In just a few days, this year’s festival will kick off with our Meet the Author event featuring Olga Wojtas on Friday afternoon at Portobello Library.
On Friday and Saturday, most events will be upstairs in the library, as the library will be open during the day. The exceptions are the book launch for The Specimens at The Portobello Bookshop on Friday evening, the Writing Workshop in Portobello Swim Centre on Saturday morning, and I Must Go Down to the SeasAgainon Saturday evening which is in the main library.
For Sunday events, there are events both upstairs and downstairs, although you will be directed to the right place if you are unsure. As the library is closed to the public on Sundays, you will have to wait outside until just before the event begins so bear this in mind if the weather is bad.
Throughout the weekend, The Portobello Bookshop will be running a stall in the library with books by all our participating authors (and chairs if applicable) available to buy. After each event, there will be an opportunity to have your books signed.
As you know, since our festival is free to all, we are always very grateful for any donations which help cover our costs for printing the programme, hiring our sound crew and sound equipment and of course, paying our authors’ expenses. As well as the traditional buckets for cash, if you wish you can donate using your smart phone via a QR code and we also have a card machine. You will find the codes around the library or just ask one of the committee members on duty.
If you have tickets you can no longer use, please return tickets to the library so others can have a chance to attend the event. Many of our events are fully booked but check with the library for returns. It’s always worth turning up on the day just before the event. Obviously ticket holders will be allowed in first but if there is space we will try to accommodate those without tickets. Of course, we cannot guarantee this but we often can find space.
And finally, all of us on the organising committee hope you enjoy any events you attend over the weekend. We’d love to hear any feedback from you afterwards.
PortobelloBook Festival: 4th – 6th October2024 Tickets for all events are free and available from Portobello Library
The programme for this year’s festival was officially launched at the library last night. Copies are now available to pick up from the library and you’ll find them in various places around Portobello too. Tickets will be available to collect in person from the library from 10am on Monday morning, 9th September.
Olga Wojtas, (Miss Blaine’s Prefect and the Gondola of Doom) in conversation with local book blogger Joanne Baird. Her witty crime series features Shona McMonagle, a fifty-something time-travelling librarian from Morningside Library. An entertaining afternoon is guaranteed!
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Alice Thornton and her Digital Edition
14:30 – 15:30, Library Upstairs
Alice Thornton (1626-1707) wrote at least four versions of her riches-to-rags life story. Meet Portobello locals Cordelia Beattie and Suzanne Trill, part of the research team making Alice Thornton’s books digitally-accessible for the first time. From secret betrothals to disappointing breakfasts, this talk opens up the world of a 17th century family from Yorkshire. Portobello author Eleanor Thom, also part of the Thornton team, shows us how the project has inspired local writers, and you’ll even get a chance to compose your own mini-memoir based on one of Thornton’s favourite themes: the deliverance from death.
It’s Murder in Edinburgh
16:00 – 17:00, Library Upstairs
Edinburgh often features as the backdrop for the most heinous of fictional crimes. Crime writers Harry Fisher (The DI Mel Cooper series) and Val Penny (The Edinburgh Crime Mysteries) with debut novelist Chris Lerpiniere (The Beckoning Cat) talk about their work and how Edinburgh became their location of choice.
Chair: Paul Hudson
Once Upon A Gay in Edinburgh
17:30 – 18:30, Library Upstairs
A chance to find out about Edinburgh’s Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive with founders Sigrid Nielsen and Bob Orr. The archive aims to collect, conserve and celebrate queer books published before 2000 which are in danger of being lost. Sigrid and Bob are in conversation with local author Cameron Wyllie (Is There a Pigeon in My Room? My Life in Schools) whose forthcoming book is about growing up gay in 70s Edinburgh.
The Specimens: Book Launch
19:00 – 20:00, The Portobello Bookshop
Portobello-based writer Mairi Kidd’s brand new novel The Specimens takes us back to 19th-century Edinburgh and sheds light on the victims of the infamous and internationally known Burke and Hare. Mairi Kidd is in conversation with Dr Marisa Haetzman, one half of the writing duo Ambrose Parry.
Saturday 5th October
Writing Workshop: Portobello Groynes
10:00 – 13:00, Portobello Swim Centre
Led by Anna Tallach and M Louise Kelly
The groynes have been a prominent part of the Portobello promenade landscape since the early 1970s and continue to inspire creative, environmental and sporting adventures for many. Come to this writing workshop to share your creative thoughts and respond to others’ interpretations of what the groynes mean to them. Material from the workshop and beyond will be collected into a community artefact publication.
Women in Historical Fiction
10:30 – 11:30,Library Upstairs
The recent novels of Jane Anderson (The Paintress), Flora Johnston(The Paris Peacemakers) and Sue Lawrence(Lady’s Rock) put women firmly at the centre of history. Find out why these authors are so passionate about ensuring the voices of women are heard in what is sure to be a fascinating event.
Chair: Joanne Baird
Bookbug – featuring Pantosaurus
11:00am, Library Downstairs
Bookbug with Laura, featuring a reading of Pantosaurus and the Power ofPANTS! With a special guest appearance from the NSPCC’s friendly dinosaur – Pantosaurus!
Born in Kyle: A Love Letter tae an Ayrshire Childhood
12:00 – 13:00,Library Upstairs
Like Burns, Billy Kay, one of the most important folk in the Scots language revival, is a lad that was born in Kyle. His latest book Born in Kyle – A Love Letter tae an Ayrshire Childhood celebrates working-class life and the Scots language culture he grew up with in the Irvine Valley in the 1950s and 60s. This session will be conducted in Scots.
Billy Kay is yin of the maist important folk in the Scots language revival. Through radio, telly, plays, creative scrieving and his influential Scots The Mither Tongue, Kay’s work is shiftin negative (coorse?) perceptions aw Scots. Born in Kyle is a humourous luve letter tae wirkin class life in wee toun Scotland. In vivid Scots scrieivng, Kay brings characters he grew up wi in his ain native Galston, Ayrshire tae life. This session will be conducted aw in Scots.
Chair: Alistair Heather
Stories from Scotland
13:30 – 14:30, Library Upstairs
Bringing together three authors who are giving us insights into the historic tales, places, and illustrations that make up part of the fascinating story of Scotland. Walter Stephen delves into his book Twelve Great Scots and Their Roots, whilst Graeme Johncock presents Scotland’s Stories, Historic Tales for Incredible Places and Andrew Redmond Barr discusses his Atlas of Scotland – History of a Nation.
Chair: Bill Jameson
Don Roberto: The Adventure of Being Cunninghame Graham
15:00 – 16:00,Library Upstairs
Jamie Jauncey presents a vivid biography of his amazing great great uncle, Robert Cunninghame Graham, aka Don Roberto, who co-founded the Scottish Labour Party with Keir Hardie before becoming the founding president of the Scottish National Party. Don Roberto was an expert horseman, adventurer and campaigner who advocated abolishing the House of Lords and introducing an 8-hour day for miners.
Chair: Pat Kelly
Wellbeing – Too much information?
16:30 – 17:30, Library Upstairs
There is more information than ever on how we can support our personal wellness and sometimes it can be difficult to find what’s right for us. Wellbeing practitioners Gin Lalli (How to Empty your Stress Bucket) and Dr Laura Wyness (Eating Well for Menopause) discuss their communication strategies and how best to get the information you need.
Chair: Paul Hudson
I Must Go Down To The Seas Again
18:00 – 19:30, Library Downstairs
Three distinctive voices on the lure of the sea: Ian Stephen (Boatlines: Scottish craft of sea, coast and canal),Alec Martin(A to Z Guide for Rowing an Ocean, digital app for first-time skippers) and Alasdair Findlay (Paddle Scotland: The best places to go with paddle board, kayak or canoe).
Chair: Andrés Leslie
Sunday 6th October
Mediterranean Passion
10:00 – 11:00, Library Upstairs
Anne Pia lovingly shares the culture of la cucina povera/slow food/simplicity and tradition in Magnaccioni. The intertwining of memoir and myth poses challenging questions in Victoria Whitworth’s Dust and Pomegranates: How Greece Changed Me Forever. Join these vibrant women in what we are sure will be an illuminating conversation.
Chair: Catherine Simpson
Getting Creative, Ending Stigma
10:00 – 11:00, Library Downstairs
Neil Renton and Mark Fleming met at Scottish Action for Mental Health’s The Changing Room, a programme promoting mental wellbeing, pioneered at Hibs FC. They discuss how their shared love of creative writing and music inspired them to collaborate on Heids Up, an uplifting anthology of personal reflection and short stories.
Chair: Matty Fairnie
Animal Fairm
11:30 – 12:30, Library Upstairs
Thomas Clark has translated George Orwell’s celebrated allegorical satire, originally published in 1945, into Scots. He is in conversation with Alistair Heather, writer and broadcaster, about the relevance and resonance of this iconic fable in Scotland and the wider world today. This session will be conducted in Scots.
Thomas Clark has translatit George Orwell’s celebratit allegorical satire, originally published in 1945, intae Scots. He is in conversation wi Alistair Heather, scriever and broadcaister, aboot the relevance and resonance aw this iconic fable in Scotland and the braider world the day. This session will be conducted aw in Scots.
Family Fortunes
11:30 – 12:30, Library Downstairs
Zoë Strachan (Catch the Moments as They Fly) and Allan Radcliffe (The Old Haunts) are in conversation to explore their latest books which deal with families and relationships and being haunted by the past. They talk about the ways in which grief and class impact on relationships and how the past informs relationships in the present.
Wild Places, Wild Encounters
13:00 – 14:00, Library Upstairs
No one can doubt the benefits of connecting with nature. In his book Wild Places, Wild Encounters, Dr Glen Cousquer, naturalist, educator and lecturer in Conservation Medicine and One Health at the University of Edinburgh, talks about ways to relate to and appreciate the local nature that surrounds us in our cities and wild places. In conversation with Rona Gray.
Blue Balls – Men’s Mental Health Art Mag
13:00 – 14:00, Library Downstairs
A discussion with members of Edinburgh Blue Balls Graham Gilhooley, Marc Millar and Graham Williams about their forthcoming art magazine. The publication, Blue Balls, is packed full of powerful stories, photography and mental health resources. Normalising conversations around mental health is central to both the magazine and the group itself.
Chair: Allan MacRaild
Safe Spaces: Writing from Nature
14:30 – 15:30, Library Upstairs
Join poet Alycia Pirmohamed (Another Way to Split Water) and writer Claire Urquhart, co-founder of Open Book – a charity that uses stories and poems as a way of connecting people via reading and creative writing groups across Scotland – as they talk about developing safe spaces in their roles as writers and in encouraging others to write and to enjoy books. They explore the role played by nature, ritual and physical environment as both inspiration for their writing and as a way of nurturing their own, and others’, creativity.
The Book of Doors
14:30 – 15:30, Library Downstairs
Gareth Brown introduces his debut novel The Book of Doors. Released in February, the fantasy thriller became an instant Sunday Times bestseller. Encompassing love, loss, magic, adventure and, above all, a deep affection for books, his novel is an inventive and exciting tale.
Chair: Kerry Harper
Living with Long-Term Conditions
16:00 – 17:00, Library Upstairs
Morven-May MacCallum shares her experience of finding comfort and purpose when living with Lyme disease. Morven-May’s Finding Joy is an inspirational book which addresses the challenges of living with a long term condition and how writing provides a creative way to help herself and others. This event is in memory of Audrey Birt, author of The Journey to Better Times.
Chair: Dr Marti Balaam
On Your Bike!
16:00 – 17:00, Library Downstairs
Saddle up for an exciting ride with keen cyclist and prolific non-fiction writer Colin Salter (Remarkable Bicycle Rides) as he discusses cycle adventuring with Alan Brown (Overlander), former Chair of The Bike Station, urban ambler, bikepacker and enthusiastic advocate of the bicycle for well-being and landscape investigation.
Chair: Jude Nixon
Britain in Fragments?
17:30 – 18:30, Library Downstairs
Satnam Virdee, Professor of Sociology at the University of Glasgow and co-author (with Brendan McGeever) of Britain in Fragments: Why Things are Falling Apart in conversation with former SNP MP Tommy Sheppard.
PORTOBELLO BOOK FESTIVAL is organised by a group of local book enthusiasts in collaboration with Portobello Library. Tickets are free and contributors are not paid. The festival is entirely dependent on donations to meet basic running costs. Books by contributing authors and chairs can be purchased from The Portobello Bookshop’s pop-up bookstall in the library over the course of the weekend.
We are delighted to say that programmes and tickets will be available soon for our 2024 festival. The programme will be officially launched in early September and will be available to pick up in the library, The Portobello Bookshop and various other local business around Portobello from Friday 6th September. The full programme will also be available on our website.
Then from Monday morning at 10am, head along to the library to collect your tickets. Members of the organising committee will be on hand that morning to give out tickets, then the lovely library staff will take over. There is no online booking, tickets must be picked up in person and as always are free. Tickets will be limited to four per event to try to ensure as many people as possible have the chance to get tickets to the events they want.
The 2023 Portobello Book Festival was a great success and we hope you all enjoyed itas much as we did.
Over the weekend, Portobello Book Festival attracted over 2000 people to the library, Jameson Gate, The Wash House and The Portobello Bookshop, and we have had some lovely feedback both from those taking part and those attending. Our intention is always to try as far as possible to make sure that those who make up the community of Portobello see themselves, their experiences and their interests reflected in the programme. The programme is also designed to bring together a distinctive mix of subjects, writers, commentators and readers.
The organising team would like to thank:
All our participating writers for inspiring and entertaining us.
Our fantastic chairs for keeping everything running smoothly.
Our soundman Jock and his assistant Reilly for making sure that everyone could be heard.
Our volunteers Eleanor and Susan, who were a great help over a busy weekend.
The ‘chair gang’ who helped moved 90 chairs from Portobello Town Hall to the library on Wednesday and back again on Monday. Also thanks to those who helped move chairs after events.
The Portobello Bookshop for hosting a great event to kick off the festival on Thursday evening. Also for providing a pop-up bookshop run by their cheerful staff over the weekend and making sure all our authors’ books were available for sale after each event.
Jameson Gate for hosting our event on Friday afternoon.
A big thank you to Paul Hudson and the staff of Portobello Library, a fantastic resource on our doorstep. We really take over the library over the weekend including their staff room! Special mention to Ian who sorted out a video link when one of our contributors couldn’t make it due to the weather on Saturday. The collaboration with the library and the help and time given by the library staff are what make the festival the success it is.
And of course, thanks to everyone who came along to the events and created such a vibrant atmosphere.
We start to plan our October festival well in advance so if you’re interested in being considered for inclusion, contacting us in the first half of January is a good idea. There are always limited spots and after our early planning sessions most of these are already accounted for. We’re volunteers so can’t always keep track of requests carrying over year on year, so getting in touch in early January makes it easier for us to consider you.
The 2024 programme will be launched early September with tickets available shortly afterwards.
Our event on Friday afternoon, Our Fathers Fought Franco, was incredibly popular with the upstairs room in the library absolutely packed. We could easily have filled the room twice over. If you missed out, here is some video footage of the event courtesy of one of the audience members.
The book is published by Luath Press – find out more about it on their website. Our Fathers Fought Franco
Herstory Walk – resheduled to Sunday 8th Oct 1-3pm
This walk was due to take place Saturday 1-3pm but rain means we can’t go ahead today. However the walk leaders have kindly agreed to reshedule for tomorrow (Sunday 8th 1-3pm). Please meet at the top of Kings Road by Printworks cafe at 1pm.
If you can’t make this and would like information about future walks please contact wattyandmarky@btinternet.com for details. Thanks for your understanding.
The walk is due to start on Saturday at 1pm from the Printworks Coffee shop at the top of Kings Road. If the weather is really bad for a prolonged period, it may be cancelled but there will be someone at the walk starting point at 1pm come what may to let you know. We’ll make every effort to go ahead. We’ll post here too if it’s cancelled so please keep a eye on the website.
Dress appropriately! If the event is cancelled or you couldn’t get tickets, you can find out more about Portobello Herstory Walks and when alternative sessions might take place by contacting: wattyandmarky@btinternet.com
In just a couple of days, this year’s festival will kick off with the Plot to Plate event on Thursday evening at The Portobello Bookshop.
On Friday and Saturday, most events will be in the library upstairs, as the library will be open during the day. The exceptions are Local Voices at Jameson Gate on Friday afternoon, Trial by Jury on Friday evening in the main library, the Writing Workshop in the Wash House on Saturday morning, the Herstory walk on Saturday afternoon meeting at the top of Kings Road and the Quine of Crime and the Princes of Poetry event on Saturday evening which is in the main library.
For Sunday events, please check your ticket to see whether your event is upstairs or downstairs, although you will be directed to the right place if you are unsure. As the library is closed to the public on Sundays, you will have to wait outside until just before the event begins so bear this in mind if the weather is bad.
Throughout the weekend, The Portobello Bookshop will be running a stall in the library with books by all our participating authors (and chairs if applicable) available to buy. After each event, there will be an opportunity to have your books signed.
As you know, since our festival is free to all, we are always very grateful for any donations which help cover our costs for printing the programme, hiring our sound crew and sound equipment and of course, paying our authors’ expenses. This year, as well as the traditional buckets for cash, if you wish you can donate using your smart phone via a QR code. You will find the codes around the library or just ask one of the committee members on duty.
If you have tickets you can no longer use, please return tickets to the library so others can have a chance to attend the event. Many of our events are fully booked but check with the library for returns. it’s always worth turning up on the day just before the event. Obviously ticket holders will be allowed in first but if there is space we will try to accommodate those without tickets. Of course, we cannot guarantee this but we often can find space. This is less likely for the writing workshop or Herstory walk which have smaller groups.
And finally, all of us on the organising committee hope you enjoy any events you attend over the weekend. We’d love to hear any feedback from you afterwards.
Thanks to David Calder who has put together a great Porty Podcast about this year’s festival. You’ll hear from Bill and Joanne, who are on the organising committee, and find out why the support of the library, the Portobello Bookshop and other community connections are so vital to the festival.
The organising team has been busy planning a brilliant Portobello Book Festival for 2022. This year it will begin with an event at The Portobello Bookshop on Thursday 29th September then run over the weekend until Sunday 2nd October. Full details will be revealed early September so watch this space.
We start to plan our October Festival in January so if you’re interested in being considered for inclusion contacting us in the first half of January is a good idea. There are always limited spots and after our early planning sessions most of these are already accounted for.
We’re volunteers so can’t always keep track of requests carrying over year on year so making our job easier and getting in touch in early January makes it easier for us to consider you.
Portobello Book Festival 