Wigtown’s next book festival runs 24 September–3 October 2027. A town stay and a wider Galloway base offer different ways to make the visit, particularly after an evening conversation. Six completed events below are from 2026. The festival has also published planned programme-release dates, which should be checked against its public booking announcements.
Confirmed for 2027
The 2027 programme hasn’t been announced yet.
2026 headline events
These events took place in 2026.
Witch Trial
· Festival Marquee
Harriet Tyce discussed an Edinburgh courtroom thriller whose story echoed Scotland’s historical persecution of people accused of witchcraft.
2026 event detailsAt 5 festivals in 2026
20 Years and 20 Books
· The Merse
Doug Johnstone reflected on twenty books in twenty years, from the Skelfs to science fiction and making a writing life.
2026 event detailsAt 4 festivals in 2026
Killer Stories
· Festival Marquee
Louise Welsh and Chris Brookmyre discussed their friendship, literary careers and the state of Scottish crime fiction.
2026 event detailsAt 6 festivals in 2026
Love Lane
· Festival Marquee
Patrick Gale explored the real-life family stories behind Love Lane and its connections with A Place Called Winter.
2026 event detailsAt 5 festivals in 2026
The Delusions
· Sacred Heart Church
Jenni Fagan discussed a novel that ventured into the afterlife, combining emotional depth with a sharply satirical imagination.
Hurricane Room
· Festival Marquee
Kim Sherwood discussed continuing James Bond’s fictional world and why the Ian Fleming Estate chose her for the role.
Explore the guide’s 2026 programme highlights.
Book your room first
Choosing the town and dates can come before choosing individual talks. If you reserve at that stage, compare the actual rate’s payment and cancellation conditions and keep its deadline with your festival plans. The search starts with the first festival night, two adults and one room; change it to fit your stay.
Where to stay for Wigtown Book Festival · Wigtown Book Festival visitor guide
Authors who appeared in 2026
Harriet Tyce, Doug Johnstone, Christopher Brookmyre, Patrick Gale, Daniel Hahn, Joseph Coelho.
Plan the festival visit
Compare a room in Wigtown with Bladnoch and a wider Newton Stewart base through the daily journey, not only the room price. If you will use a bus, the actual last suitable return belongs beside the final talk in your plan. Ask about late access and luggage with the property before reserving. Give other Galloway outings their own time during a longer break. The guide and stay page below bring the town and wider options together, including the limits on the named properties that could be securely checked.