Thank you for making this year's festival a success!

It's over for another year, but there's still time to view online.

A huge thank you to everyone who visited, took part in, or supported this year's Boswell Book Festival. Your participation, in-person or online combined for a truly magical weekend!

Good news! If you have missed anything or couldn’t make it to Dumfries House most of our events and author talks are available to view until the end of May. Individual events are £5 to view, while the Rover Pass gives access to the full programme and costs £40.

Leading experts shared their passions and insights into art, journalism, literature, music, technology, translation, mindfulness, history, and of course, gripping biographies and inventive memoirs also lit up the stages of the Boswell Book Festival.

Survey
Thanks to all who completed our survey onsite over the weekend.

If you too would like to comment we would be very grateful as feedback helps us plan for next year. To take one of our online surveys, and be in with a chance of winning free 2026 tickets, click on the links below.

> CLICK HERE TO TAKE OUR FESTIVAL 25 SURVEY

> CLICK HERE TO TAKE OUR CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL 25 SURVEY

Everyone completing a survey will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win two tickets to the Opening Night event for 2026!

Dates for next year for your diaries: 8-10 May 2026

About the Boswell Book Festival

The world’s only festival of biography and memoir, normally 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

Children's Festival

Why is it so important to children to tell our stories?

Stories connect the past and present to the future and learning these stories is what can awaken future generations to their potential.

Through the Festival, the Boswell Trust engages with primary and secondary schools across Ayrshire and beyond.

Find out more and view highlights

Boswell Book Festival Children's Festival image

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

Donate

We are indebted to all who have supported the Boswell Book Festival over the past ten years 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.

The World's Only Festival of Biography and Memoir

9-11 May 2025