5 Questions with Jenny Bradley

Tell us about your connection to Wigtown and the Book Festival

I moved from Lancashire in December 1998 and a few weeks later got the job as Book Town Assistant working with Ian Barr, firstly in an office at Machars Action, then moving to County Buildings. The first festival was in May 1998 (before I arrived) to celebrate Wigtown becoming the Book Town. The next festival was in September 1999, a very small affair compared to now and with very few volunteers. I can’t remember what year John Robertson took over as Project Manager (maybe 2001) but it grew year by year, and the marquee got bigger and bigger! The Book Town project came to an end in 2007. John and I left in 2008 and it then became the Festival Company run by the Festival Board and Anne and Adrian took over the office. I was asked to organise the volunteers which I have done ever since.

Sum up your festival experience in 5 words

Exhausting, exciting, rewarding, incredible, fun.

What's your favourite festival memory?

Having a meal with author Owen Dudley Edwards.

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

Phillipa Gregory.

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

To the local people of Wigtown – especially the young people – enjoy the festival, take advantage of the fabulous events and go and see as much as you can.