An aerial view of the Galloway Hills surrounded by fields, trees and the Cree Estuary. Blue skies with clouds.



2027 Festival Programmer

The 29th Wigtown Book Festival will take place 24 September–3 October 2027. We are looking for an experienced, senior-level Festival Programmer to curate and deliver an outstanding 10-day event. 

The Festival, which takes place in Scotland’s National Book Town, is one of the UK’s best-loved cultural events. More than a straightforward book festival, Wigtown is an innovative, quirky and characterful celebration of literature, stories and storytelling in all its forms. In addition to a multitude of guest speakers, there is music, performance, art and more. With deep community roots, it is a celebration of Galloway and its rich literary culture.

We anticipate the Festival Programmer will work remotely with regular visits to Wigtown, and then be situated in Wigtown immediately before and during the festival in late September–early October. Accommodation will be made available.

Fee: £26,000 for 10 months, part-time, freelance (£39,000 FTE)

Expenses: £1,000

Location: Remote

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer

Start date: 5 January 2027

End date: 31 October 2027

This role is for an initial 10-month contract with the option to renew.

Read the full job description and person specification

How to apply:

Please send a two-page CV with a covering letter to Isla Rosser-Owen (Chief Executive Officer) at [email protected].

The covering letter should respond to the opportunity brief and provide details of:

  1. Why you are interested in this opportunity.
  2. What you can bring to the role.

Closing date: Sunday 18 October 2026 at 23:59.

Shortlisting and interview process:

  • Candidates being invited for interview will be informed by 30 October 2026.
  • First round interviews will be held online w/c 9 November 2026.
  • Second round interviews will be held in Wigtown w/c 23 November 2026.
  • Candidates will be informed by 4 December 2026.

Wigtown Festival Company is committed to being an inclusive employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process, please contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone on 01988 402036.

Wigtown Festival Company is a Fair Work Employer.