Adrian Turpin, who has played a pivotal role as the creative and strategic director of the Wigtown Book Festival, will step down after this autumn’s event in Dumfries and Galloway. His tenure has significantly transformed the festival since he first joined as a volunteer in 2006.

Growth of the Festival

Under Turpin’s leadership, the festival has expanded from a modest three-day event to a vibrant ten-day celebration of literature. This evolution has resulted in audience growth, with attendance increasing to over 20,000 participants, contributing an impressive £4.2 million annually to the local economy.

Acknowledgments and Achievements

In recognition of his contributions to literature and local economic development, Turpin was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2017. Last year, the festival received the Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival award at Scotland’s national event awards, known as The Thistles. Further demonstrating the festival’s growth and sustainability, Turpin secured a substantial funding agreement of £388,000 over three years from Creative Scotland in January.

Statements from Adrian Turpin and the Wigtown Festival Company

Reflecting on the past year, Turpin stated, “The past year has been a huge one for the organisation, securing vital three-year support from Creative Scotland, acquiring a permanent new home and winning the national Thistle Award for Scotland’s Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival. After the long haul of rebuilding audiences following the pandemic, it feels like a very natural moment to pass on the baton, and I’m excited about new creative opportunities ahead.”

Cathy Agnew, chair of the Wigtown Festival Company, emphasized Turpin’s influence, commenting, “The high regard in which Wigtown Book Town and the annual Wigtown Book Festival are held is testament to Adrian’s creative flair and inspiration. He has been the driving force behind the organisation for 20 years and his energy and enthusiasm are infectious.”

History of the Festival

The Wigtown Book Festival was established as part of efforts to enhance tourism in Wigtown, designated Scotland’s National Book Town in 1998. Following its inception in 1999, the festival now also administers prestigious literary awards, including the Wigtown Poetry Prizes and the Anne Brown Essay Prize for Scotland.

Upcoming Event Schedule

Attendees can look forward to this year’s festival, scheduled from September 26 to October 5, with the full program expected to be announced in August.