Friday 7th March - Saturday 15th March 2008

See the listings

Bank of Scotland Book Festival

The third year of the Aye Write Book Festival promises to sparkle, educate and entertain. The programme includes a wide variety of writers and topics - serious literature, poetry alongside a more frivolous aspect.

Welcome to the third Aye Write! Bank of Scotland Book Festival, taking place at the Mitchell Library. In a remarkably short time the festival has become a fully established annual event, thanks to the support of the Bank of Scotland, and its media partnership with The Herald.

One of the main themes is the 1960's

that decade of idealism and unfettered hope.

This will include the columnis Katharine Whitehorn, recollecting a career which started in the 60's. Also Gerry Anderson, Director and Producer of the television programme 'Thunderbirds' will participate.

A particular highlight will be the appearance of the writer Archie Hind author of the 1960's Glasgow Novel - 'The Dear Green Place'

Music will play a part in this year's festival

Former pirate DJ Johnnie Walker, and legendary record producer Joe Boyd are featured in the programme. It will also include the poet Simon Armigage and Stuart Murdoch discussing the experience of being in a band. Broadcaster James Naughtie will talk about his recent history of music.

Global warming is another topic on the programme

This will be addressed by some 'political and journalistic heavyweights' inlcuding Tony Benn, Paddy Ashdown, Asne Seierstad, who will focus on a range of current affairs. Also fascinating should be Sir Menzies Campbell talking about his autobiography, which includes the events that led to his resignation as leader of the LibDems.

At the heart of the festival

There will be some of Scotland's finest writers and poets
Alan Spence, Louise Welsh, Robert Crawford, Agnes Owens,Helen Dunmore, Blake Morrison, and many more. And for an unparalleled touch of sheer glamour, Hollywood star Kathleen Turner will And for what Rosemary Goring, Literary Editor, The Herald, describes as 'an unparalleled touch of sheer glamour", Kathleen Turner, Hollywood star, will discuss her new memoir.

There will also be an exciting children's programame with the launch of the festival's special city-wide read, where 15,000 free copies of a specially commissioned book of poems by Edwin Morgan will be distributed for free.

Last year 25,000 people attended the event with the fabulous Mitchell Library playing host to people discussing every topic possible. This year looks set to have even greater impact.

See the listings and don't be disappointed book those tickets now.