Paisley Book Festival has announced new events and confirmed its line-up for 2026, with organisers highlighting a theme focused on positivity and celebrating Scottish talent.
The three-day festival will run from Friday 15th May to Sunday 17th May, with events taking place at Paisley Town Hall and Paisley Central Library.
Organised by OneRen with support from Creative Scotland, the festival returns with the theme “Everyday Heroes, Everlasting Icons”.
A range of well-known names are set to appear, including Christopher Brookmyre, Doug Johnstone, Val McDermid, Jenni Fagan, Graeme Armstrong and Sally Magnusson.
Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will also take part, discussing her memoir on the final day of the festival.
Paisley Book Festival programmer Jess Orr said: “The theme of the festival aims to bring positivity to some dark times. We wanted to create a space where people can come together, reflect and feel inspired by others through the power of brilliant storytelling.
“The line-up showcases the incredible range of Scottish writing, and the reaction we have had to it has been really encouraging.”
Among the newly announced events is Flyte Nyte, a modern take on the traditional Scottish art of flyting. The event, presented by Gubsmacked, will feature poets including Leyla Josephine, Iona Lee and Colin Bramwell in a live poetry battle.
The programme will also include events highlighting emerging voices, such as a Neurodiversity Writers’ Salon and a Paisley edition of The Book Club Scotland.
Jess Orr added: “It makes us think about why we love book festivals and what makes them such a special experience – ultimately it is to socialise and meet with like-minded people who love books. That sense of shared experience is at the heart of everything we do”.
A schools programme and a free family fun day on Saturday 16th May are also planned, aimed at making the festival accessible to a wide audience.
Many events will operate on a ‘pay what you can’ basis as part of efforts to improve access to arts and culture in Renfrewshire.
Tickets are on sale now, with full details available on the festival website, here: www.paisleybookfestival.com.