One of Scotland’s finest poets, Kathleen Jamie launched the programme for Word 05 at a lunchtime reading to a capacity crowd yesterday, Thursday 24 March, at the University of Aberdeen.
The programme for the fifth Word – University of Aberdeen Writers Festival features an impressive line-up of some of the finest writers, from Scotland, across the UK and beyond, participating in a packed programme of readings, lectures, debates, children’s workshops, Gaelic events, panel discussions, visual arts exhibitions and film screenings.
This year the Word Festival which is one of Scotland’s most popular literary events takes place over three days from 13 – 15 May at the University of Aberdeen and other key arts venues around the city.
Word 05 Highlights
v A high profile and high quality line-up of authors participating at the Festival including:
· Colm Toibin and David Mitchell who were both shortlisted for the 2004 Man Booker Prize
· Irvine Welsh, best-selling author whose debut novel Trainspotting became a worldwide phenomenon
· AL Kennedy - one of Granta’s Best Young British Novelists
· Writer and journalist Hari Kunzru whose first novel The Impressionist received one of the largest advances in publishing history.
v Scottish writers – best-selling historian and Aberdeen academic Tom Devine, the first ever writer in residence to the Scottish Parliament James Robertson, Andrew O’Hagan who was shortlisted for the Whitbread and the Man Booker prizes and Bill Duncan – The North East’s best selling satirical new voice and author of the Wee Book of Calvin.
v Scottish poet and critic Robert Crawford, North East poet and Forward Prize winner Robin Robertson and Whitbread Prize winner John Burnside.
v A debate on the topical 100 Best Scottish Books of All Time with panellists Anne Donovan, Professor Willy Maley and one of the brightest new talents in fiction Rodge Glass.
v Richard Jobson - former Skids member, introducing his semi-autobiographical film 16 Years of Alcohol and writer and director Bernard MacLaverty introducing his award winning film Bye Child at The Belmont Cinema
v The first ever Gaelic Literary Festival on Saturday 14 May with writers Angus Peter Campbell, Anne Lorne Gillies and poet Aonghas MacNeacail
v Events for kids including readings from much-loved authors Frank Rodgers, Joan Lingard, Ian Whybrow and Cathy Cassidy, and a schools programme with authors Katie Grant and Catherine MacPhail author of Run Zan Run and Missing.
v Over 50 local writers showcasing the true voice of the North East including Doric favourite Sheena Blackhall and John Aberdein
Professor C Duncan Rice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of Aberdeen said:
‘The Word Festival has swiftly grown to become one of Scotland's most significant and popular literary events. We are delighted to continue the story with what promises to be the festival's most exciting programme so far.
The programme for Word 05 includes a fantastic line up of new talent and established writers, as well as a hugely expanded children's programme which will give hundreds of young people the chance to meet their favourite writers.
Word 05 will enrich our community and contribute to the wider cultural landscape in an exciting time for Scottish Literature.’
Alan Spence, Artistic Director of Word said:
'I know we say this every year, but this year really is the best WORD Festival yet! There's a tremendous range of events on offer. There's the best in Scottish writing, with AL Kennedy, Tom Leonard, James Robertson, Bill Duncan, John Burnside and many more, plus a first WORD appearance by Irvine Welsh. We also feature some of the brightest literary talents from across the UK and Ireland, with Booker-shortlisted David Mitchell and Colm Toibin joining Andrew O'Hagan and Hari Kunzru.
"There's poetry and music with Jackie Kay, film screenings introduced by award-winning directors Bernard MacLaverty and Richard Jobson, and keynote lectures by Richard Holloway and Tom Devine. The children's festival has grown this year, as has the Gaelic element which makes up its own festival-within-a-festival.
"There's just so much to shout about! And let's face it, a festival which begins with the former Bishop of Edinburgh and ends with Irvine Welsh really does have something for everyone!'