Imagine a literary event so pivotal that a renowned crime author likens it to the very backbone of her career. That’s the power of Glasgow’s Aye Write book festival, a celebration that nearly vanished last year due to funding struggles. But here’s where it gets controversial: after teetering on the edge of cancellation, the festival not only survived but is now thriving, marking its 20th anniversary with a bang—albeit six months later than usual. This year’s lineup features 130 events and 180 authors, a testament to its resilience and cultural significance.
Crime-writing powerhouse Denise Mina, a fixture at Aye Write since its inception in 2005, describes the festival as the 'spine' of her career. Mina, celebrated for her Garnethill trilogy and her role in the Tartan Noir genre, credits the festival for fostering a sense of community she hadn’t felt before. 'I was working in a vacuum,' she admits, reflecting on her early days as a writer juggling motherhood. 'Aye Write created a community for me.' Now, as she prepares to discuss her 20th novel, The Good Liar, Mina praises the festival’s organic connection to Glasgow. 'It doesn’t feel like an event superimposed on the city,' she says. 'It’s Glasgow through and through.'
And this is the part most people miss: Mina’s journey from a globetrotting childhood—thanks to her father’s oil industry career—to finding her literary home in Glasgow is as captivating as her novels. She humorously likens herself to 'a drunk at a funeral' in more reserved settings, but in Glasgow, she feels understood. 'The audiences here respond with the same energy I bring,' she explains. Yet, she acknowledges the city’s intensity: 'Glasgow isn’t for everyone. You either get it, or you don’t.'
This year’s revival was made possible by Creative Scotland’s £262,500 grant to Glasgow Life, ensuring the festival’s survival for the next three years. For emerging writers like Aimée MacDonald, Aye Write is a dream come true. MacDonald, whose debut novel The Last Witch on the Knock explores a girl’s escape to the Scottish Highlands, described her panel appearance at Waterstones as 'surreal.' 'To think my book could be on those shelves is incredible,' she shared.
Award-winning author Callum McSorley, who promoted his debut Squeaky Clean at Aye Write 2023, was stunned by the festival’s near-cancellation. 'Glasgow’s literary heritage is too important to lose this,' he said. McSorley, whose latest work is Paperboy, views festivals as a lifeline for writers battling loneliness. 'They’re where readers discover their next favorite book,' he notes, reflecting on his own transformative experiences.
Programmer Bob McDevitt is thrilled to see the festival’s return, emphasizing its roots in Glasgow’s Mitchell Library, where it began 20 years ago. 'Aye Write is for the people of Glasgow,' he declares, highlighting the focus on Scottish authors. The festival runs until November 16, featuring luminaries like Irvine Welsh, Jeanette Winterson, and former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Venues range from the Mitchell Library to the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, with some events venturing to The Burrell Collection in Pollok Park.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In an age of digital connectivity, do book festivals like Aye Write still hold the power to shape literary communities? Or are they relics of a bygone era? Share your thoughts below—let’s spark a conversation!
