NessBookFest returns to Inverness next month with live events celebrating storytelling – from poetry to newspapers
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Crime writers, poets and journalists will be among those highlighting the art of storytelling in various forms as NessBookFest makes a welcome return next month.
The community-run festival, which runs from October 6 to 8, features free events at locations across Inverness.
The line-up includes award-winning historic thriller writer Shona MacLean whose most recent book The Bookseller of Inverness was published this year, Scottish crime writer Helen Forbes and former head of BBC Radio Scotland and author, Jeff Zycinski.
New for this year's festival is an inaugural poetry slam with competitors battling for a place in the National Scottish Poetry Slam finals.
As part of a poetry-themed day, award-winning poet Aoife Lyall will reflect on 10 years of Butcher's Dog magazine while the trio, Cinnamon Sisters, delivers a video feast of poetry in Scots and English.
Local journalists Val Sweeney and Tom Ramage will share stories and experiences accumulated over their long careers on newspapers in the Highlands and across the UK as they chat to PR consultant Jane Cumming.
Other events include a guided walk with stories from the Gaelic tradition, a screening of All The President’s Men, a talk about 19th century politician Charles Fraser-Mackintosh and a new look at the poetry and song of Gaelic activist Murdo MacFarlane.
The festival is aimed at all ages and primary and senior school pupils will take part in their own events in English and Gaelic
Children's author Ross Mackay will also give a reading of his book, Daddy’s Bad Day, followed by a playful interactive session for three to six-year-olds.
Emma Hamilton, chairperson of NessBookFest, said: “After the disruption of the last two years, it is great to be back with in-person events again.
“The pandemic brought home to many of us how important it is to feel connected.
“This year is designated Scotland’s Year of Stories and we are taking the opportunity with this year’s festival to celebrate the different ways we tell stories.
“Books are as popular as ever but they are not the only way to share stories.
“Our festival explores storytelling in different forms including poetry, newspapers, film and oral traditions.”
The inaugural NessBookFest took place in November 2016 and is organised and run by the community, for the community
Miss Hamilton said: "One of our aims is to run a no-barriers book festival, being inclusive on all grounds such as cost, social background, ability, age and ethnicity.
"We feel with this year's programme, we are upholding this ambition."
Further details can be found on the festival website: www.nessbookfest.com
