At Beacon Arts Centre, we’re delighted to be hosting the inaugural Beacon Book Festival, bringing an exciting programme of literary events to our stunning waterfront venue in Greenock.
From Friday 20 to Sunday 22 February, we’ll welcome some of the UK’s finest writers, poets and storytellers to Inverclyde for three inspiring days of discussion, performance and creativity. With events for adults, families and young people, and selected sessions available on a pay-what-you-can basis, the Beacon Book Festival is designed to be accessible, inclusive and full of unforgettable moments for book lovers of all ages.
“It’s great to have the opportunity to bring some of Scotland’s finest writers to our stunning waterfront venue. The inaugural Beacon Book Festival is diverse and inspiring, and we are confident that we have something to suit all ages.” - Lesley Davidson, Co-director, Beacon Arts Centre
Fri 20 Feb | FULLY BOOKED (age 5+)
Kelpies Prize Winner reads The Titanic Detective Agency and Secrets of the Last Merfolk, with Q&A and Titanic-themed creative writing workshop.
Fri 20 Feb | FULLY BOOKED
Translator Gillebride Mac'IlleMhaoil reads Cu Giobach, then leads a "doggy"-themed character creation workshop.
Fri 20 Feb | 1pm & 2:30pm (age 16+)
Award-winning writer Ely Percy discusses their writing journey, and reads from Duck Feet, follow by a Q&A.
To enquire about school bookings, please contact our Box Office on 01475 723723 or email info@beaconartscentre.co.uk.
Fri 20 Feb | 5pm
Best known as founding member of Del Amitri, Justin Currie will discuss his best selling memoir The Tremolo Diaries, a moving and darkly funny account of life on the road after a Parkinson’s diagnosis, and a powerful reflection on love, loss, music and ageing.
Chaired by Broadcaster and Journalist Paul English.
Fri 20 Feb | 7pm
Host of The Big Scottish Book Club discusses The Two Roberts, his novel inspired by artists Robert Colquhoun and Robert MacBryde.
Chaired by Gavin Mitchell.
Sat 21 Feb | 11am
MacMillan Prize-winning author-illustrator leads an interactive children's picture book illustration session.
Pay-What-You Can Tickets from only £2!
Sat 21 Feb | 2pm
A double bill chaired by Jane McCarry
Coinneach Macleod shares island stories, recipes and songs in a warm Scottish gathering.
BBC Alba presenter Peter MacQueen discusses Tails of Scotland, celebrating Scottish heritage and our four-legged friends.
Sat 21 Feb | 7pm
Join us for an evening celebrating Scottish Women in Writing with a panel of three acclaimed Scottish authors, Denise Mina, Kirsty Logan and Louise Welsh in discussion with BBC Scotland's Arts Correspondent, Pauline McLean.
Crime Writers’ Association Hall of Fame inductee Denise Mina will read from her latest of 15 published novels The Good Liar.
"A stand-out read'" - GUARDIAN
A fiction writer, screenwriter, book reviewer, freelance editor and writing mentor, Kirsty Logan will read from her latest book is ‘No & Other Love Stories’, a collection of very (very) dark tales of love.
"Full of strange beauty and shining humour" - STYLIST
Award-winning author of eight novels, named most Inspiring Saltire First Book Award winner by public vote and Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Glasgow, Louise Welsh will read from her latest novel, a Times best new crime fiction of the month ‘To the Dogs.’
”To the Dogs is easily the best of Welsh’s recent crime novels. I simply could not put it down” - ALEX GRAY
Sun 22 Feb | 5:30pm
Celebrated Scottish novelist, Christopher Brookmyre, whose offbeat brand of Scottish crime has been selling by the millions since his debut in 1996, will join Alistair Braidwood of Scots Whay Hae! podcast to discuss his latest crime thriller, The Cracked Mirror.
Sun 22 Feb | 11am
Herald McCash Scots Poetry winner performs The Metaphoric Table - Big words, bad words and big bad words.
Sun 22 Feb | 12:30pm
Readings from the Beacon's creative recovery writing group.
Pay-what-you-can tickets from only £2!
Inverclyde Author and ex GP explores reading and writing for wellbeing and pleasure.
Sun 22 Feb | 4pm
Award-winning Gourock author reads from Beyond the Hallowed Sky, first in his Lightspeed Trilogy.
Chaired by Paul English.
Sun 22 Feb | 7pm
Award-winning folk duo perform songs inspired by books, born from Mr B's Emporium bookshop collaboration.
Tickets: £10-£12 +fees
Sun 22 Feb | 10am
Led by poet Laurie Donaldson
This welcoming, low-pressure workshop is designed for absolute beginners, anyone who thinks they “don’t really get” poetry, or those curious to try writing for the first time. Together we’ll explore poetry as something alive, accessible, and already part of everyday life – from song lyrics to slogans – rather than something distant or intimidating.
Sun 22 Feb | 12 noon
Led by poet Laurie Donaldson
This supportive, beginner-friendly workshop is for aspiring writers, curious storytellers, and anyone who wants to express themselves through words. No previous writing experience is needed – just an interest in exploring ideas and stories.
Beacon Book Festival is supported by the Scottish Book Trust, Inverclyde Libraries, Waterstones Braehead, Waterstones Sauchiehall Street, Business Gateway Inverclyde, Ardgowan Hospice.
You'll receive our monthly newsletter and a digital version of our season brochure, along with show updates, pre show-emails and post-show surveys.
