With just ten days to go until the 10th Portobello Book Festival begins, now is the time to get along to the library to pick up your free tickets if you haven’t already.

The good news? There are still some tickets left! Among other events with tickets still available, you could come to hear:

Local author Doug Johnstone talk about his Desert Island Books on Saturday at 11am in the Baptist Church Hall.

Three short story writers, Elle Turner, Jane Tulloch and Rosemary Gemmell, chatting about the art of crafting an effective story in a shorter form – Saturday 12.30pm upstairs in the library.

Steve Harvey discussing World Poetry at 1pm on Saturday in the Baptist Church Hall with poets Stuart A Paterson, Marjorie Lotfi Gill and Lynn Davidson.

Stephanie Nimmo’s inspiring book Was This In The Plan is the focus of her discussion with Lisa Hardie – Saturday 4pm at the Baptist Church Hall.

Or how about Celebrating 40 Years of Amnesty in Portobello? Hear from members of the group as they talk about their campaigning work during those 40 years. Sunday 12.30pm upstairs in the library.

The bad news? Tickets for quite a few of the events have already gone. Although remember, there are a few spare available just before each event (with the exception of the writing workshop) so it’s always worth coming along just in case you can get in.

Remember that the roadworks on Brighton Place will have begun by the time the festival is on and it will be closed from Bath Street to Lee Crescent. This will no doubt have an effect on parking too so plan ahead. You can still get the 21, 26, 45 and 124 buses to Portobello but the 42, 49 and 69 are being diverted and will not serve Portobello High Street. (The 21 will only be stopping at its usual stops from Kings Road to Portobello Police Station/Town Hall then is on a non stop diversion until it rejoins its usual route.)

Look forward to seeing you next week!