Panorama image of Wigtown with a large queue of people around the Bowling Green, at the centre of town. The County Buildings is in the background, with colourful bunting hung between lampposts.

What's On

Wigtown Book Festival

26 September - 4 October 2026

2026 programme launch

22 July: priority booking opens for Booktown friends

24 July: public booking opens

Upcoming events

From our year-round programme

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Our programmes and projects

Wigtown Book Festival

A Ten Day Celebration of Books
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Big DoG Children's Book Festival

The annual family festival for Dumfries.
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The Big DoG Schools Tour

This November, Big DoG will be hitting the road for the first time, bringing authors and storytellers to schools across the region.
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The Anne Brown Essay Prize

£1500 for the best literary essay by a writer in or from Scotland
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Wigtown Poetry Prizes

20 years of Scotland's International Poetry Competition
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Latest news

Neil Forsyth is a powerhouse of creativity whose work is read and watched by umpteen millions across the globe

BAFTA winner, novelist and creator of Dundonian comedy gem Bob Servant

26 May 2026
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Long-time friend of Wigtown Book Festival, we are delighted to welcome Sally Magnusson back to discuss her latest novel

Set in Orkney, The Shapeshifter’s Daughter retells the Norse myth of Hel, goddess of the underworld.

25 May 2026
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Kriss Nichol’s Wigtown Women’s Walks introduce visitors to some of the amazing array of women who have lived in Wigtown

From medicine to opera, and even laying down their lives for freedom of worship

25 May 2026
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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