Dundee Book Festival to return next month with Beano, Sue Black and major literary names
- Andrew Batchelor
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Dundee Book Festival has unveiled its 2026 programme, with tickets now on sale for a packed weekend of books, poetry and live events taking place across the city next month.
The festival returns for its second year from 19 to 21 June with 25 events planned, while most tickets have been priced at £5 as organisers continue their focus on making the programme affordable and accessible.
This year’s line-up features a mix of well-known authors, broadcasters, scientists and local voices, alongside family events and free activities taking place across the weekend.
The festival was officially launched at Dundee Central Library by Mike Stirling, Director of Mischief at Beano, as organisers revealed the full three-day programme.
Among the headline names announced are forensic scientist Professor Sue Black, who will discuss her latest book An Expert Witness: Forensic Science on Trial, and former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who will appear in conversation about her memoir Frankly.
Scottish author Graeme Macrae Burnet will discuss his latest novel Benbecula, while Jenni Fagan will present The Delusions.
Broadcaster Sally Magnusson is also set to appear with The Shapeshifter’s Daughter, while Graeme Armstrong returns with Raveheart.
The programme will also showcase a strong selection of Dundee and local writers, including Jim Crumley, Erin Farley, Zoe Venditozzi, Professor Chris Whatley, Taylor Dyson and Robin Crawford.
A major new partnership with the Southbank Centre will also bring A Poet in Every Port to Dundee for the first time.
Based outside The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum, the Mobile National Poetry Library will host a weekend of free readings, workshops and drop-in activities for all ages.
The programme will celebrate Dundee’s coastal identity, languages and stories while encouraging visitors to explore contemporary poetry in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Dundee poet Cat MacLeod, part of Southbank Centre’s New Poets Collective, will also feature.
Family audiences are set to play a major role in this year’s festival, with Beano leading one of the headline children’s events.
Mike Stirling and Craig Graham, Beano’s Directors of Mischief and Mayhem, will host an interactive comic-making session for children, offering insight into how Beano stories and characters are created. Author and illustrator Debi Gliori will also take part.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to attend an evening event with MasterChef finalist and Dundee chef Sarah Rankin at McManus Galleries.
Anna Day, Head of Libraries and Culture at Leisure & Culture Dundee, said the festival had expanded following positive feedback from its debut year.
She said: “We’ve built on the success of our first year by bringing together recognised names and local voices in a programme that remains affordable and accessible.
“We’ve listened to audience feedback and expanded events for families. Our partnership with Southbank Centre, as part of their 75th anniversary, brings A Poet in Every Port to Dundee and opens up poetry to wider audiences.
“The festival is a celebration of writers and reading and a chance for visitors and Dundonians alike to celebrate our city.”
Tickets for Dundee Book Festival 2026 are on sale now, with full programme and booking information available online.
