Winter Words Festival 2027
The beloved literary festival returns for its 23rd year, featuring authors, poets, actors, broadcasters, comedians, chefs and politicians for a celebration of Scotland’s rich artistic, literary, historical and cultural life.
Running from 18-21 February, and curated for the first time by award-winning poet, novelist, and current Edinburgh Makar Michael Pedersen, we can’t wait to host an extraordinary four-day programme of stimulating conversations, exciting events, entertaining performances, delicious literary lunches with award-winning chefs and so much more.
The Weirdos Book Club Podcast – Live
with Sara Pascoe & Cariad Lloyd, with special guest Greg McHugh
Sara Pascoe
in conversation with Michael Pedersen
Cariad Lloyd
In conversation with Hollie McNish
Val McDermid & Jo Sharp
In conversation with Nicola Meighan
Kae Tempest
In conversation with Grace Quigley
Poetry Reading Showcase for Winners of The Corbenic Poetry Path Prize
with Taylor Strickland & Marjorie Lotfi
Matt Haig
In conversation with Donna Ashworth
Cal Flyn & Amy Liptrot
In conversation with Jenny Niven
Literary Lunch with The Hebridean Baker
Alison Steadman
In conversation with Fiona Lindsay
Ayont The Thistle
A gallimaufry of poetry and prose to mark the century of Hugh MacDiarmid’s A Drunk Man Looks at the Thistle
Hollie McNish & Donna Ashworth
In conversation with Michael Pedersen
David Shrigley
In conversation with Gavin Mitchell
Coinneach MacLeod & Peter MacQueen
Coinneach MacLeod & Peter MacQueen in conversation with Alistair Heather
Fern Brady
In conversation with Christopher McArthur Boyd
Len Pennie & Peter Mackay
In conversation with Coinneach MacLeod (Scots & Gaelic)
Joanne Harris
In conversation with Nicola Sturgeon
Louise Welsh
In conversation with Alistair Heather
Humza Yousaf
In conversation with Mhairi Black
Literary Lunch with Julie Lin
Sama Sama: Comfort food from my Malaysian Scottish kitchen
Jenni Fagan
In conversation with Shauna MacDonald
Frankie Boyle
In conversation with Christopher McArthur Boyd
David Nicholls
In conversation with Nicola Sturgeon on fiction and adaptation
When Billy met Alasdair
A new play charting the meeting of two Scottish icons: Billy Connolly & Alasdair Gray
Jackie Kay
In conversation with Adjoa Andoh
Become part of the magic!
Get priority booking on your favourite seats, discounts on must-see shows, and be the first to know of events and news from the Theatre, from just £40 a year.
Make the most of your weekend
Festival Pass
Make it a whole weekend for less with our Festival Pass giving you discounts on 2 or more Winter Words Festival events (excludes headliner events. Some other events excluded, please check when booking)
Ticket Info
Find out more information about booking tickets, as well as group bookings and early bird discounts!
Plan your Visit
Take a look around to find directions, information about our venue and tips on how to make the most of your time at Winter Words Festival.