Among the headliners appearing at University of Aberdeen King's Pavilion on September 21, and 24-29 will be former Scots Makar Liz Lochhead, Caribbean-British poet Grace Nichols, novelists Ben Aaronovitch, Zoe Strachan and Louise Welsh, Sherlock Holmes series writer James Lovegrove and Horrible Histories' comic songwriter Richie Webb.
They will be joined by a raft of others including Leila Aboulela, Amira Al Shanti, Bryan Angus, Rachelle Atalla, Dean Atta, Sarah Bernstein, Mae Diansangu, Aleksandra Hnatiuk, Martin Malone, Chris Kohler, Jen Stout, Maud Woolf and more.
For those who cannot be there in person, an online programme includes Scottish Canadian novelist Margot Livesey; a Neurodiversity & Writing event with Elle McNicoll, in conversation with Sarinah O’Donoghue; and, continuing the legacy of Nan Shepherd, a Women of Colour on Nature panel.
Now in its fifth year, this youth-led, literary cross arts festival has become a well-loved part of the cultural calendar. Created by young people working with staff of the University of Aberdeen WORD Centre for Creative Writing, WayWORD is proud to continue its mantra of ‘celebrating unconventional forms of artistic expression’. This year’s workshop offering ranges from Clowning with Jessica Hernandez to a New Theatre-Makers Workshop with Annabel Lunney. There will also be Psych-geography and Post-colonial Walking Tours in Old Aberdeen and Drop-in Sketching & Doodling Sessions, based on items from the University's Library’s Collections.
This year the festival’s themes include a Languages Day, featuring languages from Chinese, Spanish and Gaelic to Farsi, Polish and British Sign Language; a panel on Music & Migration; and dance traditions from Balkan and Scottish Country to Tango. There will also be a Climate & Environment Day, and a Day of Scots poetry and drama with Len Pennie, Shane Strachan, Danielle Jam and Morna Young, at the city’s Cowdray Hall.
As ever the festival’s musical offer is varied, encompassing Jazz Folk duo Roo Geddes & Neil Sutcliffe, classical music and poetry with violist Fiona Winning and performance poet Jacob Sam-La Rose, as well as the return of Syrian trio ‘Shamband’ which formed at WayWORD in 2023. WayWORD 2024 also premieres new music and dance collaboration from young composers of Spectrum and CityMoves Fusion Dance. ‘WayWORD at The Lampie’ on Tuesday 24 September will showcase local talent Sheena Blackhall, Noon Salah Eldin, alongside Iranian and Syrian musicians and spoken word poet Jacob Sam-La Rose.
The festival mentors its WayWORD Youth Committee in all aspects of arts organisation, from marketing and stage management to audio visual skills and event chairing and provides hands-on experience that often leads to future employment in the creative industries. It’s also possible to be a volunteer at the festival.
"I began volunteering with the WayWORD Festival initially, but this year I’ve had the chance to contribute to the festival as a committee member. It’s been an amazing opportunity to connect and work with talented creatives in a supportive environment," said a 2024 Youth Committee member.
Dr Helen Lynch, Director of the University of Aberdeen WORD Centre for Creative Writing and Festival Creative Director added: "Five years ago, when we started during the pandemic, it scarcely seemed possible that WayWORD would be able to create such a successful, durable, annual arts event and the fact that we have done so is down to a vast team of helpers, supporters and cultural and community partners.
"I’m amazed at the energy and exciting ideas of the young people who have created a varied, dynamic and innovative programme for 2024’s WayWORD, and certain that the stellar performer line-up and interactive opportunities will inspire audiences from the north-east and beyond too.”
The programme goes live on Tuesday 16 July www.waywordfestival.com. Tickets are free but booking required. British Sign Language interpretation is provided.
The festival is funded with the generous support of University of Aberdeen, Creative Scotland, Event Scotland and Aberdeen City Council.