Stars of telly hit Gogglebox are among those set to appear at the 12th Boswell Book Festival.
The event, which will run between May 12-14 at Dumfries House in May, will feature the show's popular married couple Giles and Mary.
A packed bill will come together to celebrate biography and memoir and to acclaim the genius of James Boswell of Auchinleck, “the inventor of modern biography.”
Among other names set to appear is the actor and star of Waterloo Road, Neil Pearson, who will bring to life the diaries of the great, late Alan Rickman.
Scots crime writer Val McDermid and Ayrshire sports broadcasters Lee McKenzie and Andrew Cotter will also appear on a weekend that includes the Great British Sewing Bee’s Esme Young, celebrity hairdresser Sam McKnight, TV Icon Susannah Constantine and legendary performer Barbara Dickson.
“This year’s festival brims with tales of extraordinary lives past and present” says festival director, Caroline Knox, “from refugees from the Ukraine now settled in Ayr to the historical adventures of Flora Macdonald and Mary Queen of Scots to household names such Gogglebox’s Mary and Giles."
“Taking place during a month of royal celebration, the festival is also staging an unforgettable event for all the family” says Knox.
“We are welcoming magical storyteller of War Horse fame, Michael Morpurgo to talk about his latest book, The Boy who would be King – a poetic celebration to mark the Coronation of King Charles III.”
Deacon Blue legend, Ricky Ross will tell his story, Sally Magnusson will talk about her highland ancestors and actor, Paterson Joseph will share the the remarkable tale of Ignatius Sancho - the first known person of African descent to vote in a British general election.
This year's event has received a substantial donation from His Majesty The King to support the Festival through his charitable fund, the PWCF.
A Children’s Festival will take place in the grounds on May 13-14 with opportunities for younger readers of all ages to become involved in events on both days.
From kite and lantern making to the history of Scotland’s Kings and Queens as well as sessions on book illustrating and the Happiness Collectors it is a weekend of fun for families.
Knox added: "As the world’s only festival of biography and memoir don’t miss a weekend of unmissable stories by some of our greatest story tellers- and enjoy the lived experience of others.”
Tickets for the event are on sale now from www.boswellbookfestival.co.uk
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