Aberdeen’s newest and most diverse festival will include a special strand of events inspired by previous festival, Word.
The University of Aberdeen’s May Festival takes place next weekend (May 10 – 12) and among the themes being explored at the event is Word.
Over a 12 year period, Word grew to be one of the finest literary festivals in the UK, with a life and character all of its own.
Word is now at the heart of the May Festival, with a core of events featuring past favourites and new names.
Alasdair Gray, Liz Lochhead, Michael Longley and Kenneth White are among writers taking part in this year’s festival.
Arguably one of Scotland’s best loved poets and playwrights, Liz Lochhead will be reading from her own work ‘Selected Poems, A choosing’ as well as hosting a book signing.
The University of Aberdeen’s very own Alan Spence and Helen Lynch will also give readings of new work.
Alan Spence is Professor in Creative Writing at the University of Aberdeen. His last novel was The Pure Land and his next, Night Boat, will be published in August.
Helen Lynch has published an acclaimed book of stories, The Elephant and the Polish Question, and in completing another collection, Tea for the Rent Boy. She teaches Literature and Creative Writing at the University.
‘Tomorrow’s Writers Today’ is an event which will showcase new work from the University’s PhD Creative Writing students, as published in Causeway/Cabhsair, the stylish literary magazine published by RIISS, the Research Institute for Irish and Scottish Studies.
For further information about the May festival, please visit www.abdn.ac.uk/mayfestival
To book tickets for any of the May Festival events, please contact Aberdeen Box Office on 01224 641122.