Aye Write! 2007 16 - 25 February 2007

Aye Write! is back this year with a diverse range of featured authors from the areas of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and prose.

Three of Scotland’s greatest contemporary writers officially open the festival.  Glasgow’s poet laureate, Liz Lochead, a leading playwright and poet will talk about her work, as will William McIlvanney, whose long awaited novel, 'Weekend' was published last year.  Poet and commentator, Tom Leonard, will read from his work in progress. You'll find everything from storytelling to the discussion of current affair issues such as immigration and the meaning of sport to the people of Glasgow.

Over 100 acclaimed authors are appearing at the festival including authors Will Hunt, Andrea Levy, Iain Banks and a controversial voice from modern Islam, Tariq Ramadan.

Events

70 free sessions are being directed towards children this year, as well as the largest mass-reading project ever held in Britain - Small Island Read 2007.  It is a community based initiative which encourages everyone to read the same book at the same time, promoting more reading, writing and creative work inspired by that shared experience, and using this as an accessible and innovative means of learning about our past. 

Small Island Read 2007 is linked to the commemorations of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the British slave trade.  Together with Liverpool, Bristol and Hull, Glasgow is encouraging everyone to read Andrea Levy's award winning 'Small Island', distributing the book for free and making it available at all libraries.  All four cities have links to the slave trade and it's abolition.

Here are some more events in the programme to get you thinking:

Has the apology from General Synod for their role in the slave trade and Tony Blair's expression of regret helped or hindered our community? Come and get involved in the debate with key speakers, philosopher A C Grayling, Melanie McGrath, author of The Long Exile, Mike Phillips, crime writer and historian of The Windrush, Dr John Gilmore and Clare Short MP. 

How about the 'Philosophy of The Simpsons' - with the use of extracts, writer and philosopher Julian Baggini will look at the real philosophies in 'The Simpsons' amid claims it is the most significant popular culture production of the late twentieth century.

For more information

At the Aye Write! website you can find details of all the events and activities, including author talks, workshops, discussion panels and competitions.There's also information and resources about reading and writing in Glasgow.

Aye Write! brochures are available from their website as well as in all Glasgow libraries, tourist centres, bookshops and selected venues around the city. 

Aye Write! is set to become an annual festival with the announcement this year that the Bank of Scotland will be title sponsors.  Teamed with substantial support from the Scottish Arts Council and securing The Herald as their media partner, Aye Write! is here to stay.