2025 Aye Write programme announced as tickets go on sale for annual book festival

Tickets will go on sale for Aye Write, Glasgow's long-established and much-loved book festival, at 11am today.

Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 3 September 2025 10:43

Image: From left to right: Sally Magnusson, Dougie Donnelly and Justin Currie are appearing at the 2025 Aye Write festival

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.

Aye Write is produced by Glasgow Life, the charity which leads culture, events and active living in Glasgow, with support from Creative Scotland. In January this year, Glasgow Life was awarded £262,500 from Creative Scotland’s 2025-28 Multi-Year Fund for the delivery of Aye Write in 2025, 2026 and 2027.

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).

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life and Convenor for Culture, Sport and International Relations for Glasgow City Council, said: “It is fantastic to be looking ahead to the 20th anniversary of Aye Write, which is a crucial part of Glasgow’s cultural events calendar. Book lovers can expect another thrilling celebration of writing, lively discussions and activities, and the chance to hear from the home-grown and international authors behind the many captivating stories, autobiographies and memoirs which fill this year’s programme.”

Bob McDevitt, Aye Write Festival Programmer, said: “It's great to be back working on Aye Write, during the 20th anniversary of the festival. The temperature might be a bit colder in November, but we have lots of scorching names in the programme and you can always rely on Aye Write for some fiery debate!”

Alan Bett, Creative Scotland’s Head of Literature, said: “Aye Write’s 20th anniversary programme is a testament to the festival’s continued ambition and breadth. From titles that explore sport and music to those tackling today’s most pressing social and political issues, there’s something for everyone. It’s especially encouraging to see the festival act as a platform for new and developing voices. With Chris McQueer presenting his debut novel to a home crowd, and Chris Kohler and Niamh Ni Mhaoileoin featured in the ‘Ones To Watch’ strand, audiences have a unique opportunity to discover the next wave of standout writers.”

Full details of the 2025 Aye Write programme and links to book tickets are available at www.glasgowlife.org.uk

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Iconic films to take centre stage at Vue venues in Scotland

Iconic movies celebrating key milestones this year are returning to Vue for a limited run - including Steven Spielberg classic Jaws.

20 expert sessions at The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show

The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show will be packed with expert speakers when it returns to the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston on 4th – 5th October 2025.

A Taste of Loch Lomond Book launches with live cooking demo at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival

Love Loch Lomond will officially launch its new publication, A Taste of Loch Lomond – Stories and Flavours from the Bonnie Banks, at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival on Sunday 7th September.

Even more acts added to Tenement Trail 2025, set to take over the East End on Saturday 11th October

Multi-venue music festival taking over Glasgow's East End this October confirms Dead Pony and 14 new acts!

2025 Aye Write programme announced as tickets go on sale for annual book festival

Tickets will go on sale for Aye Write, Glasgow's long-established and much-loved book festival, at 11am today.

Seriously fun ideas for your work Christmas Party

It might only be September, but the C-word is not too far away, so it's time to start thinking about planning the annual office Christmas shindig before everything gets booked up!

Birds Fried Chicken launches collaboration series with Corner Shop

Birds Fried Chicken is taking its signature Southern-style fried chicken out of its natural Shawlands habitat and into new, unexpected settings with the launch of Rare Birds!

Buchanan Galleries champions Zero Waste Week with retailer initiatives for conscious consumers

Buchanan Galleries is marking Zero Waste Week (1 – 5 September 2025) by showcasing the centre's wide range of sustainable retail initiatives!

Business Gateway launches its first ever Scottish Start Up Month

Business Gateway, Scotland's national business support service, has launched Scottish Start-Up Month, a nationwide campaign to celebrate Scotland's entrepreneurial spirit.

Pop up play town brings big imaginations to little ones

A new role-play experience is popping up in community venues across Greater Glasgow this month bringing pint-sized professions and plenty of pretend fun to preschoolers and their families.

Local musicians to perform at outdoor charity concert at Nostrana restaurant

Summer may be over, but music festival season is still here, with an exciting outdoor concert in aid of Mary's Meals taking place in Glasgow's West End on Sunday 7th September.

Double the thrills this Halloween at Glasgow Science Centre

Glasgow Science Centre is inviting budding detectives down to the Clyde-side this October to help them solve the murder of the millennia – with a science twist.

Fresh new line up for one of the biggest FREE food and drink festivals in Scotland

Vikings, a pie eating competition, new celebrated chef and dog & duck shows set to bring new energy to Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival this September.

From pouring pints to the red carpet: The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 crowns its hospitality stars!

The winners of the 2025 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards were unveiled on the 26th of August at a glittering, Oscars-themed ceremony held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.

Dishoom Glasgow is officially open... bringing a touch of Bombay mischief to the city

Dishoom has officially opened its doors to the public inside the historic 1877 Glasgow Stock Exchange - and it's already bringing a touch of Bombay mischief to the city.

Flamingo Beach at Silverburn has turned fun in the sun into lasting impact

Following three successful summers, Silverburn has turned fun in the sun into lasting impact, raising an outstanding £139,388 for Glasgow Children's Hospital through its annual Flamingo Beach event.

Cineworld announces first ever Big Screen Weekend

Cineworld's Big Screen Weekend is here! Turning the last weekend of summer into the UK's biggest celebration of cinema, with all films, all formats – for just £4, including booking fee.

Scottish premiere of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical comes to Glasgow next month

West End mega-hit TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, will have it's Scottish premiere at the King's Theatre Glasgow next month!

Best Croissant Competition returns for 2025

The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.

GlasGLOW announces all new show for 2025, inspired by the legendary 80s campaign that made Glasgow smile

itison has confirmed that GlasGLOW will return to the Botanic Gardens from 24th October – 2nd November for its eighth year and with its biggest show yet... GlasGLOW's Miles Better!

Everything you need to know for Glasgow Cocktail Festival

The highly anticipated Glasgow Cocktail Festival, a 10-day cocktail extravaganza, is making its debut this Friday, 29th August, celebrating the best of Glasgow mixology!

Glasgow school mistress takes on new role at Mackintosh at the Willow

A beloved Victorian school mistress, who has taught and terrified generations of pupils during school visits, is carrying on her lessons through Mackintosh at the Willow's school engagement programme.

Historic Environment Scotland launches Talking About Heritage

People across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.

Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival 2025 programme celebrates iconic visionaries

One of Scotland's most celebrated cultural events, the Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival, will celebrate the visionaries that have helped shape the city into what it is today.

Glasgow Life community touring programme full of music, theatre and fun returns this autumn and winter

Glasgow Life's community touring programme will bring musical, theatrical and interactive shows and events to venues across Glasgow in its upcoming season!

Tickets now on sale for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.

Glasgow celebrates as Citizens Theatre reopens with Homecoming Festival

The Citizens Theatre reopened its doors at the weekend after a 7-year redevelopment welcoming everybody to its Homecoming celebrations.

Cameron House invests in spa transformation

Cameron House, the iconic five-star resort on the banks of Loch Lomond, has unveiled a £300,000 redesign of its award-winning Cameron Spa.

Scream to win your way into the IRN BRU Carnival

Scotland's family favourite and Europe's largest indoor fun fair, the IRN-BRU Carnival, is back for the 2025 season with tickets launching on 28th August at 10am for eager thrill seekers!