5 Questions with Grace Crichton

Tell us about your connection to Wigtown and the Book Festival

I moved to Wigtown when my children were young and I just love it here. I was on the Community Council when the vote was taken to enter the competition for Scotland’s National Book Town. I’m now one of the hall keepers at the County Buildings, where the Festival Office is based, and volunteer at the Festival every year.

Sum up your festival experience in 5 words

It’s such a great buzz.

What's your favourite festival memory?

Philip Ardagh in the Children’s Tent. He had the children in rapture. He had a group of children on the stage taking part in the story, including one child being ‘thrown’ out of a window. The parents seemed very relaxed about it!

Who would be your dream author to appear at the Festival?

I would have loved it if Maurice Sendak could have come when he was alive. I was on placement in a children’s nursery when Where the Wild Things Are came out. It caused quite a furore but we loved it.

Give us one recommendation or top tip for Wigtown, the Festival or D&G 

Come for the whole Festival and soak up the atmosphere for ten days.