Nicola Sturgeon, Sue Black and Beano are among the headline names announced as the Dundee Book Festival returns for its second year, with tickets now on sale.
The festival runs from 19 to 21 June 2026, with 25 events and most tickets priced at £5, reflecting a commitment to accessible, high quality events.
A new partnership with the Southbank Centre will also bring A Poet in Every Port to Dundee, with the Mobile National Poetry Library offering a weekend of free activity, readings and workshops for audiences of all ages.
The festival was officially launched at Dundee Central Library by Mike Stirling, Director of Mischief at Beano, as organisers unveiled a three-day programme of books, poetry and live events. With a mix of ticketed and free opportunities, the programme aims to offer something for audiences of all ages and interests.
This year’s programme brings together established and emerging voices from across literature, politics and science. Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will appear in conversation about her book Frankly, reflecting on leadership, public service and personal experiences in politics. Professor Sue Black will return to Dundee to discuss An Expert Witness: Forensic Science on Trial, sharing insights from more than four decades working in criminal investigation and the justice system.
The line-up also leading Scottish authors. Graeme Macrae Burnet will discuss his latest novel Benbecula, while Jenni Fagan presents The Delusions. Broadcaster and writer Sally Magnusson will appear in conversation about The Shapeshifter’s Daughter, and Graeme Armstrong returns with Raveheart. Alongside national figures, the programme features a strong presence of local writers, including Jim Crumley, Erin Farley, Zoe Venditozzi, Professor Chris Whatley, Taylor Dyson and Robin Crawford.
Presented with Southbank Centre, A Poet in Every Port will be based outside The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum, inviting audiences of all ages to explore poetry in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Across the weekend, the Mobile National Poetry Library will host free, drop-in activity including browsing contemporary poetry, live readings, creative workshops and opportunities for visitors to share their own words. The programme celebrates Dundee’s coastal identity, languages and stories, and highlights poetry as accessible to everyone. It will feature Dundee poet Cat MacLeod, part of Southbank Centre’s New Poets Collective.
Family audiences are a key part of the festival, with Beano leading a high-profile children’s event. Mike Stirling and Craig Graham, Beano’s Directors of Mischief and Mayhem, will host an interactive session where children help create a comic strip, offering insight into how the publication develops its stories and characters. Author and illustrator Debi Gliori will also take part.
There will also be the chance to enjoy an unforgettable evening with Masterchef finalist and local chef, Sarah Rankin in the iconic setting of McManus Galleries, set to be a truly memorable highlight of the Dundee Book Festival.
Anna Day, Head of Libraries and Culture at Leisure & Culture Dundee, 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.”
The programme spans children’s events, new fiction and non-fiction, spoken word and live discussion, bringing together national names and Dundee voices.
Tickets for Dundee Book Festival 2026 are on sale now, with full programme and booking information available at www.dundeebookfestival.com.
