About Us

In 2020, the inaugural festival was inspired by the actions of the 1820 Paisley Radicals, celebrating Paisley as a place where people value their unique rich history, and featured names such as Jackie Kay, John Byrne, Kirsty Wark, Janice Galloway, and the Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers. In 2021, with the theme Radical New Futures, the festival continued to focus on grassroots rebellion, revolution and activism, but also celebrated resilience, as we found ourselves responding to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis and making the shift to being a completely digital Festival.

For the 2024 programme, themed “Imagine Something Different,” we invite attendees to embark on a transformative journey into the world of stories and storytelling. Embracing the festival’s renowned radical edge, this year’s theme encourages us to step beyond conventional boundaries and seek out new ideas with the help of award-winning writers from Scotland and beyond. Through a diverse programme that challenges and inspires, we’ll be exploring the endless possibilities of the imagination.