Nicola Sturgeon and crime writing legends amongst Paisley Book Festival programme

The three-day event will run between May 15 and May 17 and this year’s theme of Everyday Heroes, Everlasting Icons - will include an exciting events strand and special one-off performances, featuring major names in Scottish writing.

The OneRen organised festival is now a major literary event on the Scottish calendar and boasts some of the country’s best talents, along with audiences from across the country enjoying a weekend of storytelling.

Paisley Book Festival programmer Jess Orr said: “The theme of the festival aims to bring positivity to some dark times. We wanted to create a space where people can come together, reflect and feel inspired by others through the power of brilliant storytelling.

“The line-up showcases the incredible range of Scottish writing, and the reaction we have had to it has been really encouraging.”

This year’s programme includes Christopher Brookmyre, Doug Johnstone, Val McDermid, Jenni Fagan, Graeme Armstrong and Sally Magnusson. Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon will also discuss her memoir Frankly on the final day.

There will also be the ‘bold and playful’ reimagining of the historic Scottish tradition of Flyting presented by Gubsmacked, Flyte Nyte. Poets Leyla Josephine, Iona Lee and Colin Bramwell host a no-holds-barred poetry punchup, as six of Scotland’s most exciting poetic voices go head to head in a fast-paced battle of wit, words and humour.

But beyond the line-up, organisers say the festival is ultimately about connection.

Jess added: “It makes us think about why we love book festivals and what makes them such a special experience - ultimately it is to socialise and meet with like-minded people who love books. That sense of shared experience is at the heart of everything we do”.

There will also be opportunities to explore new and emerging voices, with events such as the Neurodiversity Writers’ Salon and a special Paisley edition of The Book Club Scotland.

Organisers say a key aim of the festival is to shine a spotlight on, and celebrate, the art of storytelling.

Jess said: “It is important for us to pay tribute to authors who put in a huge amount of time and research into developing their ideas and engaging deeply with themes to craft something really special. It is so inspiring, and we wanted to celebrate that”.

Alongside the main programme, the festival will include a schools programme and a free family fun day on Saturday May 16, helping to ensure the event remains accessible and welcoming to all.

Tickets are available now, with access to many events on a ‘pay what you can’ basis as part of work by festival organisers OneRen to ensure accessibility to the arts and culture in Renfrewshire. Events will take place at Paisley Town Hall and Paisley Central Library.

Full details about the Paisley Book Festival line-up - including booking information - are available at www.paisleybookfestival.com.