How to watch online
We're delighted to be bringing audiences back to Wigtown, but we know not everyone can get here, so this year's festival includes a large selection of events that are available online. Find out more below.
How can I watch the events online?
All digital and livestreamed events will be viewable on YouTube or on our homepage, www.wigtownbookfestival.com. Our main programme will stream to the Wigtown Book Festival YouTube channel; our YA events will stream to the Wigtown YA YouTube channel.
Do I need to sign up?
No. You can go to our website or the relevant YouTube channel and watch any event without registering. However, it’s still worth signing up as you will be sent a link to the event and a reminder 30 minutes beforehand.
Can I ask questions?
Yes, you can ask questions however you choose to watch using the chat facility, or via Twitter @WigtownBookFest.
Do I have to watch live?
We understand that it’s not always convenient to watch an event live. Most sessions will be available to watch for at least 24 hours after the event, and some for longer depending on author preference.
Can I buy the speakers’ books?
Yes, books by all the authors speaking are available from the festival bookshop online. In some cases we can offer signed - or even personalised - book plates. Buying books from our independent bookshop directly benefits the festival as well as the authors taking part.
Are the online events free to watch?
All the online events are free to watch, although we do ask that you donate whatever you feel able to pay. Authors earn an important part of their living from events and your contribution helps ensure that we can pay them a fair fee for appearing.
Where can I find a list of the events that are available online?
Follow this link for a list of all events available to watch online this year, whether digital or streamed live from the venue.
Which in-person events will be livestreamed?
The following in-person events will be livestreamed, and we hope to add more to the list in the coming weeks. There may also be other events available on catch-up.
Polly Pullar: A Scurry of Squirrels
Val McDermid: 1979
James Campbell: Talking at the Gates
Rory Cellan-Jones: Always On
Janey Godley: Frank Get the Door
Alexander McCall Smith: Bringing a Little Joy and Light to the World
Salena Godden: Mrs Death Misses Death
Amy Jeffs: Storyland
Rob Young: The Magic Box
Alistair Moffat: The Night Before Morning
Adam Andrusier: Two Hitlers and a Marilyn
Kathryn Harkup: Death by Shakespeare
Robin Ince: The Importance of Being Interested
Jill Hopper: The Mahogany Pod
Fred Pearce: A Trillion Trees
Fiona Sampson: Two Way Mirror
Chris Atkins: A Bit of a Stretch
Denise Mina: Rizzio
Iain MacGregor and Helena Merriman: Cold War Stories
Suzanne O'Sullivan: The Sleeping Beauties
Sarfraz Manzoor: They
Henry Mance: How to Love Animals
Emma Soames: Mary Churchill's War
Charlotte Higgins: The Greek Myths
Andrew Lownie: Traitor King
Gavin Hastings: Legacy of the Lions
Alan Johnson: Last Train to Gipsy Hill
How can I donate?
Your donations will help the festival survive and thrive. You can donate HERE.