LEE Randall, a well-known figure in Scottish literature and media, has been appointed as guest programmer for the 25th Wigtown Book Festival.
The festival takes place from September 22 to October 1 and will bring together leading authors, poets, journalists, scientists, politicians, singers and a multitude of others for hundreds of events in and around Scotland’s National Book Town.
Over the past decade Lee, who lives in Edinburgh, has become closely associated with Wigtown, chairing around a dozen events a year and contributing to all aspects of the festival.
Her new role will involve curating the 2023 programme which includes everything from talks by a wide variety of authors to annual lectures, performing and visual arts and much more.
She said: “I have been in love with Wigtown Book Festival for more than a decade now. At first I would just go for a few events, and then I began staying the whole ten days.
“The festival, and Wigtown as Scotland’s National Book Town, are remarkable.
“I am thrilled to have been given this opportunity and especially for the 25th year. My mission will be to make this quarter century of Wigtown Book Festival something celebratory.”
Literature, and storytelling more widely, are abiding passions for Lee who said: “Book festivals are my natural habitat – I love them. They are a place where ideas, writing, reading, and commerce all meet up for a great big party.
“I also believe that stories matter – they are how people understand themselves, each other and the universe around them. Humans have always told stories – from their earliest origins gathered round a camp fire.”
Welcoming her, Cathy Agnew, incoming chair of the festival, said: “There was strong competition for this role, which underlines the affection people have for Wigtown Book Festival, its reputation as a superb event and recognition that this year is an important milestone in its history and growth.
“Lee is an old friend of the festival and of Scotland’s National Book Town, with enormous experience, energy and a deep love of literature and storytelling. I have no doubt that our 25th festival will be absolutely outstanding.”
