More than 20 top fiction writers will be part of the lineup for the inaugural Byres Road Book Festival – a new four-day literature showcase set in the leafy West End from Friday 23rd September to Monday 26th September.
The top of Byres Road will be transformed into a book hub pyramid as the September weekend sees Waterstones, Hillhead library and the Oxfam bookshop hosting a jam-packed programme of poetry, animated stories and discussions.
Graeme Macrae Burnet and Tartan Noir novelist Christopher Brookmyre are highlights at the festival which aims to offer audiences of all ages a chance to creatively connect with some of their favourite authors. Tickets for all events are free and are available now.
Beginning with an alternative busking session, with slam poets on 23rd September at The Oxfam Book Shop, guests will be able to browse bookshelves while listening to the melodic tones from Carly Brown, a previous winner of the Scottish National Poetry Slam, along with many other local talents. (4pm – 6pm, Oxfam Book Shop)
Moving on to murder with a smile in the Hillhead library, prepare to laugh at the art of outrageous storytelling as Mark Leggatt, author of two international thrillers, Names of the Dead and The London Cage will chair a lighthearted panel discussion looking at the humorous side of crime. (6pm -7pm, Hillhead Library).
Budding authors can learn from Booker Prize nominated author Graeme Macrae Burnet and Martin MacInnes, who will finish the day with a session discussing their sideways approach to the crime detective genre.
Saturday, September 24th delves into the art of forensics and the crucial role it plays in crime fiction. From a double hander featuring Lin Anderson with leading forensic soil scientist Professor Lorna Dawson at the Hillhead Library (1-2pm) to a murder mystery game at Oxfam by award-winning crime author, Ann Cleeves, be immersed by the gruesome murder mystery as you work together to uncover the culprit. (6:30 – 8pm, Oxfam Bookshop)
Finishing off Saturday’s events, Dundee International Book prize winner, Martin Catchcart Froden will take you on a thrilling ride as he reads from his award-winning debut novel Devil take the Hindmost (Freight) – a high-octane 1920s tale about track cycling, then share his own personal journey. (7-8pm Waterstones)
Get creative on Sunday, September 25th, as Oxfam leads with book crafts and arts from origami to screen printing (10 – 10:45am), or those with sweet tooth can enjoy the iced baked delights from The Depressed Cake Shop – a pop-up venture providing a unique platform to raise awareness and discussion of mental health issues through cakes and books. Striking grey hues will provide the backdrop for discussion. (1pm- 5pm, Oxfam Book Shop)
Longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize and shortlisted for the CWA Golden Dagger, Chris Brookmyre will read excerpts from his latest novel Black Widow and tackle contemporary issues such as everyday sexism, hacking and social media trolls in an open discussion. (4-5pm, Hillhead Library)
Monday, September 26th is a day for all the family with book readings from award–winning author/illustrator Alison Murray, who will read from her latest picture book “Hare and Tortoise’ (11 – 12noon, main hall, Hillhead Library). Or why not capture your little ones imaginations; let them transform their words about forgetful fishes’ adventures, sea monsters or seahorses into magical story at Emily Ilett’s ‘Creatures of the Deep’ creative writing workshop (11 – 12noon, Hillhead Library). Meanwhile Thumble Tumble and the Olipheist, is the catalyst for creative play in the afternoon, with a reading treasure hunt. (3pm- 4pm, Hillhead Library).
The festival is the result of a partnership between the Byres Road and Lanes Business Improvement District, Glasgow Life, Waterstones and Oxfam.
