Byres Road Book Festival 2026
24 – 27 September, 2026
Events are free – Book at Eventbrite
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Some Highlights

Launch Event: Acknowledging Agnes Owens: a celebration of her writing and legacy
Thursday 24 September, 2026, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Top of Byres Road, G12 8QX
Byres Road Book Festival for a special launch evening, presented in collaboration with the Agnes Owens Archive.
LIMITED TICKETS REMAINING. Register at Eventbrite
Please use the Waitlist function when the event reaches full reservation status.
The evening will include an introduction to Owens’s writing and legacy, with readings from the new editions by William Letford and Chitra Ramaswamy.
It will also feature a conversation between Kirstin Innes and Chitra Ramaswamy, reflecting on their recent work with The Agnes Owens Archive, including Chitra Ramaswamy’s 2023 commission and Rich Things (2026), alongside Kirstin Innes’s ongoing writing residency supported by Creative Scotland.
Nicola Sturgeon in conversation: Frankly

Friday 25 September, 2026 1 p.m.- 3 p.m.
OranMor, Top of Byres Road, G12
Hear Nicola Sturgeon discuss her memoir, reflecting on leadership, public service and defining moments in modern Scottish politics before audience questions.
Nicola Sturgeon served as Scotland’s first female and longest-serving First Minister.
Tickets are free. Booking required via Eventbrite. – Join the Waitlist for this event.
Callum McSorley in conversation: Rat Race

Saturday 26 September, 2026, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Hillhead Library, 348 Byres Road, G12 8AP
Join award-winning Glasgow crime writer Callum McSorley for an engaging conversation about Rat Race, the thrilling final instalment in his acclaimed crime trilogy. In discussion with the session chair, Callum will share the inspiration behind his bestselling novels, discuss the process of bringing his unforgettable characters to life and reflect on his journey from his prize-winning debut Squeaky Clean to becoming one of Scotland’s most exciting voices in crime fiction.
The session will conclude with an audience Q&A, so bring your questions and join the conversation.
Free to attend. Eventbrite booking required.
A Kick Up The Arts Live: Nicola Meighan & James Grant

Sunday 27 September, 2026 – 1.30 p.m. – 2.30 p.m.
Arts writer and broadcaster Nicola Meighan is joined by legendary Glasgow musician and songwriter James Grant (Love and Money, Friends Again, Butler Blake & Grant) for a special live edition of her arts and culture podcast, A Kick Up The Arts.
James will discuss some of his favourite Scottish books, along with his own life and work – and he’ll also perform a few of his wonderful songs.
Free to attend. Eventbrite booking required.
Byres Road Book Festival by Visit West End
Ross Wilcock, Poetry Workshop, Curlers’ Rest, 27 September
This section: Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events, Events, Fairs, Festivals and Fundraisers, What's On Glasgow West End: cinema, clubs, theatre, music, events, festivals, community and more
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