John Byrne's Big Birthday Bash
Celebrate the life and work of one of Scotland’s most beloved playwrights and artists – John Byrne. To mark his 80th year, John returns to his native Paisley for a birthday knees up and retrospective of his incredible body of work.
Read more.John Byrne's Big Birthday Bash
Celebrate the life and work of one of Scotland’s most beloved playwrights and artists – John Byrne. To mark his …
BAME Writing Masterclass with Nikesh Shukla
In this workshop for writers of colour, Nikesh shares his writing tips and leads some exercises to get the creative juices flowing. Designed in partnership with the BAME Scottish Writers Network.
Read more.BAME Writing Masterclass with Nikesh Shukla
In this workshop for writers of colour, Nikesh shares his writing tips and leads some exercises to get the creative …
Jackie Kay
Join us for an hour of poetry and entertainment with the Scots Makar and author of award-winning publications Jackie Kay, who’ll be reading poems on the festival’s theme of Radical Stories and Rebel Voices
Read more.Jackie Kay
Join us for an hour of poetry and entertainment with the Scots Makar and author of award-winning publications Jackie Kay, …
They Felt the Fear and Did it Anyway
Join award-winning Kenyan/Scottish storyteller Mara Menzies for incredible stories from her dual heritage that celebrate those who stood their ground despite facing difficulties.
Read more.They Felt the Fear and Did it Anyway
Join award-winning Kenyan/Scottish storyteller Mara Menzies for incredible stories from her dual heritage that celebrate those who stood their ground …
This Script with Jenny Lindsay
This Script is Jenny Lindsay’s powerful response to many current feminist conflicts, replete with a trademark wit and lyrical dexterity that makes her one of Scotland’s most lauded spoken word poets.
Read more.This Script with Jenny Lindsay
This Script is Jenny Lindsay’s powerful response to many current feminist conflicts, replete with a trademark wit and lyrical dexterity …
Alan Bissett Presents…Chris McQueer
Chris McQueer has become a sensation in Scottish literature, earning a reputation on the back of Hings as the most surreal, funny and authentic of new voices. Given the success of its follow-up HWFG, catch him before he goes supernova.
Read more.Alan Bissett Presents…Chris McQueer
Chris McQueer has become a sensation in Scottish literature, earning a reputation on the back of Hings as the most …
About
Paisley’s inaugural Book Festival will take inspiration from the 200th anniversary of the Paisley Radicals as it reflects their spirit with a programme of grassroots activism, new ideas and political conversation. With many events for children, teenagers, the family and adults, there is something for everyone over the ten days of the Paisley Book Festival.
Janet Coats Memorial Prize
Be radical and submit your poems to the Janet Coats Memorial Prize. Paisley Book Festival 2020 will award writers with the Janet Coats Memorial Prize. Inspired by Paisley’s history and the actions of radical young people on our environmental crisis, we would like to read, hear and see your poetry on the theme of climate change. Submission deadline: 13th December
Learning
Learning is a key part of the Paisley Book Festival with panel discussions and workshops at the core of our programme. As well as encouraging reading for enjoyment, debate and discussion we will also announce our Schools Programme in January 2020.
Look out for the announcement
