The Edinburgh International Book Festival Programme is out!

The Edinburgh International Book Festival programme is out and it’s bigger and better than ever, with 600 plus shows and almost as many contributors. It’s inhabiting the Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI) again, as well as more events in the McEwan Hall and with the addition of the gorgeous Greyfriars Kirk as a new venue this year. And of course the BBC will be strutting its stuff again this year, but this time in the Speigeltent at the EFI.

This year’s theme is ‘Changing Your Mind’ and this can be interpreted in all sorts of ways of course, but Jenny Niven, Festival Director and CEO, suggests it’s ‘both an invitation and a provocation’ and every aspect of the Festival embraces the idea – a quote from Katie Kitamura – that ‘almost every writer changes my mind; that is the point of reading’.

As ever, the Festival is wide-ranging and inclusive with a programme that should have something for everyone, no matter their age, background or reading habits – especially important in this National Year of Reading.

Niven is especially proud to have garnered writers from 41 – yes FORTY ONE – different countries and the genres, not surprisingly, cover fiction, non-fiction, poetry, music, podcasts, workshops, YA fiction and children and families events. There are themes of internationalism, ‘Good Information’ (to help dispel some of the misinformation that seems so rife right now), internationalism – understanding the economics, politics and law which bind and/or divide countries across the globe, how to live a meaningful life, Scottish showcasing and ‘Table Talks’ which will allow you to share a meal at the fabulous Jess Elliot Dennison’s ‘Elliot’s Studio’. And it’s not just Jess’s amazing food on offer, but that of a dozen or so other chefs and bakers too from full-on spreads to snack-sized tasters. Niven’s challenge to us all is to bring along someone who doesn’t think books are for them and see if the EIBF can change their mind.

‘Changing Your Mind’

Starting the reading habit young is a key aim of the EIBF and beyond the Festival in August – 15th – 30th – is a Schools Programme which brings thousands of school children to events at the Festival and gives each one a free book to take home (supported by Claire and Mark Urquhart), as well as supporting free tickets and a transport fund. There’s also an ongoing year-round programme of livestreams and recorded events, as well as the publication of bespoke learning resources.

Accessibility is also key, so there are concessions available and recorded events for those not able to attend in person. There’s a Friends membership which gives priority booking and some other exclusive benefits, so worth considering. It also helps to support the Festival’s work.

‘almost every writer changes my mind; that is the point of reading’.
Katie Kitamura

If you’ve never willingly stepped inside a bookshop or a library, this Festival might just delight and surprise you. Go on, give it a go!

There are plenty of big names and plenty you might not have heard of. Many will sell out fast, but there’s plenty to choose from, so don’t be put off. Did you know that 185,000 book are published each year in the UK alone? No wonder you’ve not heard of all of the authors! But here’s your chance to take a look at the full programme and see if something takes your fancy. Don’t be put off if you’ve never heard of the author or don’t know much about their subject. Go along and listen to someone talking about something they’re passionate about and you just never know. Do you have a passion or a hobby you’d like to hear someone else talk about? There’s likely something in this programme that might give you a new insight – or just some entertainment. You don’t have to buy the book if you don’t want to (though you probably will!) and no-one’s going to be quizzing you about it after, so don’t be afraid. If you’ve never willingly stepped inside a bookshop or a library, this Festival might just delight and surprise you. Go on, give it a go!