Mills Observatory is playing a starring role in the Dundee Book Festival

Picture: Craig Doogan

Mills Observatory will be one of the most exciting venues for the brand-new Dundee Book Festival, hosting a day of thrilling events blending science fiction, fantasy, folklore and storytelling.

The Observatory’s addition to the festival comes after it recorded its best year ever, with a remarkable resurgence in visitor numbers. Once at risk of closure, Mills Observatory has firmly re-established itself as one of Dundee’s most cherished landmarks, making its inclusion in the festival a proud moment for the city.

Under the banner Thrills at the Mills, the Observatory will come alive on Friday 13 June 2025 with a packed programme. All events at Mills Observatory are individually ticketed at just £5, keeping the experience affordable and welcoming for all.

The day begins with a special appearance by Dundee-born author Doug Johnstone. Returning to one of his childhood haunts, Johnstone will read from and discuss his extraordinary Enceladons Trilogy. With his background in science and love for space exploration, this promises to be a standout event set in the perfect surroundings.

Following Doug Johnstone, It’s About Time will delve into memory, time, and storytelling. Writers Catriona Silvey and Nicholas Binge will lead the audience through thought-provoking discussions about how we understand time in fiction and in life.

Later, From the Glen to the Page brings together Lyndsey Croal, Erin Farley, and Sandra Ireland to explore Scottish folklore and myths. Their session will celebrate how ancient stories continue to inspire modern writers and captivate readers.

The theme of fantasy continues with Epic Stories, Eternal Enchantment. Justin Lee Anderson (The Eidyn Saga) and Annabel Campbell (The Outcast Mage, forthcoming 2025) will join local author and editor Alys Einion for a conversation about the lasting magic of epic fantasy and why its heroes and legends still resonate today.

Rounding off the day, Strange Stories will see a range of Scottish authors and storytellers flex their creative muscles, reading and performing strange and eerie tales from their published work and beyond. It's set to be a spellbinding evening, perfectly suited to the atmospheric setting of Mills Observatory.

For tickets and full programme details, visit www.dundeebookfestival.com.