Celebrate Life Stories in 2027!

Join us next 7-9 May for an inspiring weekend of renowned speakers, bringing us fascinating insights in person into their diverse worlds, told through the medium of biography and memoir. Our festival programme will be available from early March 2027.

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About the Boswell Book Festival

The world’s only festival of biography and memoir, set in the spectacular grounds of Dumfries House, draws an enthusiastic audience attracted by its unique theme.

Inspired by the great Ayrshire biographer James Boswell of Auchinleck, at the heart of the Festival is a programme of stories taken from the inspirational lives of people past and present - told through talks, drama, art and music.

Find out more and view highlights

Boswell Children's Festival

Run alongside our main programme, the hugely popular Boswell Children’s Festival offers a lively weekend of family friendly events and activities.

Led by well-loved storytellers and illustrators, it is guaranteed to appeal to young readers of all ages.

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Boswell Book Festival Children's Festival image

Our Unique Festival Location

The Boswell Book Festival is set in and around the glorious Dumfries House in East Ayrshire.

One of Scotland's most beautiful historic houses, it lies within a spectacular setting of 2,000 acres of woodlands, river walks, and explorable parklands and gardens.

Find out more about our unique location

If you wish to support the festival going forwards, please use the donate button.

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We are indebted to all who have supported the Boswell Book Festival since 2011 in so many different ways. It is only with the help of so many loyal supporters that the Festival has achieved recognition as a cultural event of national importance.

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The World's Only Festival of Biography and Memoir

7-9 May 2027