some "fiery" debates this year.
He said: “It's great to be back working on Aye Write, during the 20th anniversary of the festival.
“The temperature might be a bit colder in November, but we have lots of scorching names in the programme and you can always rely on Aye Write for some fiery debate!”
The bill also includes John Harris, Natasha Brown, Nigel Planer, Ted Kravitz, Len Pennie, Terry Deary, Helen Lederer, Robert Elms in conversation with Stuart Cosgrove, Sarah Vine, Huey Morgan, Julie Wilson Nimmo, Greg Hemphill, and Sophie Gravia.
Having appeared at the first-ever Aye Write in 2005, Denise Mina, Louise Welsh, A L Kennedy, Quintin Jardine and Liz Lochhead will also be welcomed back during the festival's 20th anniversary year.
The festival will also cover a range of current topics and themes, from music, sport, current affairs and politics to crafting, history and the environment.
Music fans can hear Alison Stroak, Fiona Shepherd and Jonathan Trew discuss Glasgow’s contribution to pop music during the Glasgow’s Greatest Hits event, which also offers a chance to sing with a live band.
Followers of the beautiful game can head along to a What’s the Matter with Scottish Football? discussion with Pat Nevin and Paul Goodwin.
Broadcast journalist Sally Magnusson will present a “powerful reimagining” of a Norse myth in The Shapeshifter’s Daughter, meanwhile, Del Amitri singer Justin Currie reflects on life as a touring musician in the shadow of his life-changing Parkinson’s diagnosis in his memoir The Tremelo Diaries.
Elsewhere, Raja Shehadeh and Penny Johnson reflect on their book Searching for Palestine’s Hidden Places and Lost Memorials.
Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life and convenor for Culture, Sport and International Relations for Glasgow City Council, has welcomed this year’s packed festival programme.
She said: “It is fantastic to be looking ahead to the 20th anniversary of Aye Write, which is a crucial part of Glasgow’s cultural events calendar.
“Book lovers can expect another thrilling celebration of writing, lively discussions and activities, and the chance to hear from the home-grown and international authors behind the many captivating stories, autobiographies and memoirs which fill this year’s programme.”
Aye Write also plans on welcoming new budding authors as it has Getting Creative workshops planned for this year in a bid to give beginners guidance on how to form a structure, develop a plot, create characters and use dialogue in novels.
More experienced writers can also get involved in Aye Write masterclasses on writing style and genres led by a panel of publishing industry experts, as well as University of Strathclyde Centre for Lifelong Learning taster courses on various topics.
Alan Bett, Creative Scotland’s head of Literature, said: “Aye Write’s 20th anniversary programme is a testament to the festival’s continued ambition and breadth.
“From titles that explore sport and music to those tackling today’s most pressing social and political issues, there’s something for everyone.
“It’s especially encouraging to see the festival act as a platform for new and developing voices. With Chris McQueer presenting his debut novel to a home crowd, and Chris Kohler and Niamh Ni Mhaoileoin featured in the ‘Ones To Watch’ strand, audiences have a unique opportunity to discover the next wave of standout writers.”
Full details of the 2025 Aye Write programme and links to book tickets are available on the Aye Write website.
