The Engine Shed is just one of the venues featured in this year’s rich, wide-ranging programme, coming in May 2018 (12-19 May).
The festival brings writing talent from James Robertson to Meg Henderson, via local writers Alex Nye and Ross Sayers and poet Em Strang. Crime fans can hear Elly Griffiths, creator of mysteries featuring forensic archaeologist, Dr Ruth Galloway. New Scottish noir voice, Alan Parks, presents a dark and exciting series set in Glasgow, 1973. Malachy Tallack introduces his first novel, together with music from his four albums as a singer-songwriter, while nature writer, journalist and poet Jim Crumley takes his work to a rural audience. There is a chance for local writers to perform as Makar Clive Wright and Laura Fyfe of Figment Creative host an Off the Page Writers’ Showcase at the Golden Lion. They will be reading their own work and introducing others, with music from singer and guitarist Bill Adair.
There is an inspiring programme at The Smith including Enchantment of The Trossachs writer Louis Stott, and tales of Torbrex Tam from Dr Murray Cook and more for fans of history with an introduction to The Engine Shed and a volunteer-led tour of Bannockburn House.
The children’s programme starts on safari with a Jungle Party for young readers and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy songs and rhymes as Off the Page coincides with Bookbug week. Bestselling author Steve Cole, creator of captivating series Astrosaurs and writer of the Young James Bond, is famous for his entertaining shows - catch him at the Tolbooth. Jonathan Meres, Alan Windram and Alan Dupre are just a few of the inspiring children’s writers appearing in libraries, while Stirling Archives show children how to make their own “wee journal” after school.
Last but not least, the celebrated Digiknow roadshow will be at Bridge of Allan and Callander Libraries, with a chance to come and try digital kits like robots and 3D printers.
With events in all parts of the community, Off the Page really has something for everyone, coming soon to a venue near you.
Programmes are available from libraries, Customer First, the Thistle Centre, Tolbooth, Albert Halls and Smith Museum among others, with tickets bookable now in libraries, Tolbooth and Albert Halls.
Photograph left to right:
Victoria Candlish, Community Information Librarian, Lesley Russell, Systems & Support Librarian, Emma Boyd, Trainee Archivist, Lindsay McKrell, Team Leader for Libraries & Archives, Councillor Chris Kane, Convenor, Community Planning and Regeneration Committee, Stirling Council, Councillor Maureen Bennison, Community Planning and Regeneration Committee, Stirling Council, Louise Graham, Digital Services Librarian and Jonathan Kaney, Senior Library Assistant at Central Library