Aye Write Glasgow’s Book Festival
Glasgow's Book Festival, Aye Write, will celebrate its 20th edition across 11 days this November, with a series of pop-up events coming before!
About Aye Write Glasgow’s Book Festival
| 6th Nov 2025 to 16th Nov 2025 | |
| See event website for details | |
| Various Locations Glasgow | |
| This is a free event | |
| Event organiser/part of Aye Write! | |
| Visit the event website here | |
| Facebook information can be found here | |
| Follow ayewriteglasgow on Instagram |
The highly popular celebration of books will run from 6-16 November 2025, when it will mark its 20th anniversary with a packed programme featuring 130 events showcasing established authors and the next generation of writers.
The event, which takes place ahead of Book Week Scotland (17-23 November 2025), spans various genres and includes discussions and debates with 180 authors from Glasgow, Scotland and around the world.
Among the most familiar names in the wide-ranging line-up at this year’s Aye Write festival are Irvine Welsh, Jeanette Winterson, Sally Magnusson, Dougie Donnelly, Nicola Sturgeon in conversation with Josh Smith, Justin Currie and Ambrose Parry (Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman). The bill also includes John Harris, Natasha Brown, Nigel Planer, Ted Kravitz, Len Pennie, Terry Deary, Helen Lederer, Robert Elms in conversation with Stuart Cosgrove, Sarah Vine, Huey Morgan, Julie Nimmo and Greg Hemphill, and Sophie Gravia.
Having appeared at the first-ever Aye Write in 2005, Denise Mina, Louise Welsh, A L Kennedy, Quintin Jardine and Liz Lochhead will be welcomed back during its 20th anniversary year.
Genres at the 2025 Aye Write include memoirs and autobiographies, poetry, crime fiction, true crime, LGBTQI+, historical fiction, and science fiction.
The festival will also cover a range of current topics and themes, from music, sport, current affairs and politics to crafting, history and the environment.
Music fans can hear Alison Stroak, Fiona Shepherd and Jonathan Trew discuss Glasgow’s contribution to pop music during the ‘Glasgow’s Greatest Hits’ event which also offers a chance to sing with a live band.
Followers of the beautiful game can head along to a ‘What’s the Matter with Scottish Football?’ discussion with Pat Nevin and Paul Goodwin.
Broadcast journalist Sally Magnusson presents a powerful reimagining of a Norse myth in ‘The Shapeshifter’s Daughter’; Del Amitri singer Justin Currie reflects on life as a touring musician in the shadow of his life-changing Parkinson’s diagnosis in his memoir ‘The Tremelo Diaries’; and Dougie Donnelly, one of Scotland’s best-loved presenters and the former face of the BBC’s Grandstand and Sportscene shows, recalls the highlights of his life in sport, which include presenting at World Cups and broadcasting as Europe won the Ryder and Solheim Cups.
Aye Write audiences will have the chance to listen to legendary artist Ken Currie as he looks back on his life and paintings, and learn about Jim Swire’s fight for justice for the daughter he lost in the Lockerbie bombing. There will also be opportunities to hear from chefs Julie Lin and Ferrier Richardson, whose stories exemplify and share all that is great about Glasgow’s flourishing food scene.
Elsewhere, Raja Shehadeh and Penny Johnson reflect on their book ‘Searching for Palestine’s Hidden Places and Lost Memorials’; Lara Lewington’s ‘Hacking Humanity’ explains how technology can save your health and your life; Chris McQueer and James Bloodworth examine the toxic subcultures of ‘the manosphere’; and Ryan Gilbey’s ‘It Used to be Witches’ takes audiences on a treasure hunt through queer cinema past and present with a special screening of Pier Paolo Pasolini’s ‘Teorema’ at Glasgow Film Theatre.
Aye Write will continue to give new voices and perspectives a platform, and audiences can look forward to hearing from the likes of Chris Kohler and Lisa Smith as part of the festival’s ‘Ones To Watch’ events. The ‘Ones To Watch’ series shines a light on the many up-and-coming writers making their Aye Write debut, which this year also includes Niamh Ni Mhaoileoin, Oraine Johnson and Seth Insua.
As well as the many events held to entertain and inform book lovers, Aye Write is also set up to support budding authors. Aye Write’s ‘Getting Creative’ workshops give beginners guidance on how to form a structure, develop a plot, create characters and use dialogue in novels.
More experienced writers can get involved in Aye Write masterclasses on writing style and genres led by a panel of publishing industry experts, as well as University of Strathclyde Centre for Lifelong Learning taster courses on various topics.
This year’s Aye Write will also feature the first airing of the Great Big Glasgow Poem. The poem is part of Glasgow’s 850th birthday celebrations and has been written by Glasgow residents of all ages who have each added a line to express what Glasgow means to them. The Great Big Glasgow Poem will be presented for the first time by Glasgow’s Poet Laureate, Jim Carruth, at The Mitchell Library on Saturday 15 November (4.15pm).
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Glasgow, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Glasgow? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!Sponsored Links
Other Events at Various Venues or Aye Write!
Aye Write: Gaza - The Story of a Genocide: Malaka Shwaikh and Shareef Sirhan
Aye Write are honoured to be joined by two contributors to the book, Malaka Shwaikh and Shareef Sarhan for an important and wide-ranging discussion.
READ MORE
Aye Write: The Guide to Gaelic Scotland: Coinneach Maclean with Maureen Macleod
Gaelic speaker and South Uist native Coinneach Maclean sits down with travel writer and BBC radio presenter Mauren Macleod to discuss his new book as part of Aye Write 2025!
READ MORE
Aye Write: Poor Creatures and Hawthorn: Mairi Kidd and Elaine Thomson with Neil MacKay
Host Neil Mackay sits down with two authors to discuss their spooky stories, each set in Scotland during the 1800s.
READ MORE
Aye Write: The Fun Lovin’ Criminal: Huey Morgan with Fiona Shepard
Fun Lovin' Criminals frontman and 90s icon Huey Morgan joins co-founder of Glasgow City Music Tours, Fiona Shepard to talk about his aptly named memoir, The Fun Lovin' Criminal.
READ MOREAye Write: John Murray Proof Party with Aimee MacDonald, Cailean Steed and Rebecca Ferrier
Be among the first to hear from three exciting new voices as they give Waterstones Sauchiehall Street an exclusive sneak peek into their 2026 novels and writing as part of Aye Write 2025!
READ MORE
Aye Write: Men in Love and The Fathers: Irvine Welsh and John Niven with Sean MacDonald
Two of Scotland's most renowned fiction writers, Irvine Welsh and John Niven, unite on stage to discuss the themes and inspirations behind their latest novels as part of Aye Write 2025!
READ MORE
Aye Write: Frankly and Great Chat: Nicola Sturgeon and Josh Smith
In this very special live recording of the Reign podcast for Aye Write, host Josh Smith welcomes Scotland's former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to the stage to discuss her memoir, Frankly.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Glasgow’s Greatest Hits: Alison Stroak, Fiona Shepherd & Jonathan Trew with Bandeoke
The founders of the Glasgow Music Tours will discuss their brand new book Glasgow's Greatest Hits at the Mitchell Library as part of Aye Write 2025!
READ MOREAye Write: Sudden Fame: Federation of Writers
A spoken word event where members of the Federation of Writers, the public and members of writers' groups are provided with an opportunity to perform a selection of their work in 3 minute slots.
READ MOREAye Write: Waterstones Ones to Watch: Reading Group Fiction
Join Waterstones Sauchiehall Street for a Reading Group Fiction based panel discussion with debut authors with Heather Mottershead, Gurnaik Johal and Lisa Smith as part of Aye Write 2025!
READ MORE
Aye Write: The Tremelo Diaries: Justin Currie with Nicola Meighan
Join Justin Currie, Del Amitri's much-loved frontman, in conversation with BBC Radio Scotland's Nicola Meighan as they discuss Justin's powerful and personal memoir, The Tremolo Diaries.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Maybe I’m Amazed: John Harris with Nicola Meighan
Award-winning writer, journalist, podcaster and presenter John Harris joins BBC Radio Scotland's Nicola Meighan in conversation about his extraordinary memoir for Aye Write 2025!
READ MORE
Aye Write: The Shapeshifter’s Daughter: Sally Magnusson
Aye Write are delighted to welcome bestselling author, journalist, and broadcaster Sally Magnusson back to the festival to discuss her brand new novel, The Shapeshifter's Daughter!
READ MORE
Aye Write: Not That I’m Bitter: Helen Lederer with Bryan Burnett
Join actress and comedy legend Helen Lederer in conversation with BBC Scotland's Bryan Burnett for an unfiltered, laugh-out-loud look at her new memoir, Not That I'm Bitter as part of Aye Write 2025!
READ MORE
Aye Write: Jules and Greg’s Wild Swim: Julie Nimmo and Greg Hemphill with Julie Lin
Husband and wife duo Greg Hemphill and Julie Wilson-Nimmo dive into a chat with TV chef and broadcaster Julie Lin about their new book, Jules & Greg's Wild Swim, for Aye Write 2025!
READ MORE
Aye Write: Who Will Be Remembered Here - Queer Spaces in Scotland: Mae Diansangu, Louise Welsh, Lewis Hetherington
In this collection, fourteen authors explore the places and spaces which define their queer history – wherever has meaning for them.
READ MORE
Aye Write: The Incidental Feminist: Tina Gaudoin with Kate Muir
As part of Aye Write 2025 Tina Gaudoin introduces us to the woman behind the politician in her new book, The Incidental Feminist: Friend, Foe, Femme Fatale? The Truth About Thatcher.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Childless by Choice: Helen Taylor with Lesley McDowell
As the world debates issues around population the spotlight is on childless women, join Helen Taylor as she discusses her book, Childless by Choice, with Lesley McDowell for Aye Write 2025.
READ MORE
Aye Write: How to Have a Magnificent Midlife Crisis: Kate Muir
Journalist Vicky Allan joins writer, filmmaker, and women's health campaigner Kate Muir to discuss Kate's new book, How to Have a Magnificent Midlife Crisis for Aye Write 2025!
READ MORE
Aye Write: Hold Fast: Catherine Simpson & Nina Mega with Gabriella Bennett
Award-winning novelist and memoir writer Catherine Simpson is joined on stage by her adult daughter, Nina Mega, for an in-depth conversation with journalist Gabriella Bennett as part of Aye Write!
READ MORE
Aye Write: How to Kill a Witch and Witches: Zoe Venditozzi & Claire Mitchell and Steven Veerapen with Ruth Wishart
Steven Veerapen traces witches, witchcraft, and witch-hunters from the explosion of mass-trials under King James VI and I in the late sixteenth century to the death of the witch-hunting phenomenon.
READ MORE
Aye Write: The Road to Mons Gaupius: Alan Montgomery
Dr Alan Montgomery gives an illustrated talk about Roman Scotland based on his new book, The Road to Mons Graupius as part of Aye Write 2025.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Happy Healthy Sober: Janey Lee Grace
With her signature blend of honesty, humour, and holistic wisdom, former WHAM! backing singer Janey Lee Grace discusses her book, Happy Healthy Sober, with host Frankie Burr for Aye Write 2025.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Sit Down with Serial Killers: Shaun Atwood
In his Aye Write Festival debut, Shaun Atwood discusses his new book, Sitdowns with Serial Killers & Murderers and what it's like talking to some of the most menacing and violent people on the planet.
READ MORE
Aye Write: The Old Divide - Sectarianism in Scotland: A History: Chris Bambery with Kirsteen Paterson
Chris Bambery sits down with Kirsteen Paterson to discuss the historical events that have constructed sectarianism in Scotland for Aye Write 2025.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Irish Unity Dividend: Ben Collins
Author Ben Collins sits down to discuss his new book, The Irish Unity Dividend, as part of Aye Write 2025.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Conversations with Tim Ingold: Anthropology, Education and Life with Hannah Whaley
Don't miss a lively conversation with internationally renowned anthropologist Tim Ingold, tackling the big questions on what makes a good life with warmth and irreverence in equal measure.
READ MORE
Aye Write: How Not to Be a Political Wife: Sarah Vine with Sean McDonald
Sarah Vine joins presenter and podcaster Sean MacDonald to lift the velvet curtain on life inside UK politics as part of Aye Write 2025!
READ MORE
Aye Write: The Autobiography of Jethro Tull’s Guitarist: Martin Barre with Alistair Braidwood
Scots Whay Hae! podcast host Alistair Braidwood welcomes legendary Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre to the Aye Write stage to discuss Martin’s autobiography, A Trick of Memory.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Poyums Anaw: Len Pennie with Lindsay Johnstone
Award-winning writer and journalist Lindsay Johnstone is joined by Len Pennie to discuss the follow up to her award-winning debut poetry collection!
READ MORE
Aye Write: The Burning Stones and Black as Death: Antti Tuomainen and Lilja Sigurdardottir with Neil McKay
Writer and journalist Neil Mackay chairs a discussion between two Nordic crime novelists, each with a twisty tale to tell.
READ MORE
Aye Write: It Used to be Witches: Ryan Gilbey + Theorem
Don't miss a Q&A with Ryan Gilbey, author of It Used to be Witches, followed by a screening of Theorem at Glasgow Film Theatre as part of Aye Write 2025.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Lockerbie - A Father’s Search for Justice: Jim Swire & Peter Biddulph
Jim Swire discusses with STV's John Swire his campaign to uncover the truth behind not only a personal tragedy but one of the modern world's most shocking events.
READ MORE
Aye Write: The Story of the Christmas No. 1: Marc Burrows with Janey Lee Grace
Award-winning author, comedian and musician, Marc Burrows, brings an evening of comedy, music, and book chat to Aye Write in his festival debut!
READ MORE
Aye Write: The Bagpipes: A Cultural History: Richard McLauchlan
Author Richard McLauchlan is your sure-footed guide to the fabled and fascinating history of the bagpipes for this special event as part of Aye Write 2025.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Waterstones Ones to Watch: LGBTQI+ Fiction
Join us in Waterstones for a LGBTQI+ Fiction based panel discussion with debut authors with Seth Insua, Michael Amherst and Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Blitz: Robert Elms with Stuart Cosgrove
Acclaimed author and broadcaster Robert Elms makes his Aye Write debut to discuss his new book, Blitz: The Club That Created the 80s.
READ MORE
Aye Write: My Life in Sport: Recorded Highlights: Dougie Donnelly with Hugh MacDonald
A giant of Scottish and British sports broadcasting, Dougie Donnelly sits down with journalist Hugh MacDonald to discuss his brand new autobiography, My Life in Sport: Recorded Highlights.
READ MORE
Aye Write: A Fire in their Hearts: Philip Paris with Ann Landmann
Best-selling author Philip Paris joins Ann Landmann from the Edinburgh-based publisher, Birlinn Books, to discuss Philip's latest novel, A Fire in Their Hearts.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Concrete Dreams: Chris Leslie, Mitch Miller & Alison Irvine
Writer Alison Irvine, photographer and filmmaker Chris Leslie, and illustrator Mitch Miller combine their considerable talents in Concrete Dreams: The Rise and Fall of Cumbernauld Town Centre.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Waterstones Ones to Watch: Poetry
Join us in Waterstones for a Poetry based panel discussion led by Jim Carruth with debut poets Michael Mullen, Dean Browne and Desree as part of Aye Write 2025.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Barrowland: The Inside Story of Glasgow’s Beloved Ballroom and One Love, One Life: Alison Irvine and Billy Sloan
Music lovers rejoice as Aye Write welcomes two writers to the festival, each with their own love letter to the Glasgow music scene!
READ MORE
Aye Write: Saltwash and Idle Grounds: Andrew Michael Hurley and Krystelle Bamford with Kavan Stafford
Kavan Stafford chats with two modern fiction writers about their respective dark and chilling tales.
READ MORE
GICF x Aye Write presents Life Lessons from Historical Women and The Hottest Girl at Burn Camp: Eleanor Morton and Krystal Evans
A Scot and an American walk into a book festival. In this special event, Aye Write and the Glasgow International Comedy Festival present comedians turned authors Eleanor Morton and Krystal Evans.
READ MORE
Aye Write: One Aladdin Two Lamps: Jeanette Winterson with Zoe Venditozzi
Aye Write are thrilled to welcome literary trailblazer Jeanette Winterson to the festival for the first time!
READ MORE
Aye Write: F1 Insider: Ted Kravitz with Kevin McKenna
F1 icon and one of its most high-profile voices, Ted Kravitz, discusses his new book, F1 Insider: Notes From The Pit Lane as part of Aye Write 2025!
READ MORE
Aye Write: Waterstones Ones to Watch: Speculative Fiction
Join the team at Waterstones for a Speculative Fiction panel discussion led by Arusa Qureshi with debut authors Emily Buchanan, Oraine Johnson and Chris Kohler.
READ MORE
Aye Write: You Don’t Have to be Mad to Work Here: Benji Waterhouse
With a mix of stand-up comedy and readings from his book, award-winning comedian, best-selling author, and NHS psychiatrist Benji Waterhouse considers some of life's big questions.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Rhyme and Reason: A Short History of Poetry and People (for People who Don’t Usually Read Poetry): Mark Forsyth
Mark Forsyth makes his Aye Write debut to talk about his latest book, Rhyme & Reason, a funny, charming guide to poetry (and people) for people who don't usually read poetry!
READ MORE
Aye Write: Art Deco Scotland: Design and Architecture in the Jazz Age: Bruce Peter
In Art Deco Scotland: Design and Architecture in the Jazz Age, Professor Bruce Peter (Glasgow School of Art) explores the remarkable range of Art Deco objects and images created here in Scotland.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Words from Whaleback City: Andy Jackson & Bill Herbert
Whaleback City Press is Dundee's new and vibrant small publisher, specialising in big ideas in small packages and this event showcases work from its first two projects!
READ MORE
Aye Write: The Pen is Mightier: Edward Tudor Pole
Edward Tudor Pole takes to the Aye Write stage to discuss his autobiography, The Pen is Mightier.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Single and Psycho: Caroline Young with Zoe Venditozzi
Edinburgh-based author Caroline Young joins podcaster and writer Zoe Venditozzi to discuss Young's latest book, Single and Psycho: How pop culture created the unstable single woman.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Write Time Right Place
Scots Whay Hae podcast host Alistair Braidwood introduces a stellar evening of prose and poetry from the Into Creative team.
READ MORE
Aye Write: My Mother’s Murder: Gina McGavin and Jane Hamilton with Douglas Skelton
Join journalist Jane Hamilton and co-author Gina McGavin as they take you behind the headlines of one of Scotland's most haunting cold cases: The 1984 murder of Gina’s mother, Mary McLaughlin.
READ MORE
Aye Write: The Good Liar and Watching You: Denise Mina and Helen Fields with Bryan Burnett
join Denise Mina and Helen Fields as they discuss their latest thrillers with Bryan Burnett as part of Aye Write 2025!
READ MORE
Aye Write: Sunday Best: Daniel Gray
Author and journalist Peter Ross welcomes Daniel Gray to a Sunday evening in the Mitchell Library to chat about Daniel’s new book, Sunday Best: Travels Through the Day of Rest.
READ MORE
Aye Write: There She Goes: Esa Aldegheri with Linda Cracknell and Claire Askew
Editor Esa Aldegheri sits down with contributors Linda Cracknell and Claire Askew to discuss their new book, There She Goes.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Young Once: Nigel Planer
Fresh off the back of a sold-out tour, expect witty, self-deprecating stories told masterfully by the mischievous, once-young Nigel Planer as he offers a glimpse into his remarkable career.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Pop Scars: Anthony Kavanagh with Carrie Marshall
One-time teen popstar Anthony Kavanagh takes to the Aye Write stage to discuss his searingly honest memoir, Pop Scars.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Wild Mountain Times: Gary Robertson with Gabriella Bennett
Dundee-based author Gary Robertson joins journalist Gabriella Bennett for a lively discussion about Gary's new book, Wild Mountain Times as part of Aye Write 2025!
READ MORE
Aye Write: Universality and Alive in the Merciful Country: Natasha Brown and A L Kennedy with Gabriella Bennett
Award-winning Scots writer, academic, and occasional stand-up comedian A L Kennedy returns to Aye Write to discuss her latest acclaimed novel.
READ MORE
Aye Write: The Secret Christmas Library and Christmas at the Movies: Jenny Colgan and Anne Marie Ryan with Dawn Vallance
A talk with a festive flair as Glasgow Life Principal Librarian Dawn Vallance joins two authors in conversation about their respective Christmas-themed books for Aye Write 2025!
READ MORE
Aye Write: Revolting: Terry Deary
From the peasants to the slaves, the martyrs to the mutineers, Terry Deary's Revolting celebrates the resilience and determination of those who dared to challenge the status quo.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Dead Man’s Tale and Acts of Malice: Quiintin Jardine and Alex Gray with Douglas Skelton
In this special Aye Write event, crime writer Douglas Skelton welcomes two contemporaries to the stage to discuss their new books — each with a grizzled Scottish detective and a murder to solve.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Following Sam: Jon and Sam’s Journey Conquering the 42: Jon Attenborough
Jon Attenborough discusses Following Sam, his memoir chronicling his experience of visiting all 42 Scottish Professional Football League stadiums with his guide dog, Sam.
READ MORE
Aye Write: Unfinished Business and Thrive: Henry McLeish & James Mitchell and Lesley Riddoch with Kirsteen Paterson
In this special sit-down examining the potential future of Scotland and Scottish politics, Kirsteen Paterson is a journalist with 20 years experience of covering politics and policy in Scotland.
READ MORESponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
Books at the Botanics
Glasgow's Book Fair, Books at the Botanics, is held every month in the Hopkirk building at Glasgow's Botanic Gardens!
READ MORE
Glasgow Mitchell Library Classics Book Group
Glasgow Mitchell Library Classics Book Group runs on the first Thursday of each month with the library kindly providing books for all members, so there is no cost involved!
READ MORE
Love Letters to A Murder: The Mythology of Madeleine Smith
Join Kirsten McQuarrie and Lesley McDowell at the Mitchell Library, and hear about Madeleine Smith's extraordinary story as portrayed in McDowell's historical novel, Love and Other Poisons (Wildfire).
READ MORE
Hollie McNish
With fans ranging from Emma Watson, Pink and Benjamin Zephaniah, Ted Hughes Award winner Hollie McNish is a poet whose readings are not to be missed!
READ MORE
Simple Minds’ Jim Kerr & Charlie Burchill In Conversation
Join Simple Minds' founder members and lifelong collaborators, Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill for a special event to celebrate the publication of their long-awaited memoir, Our Secrets Are The Same.
READ MORE
Piers Morgan: Woke Is Dead with Andrew Doyle
Piers Morgan will bring his show, Woke Is Dead, to The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow on Monday 20th October.
READ MORE
‘Grenada Ain’t Far from Africa’
'Grenada Ain’t Far from Africa': Historical Memories, Human Flight, and the Recovery of Liberated African Biographies.
READ MORE
Book Launch: All Hands On Deck - Jan Goodey
From his work with Just Stop Oil to Community Gardening, Jan Goodey will give positive solutions to our climate crisis, at the launch of his new book All Hands On Deck.
READ MORE
Bookface Sip & Swap with Dr Gillian Shirreffs for Beatson Cancer Charity
Enjoy a bookish afternoon Sip & Swap with a luxury raffle and chatting with Dr. Gillian Shirreffs in support of the Beatson Cancer Charity.
READ MOREFind other events in Glasgow
Sponsored Links