12 Noon: Main Programme Event

Get fully immersed in the Wigtown Book Festival by attending one of our main programme events.

Molly Doubleday and Robert Parker: Scotland’s Digital Storytellers

Digital creators Molly Doubleday and Robert Parker are using Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms to share life, stories, and hidden gems from the Cairngorms and beyond. In conversation with local film director Jessica Fox, they’ll show how online storytelling can turn local adventures and landscapes into stories that reach audiences all over the world.

Elaine Thomson - Hawthorn: A Scottish Ghost Story

Hawthorn is a chilling new ghost story set in 19th-century Scotland. After a near-fatal accident, mapmaker Robert Sutherland is taken to Leask House to recover — but his rest is plagued by strange visions and dark secrets. The first in a series of supernatural tales tied to the seasons. 

Mollie Hughes - Breathe: Life

Adventurer Mollie Hughes has explored some of the most extreme places on Earth, from climbing Mount Everest on both sides to skiing 700 miles solo to the South Pole. In her talk, she shares stories from these incredible journeys and from her new book Breathe. Drawing on her own experiences and those of other explorers, she reveals powerful lessons on resilience, unlocking potential, and coping with life’s challenges.

2:15: Taster Session 2 (In Association With)

We've teamed up with DMC (Dumfries Music Collective), Up Yer Airts (Arts D&G) and Paragon Music to give you a taster of what some of the amazing organisations in our region offer for young people.

Influencing 101 with Alx Romance

Want to get your art seen by more people? Join music artist Alx Romance, whose organic content has racked up over 10 million views, for a hands-on workshop on creating short-form videos for social media. You’ll learn how to start making content with the skills and tools you already have, copy proven ideas and experiment to find what works, post consistently without getting stuck on perfection, provide value to your audience through entertainment, education, and inspiration and make Snapchat-style content that feels authentic and engaging. Alx will include a Q&A for any burning questions you may have on content creation!

Rhyme and Rhythm with Paragon Music 

Jump in, get creative, and make music together! Explore singing, songwriting, and jamming on a bunch of instruments or bring your own. Led by Paragon’s pro musicians, this session is fun, inclusive, and open to everyone, with support for all access needs. Come make some noise, try something new, and see what you can create together!

Beat Making Workshop with Up Yer Airts

Fergus Henderson hosts a workshop that helps you turn your ideas into beats! This workshop is all about exploring sound, rhythm, and creativity. No experience? No problem. Just bring your curiosity and love for music.

3:15: Taster Session 3 (Words Based Activity)

Choose from three workshops that give you an opportunity to put pen to paper and use your voice!

Hosted by Loud Poets, this session invites you to explore the power of your own voice. Through writing prompts and performance games, you will discover how to articulate your unique perspective with creativity and confidence. Whether you are new to spoken word or already passionate about poetry, you will leave inspired and with new skills!

Say it Your Way with Imogen Stirling

Poetry isn’t about rules — it’s about making the page sound like you. In this fast-paced workshop, you’ll play with words, sharpen punchy lines, and build bold mini-poems that pack a hit. No pressure to perform, no need for “perfect” — just an hour of experimenting with style, rhythm, and voice. Come ready to write, scribble, and surprise yourself. 

Journal Your Way to You with Annaliese Avery

Join journal-obsessed Annaliese Avery for a hands-on guide on how to personalise a journal that can help you get where you want to go and be who you want to be. Organise your thoughts and achieve your dreams!