Glasgow’s much-loved Byres Road Book Festival is back for 2025 — completely free and brought to you by Visit West End.
Now in its sixth year, it’s fast becoming one of the leading events in Glasgow’s cultural calendar. And this year’s line-up promises something for everyone!
From acclaimed poet and author Michael Pedersen and award-winning children’s writer Maisie Chan to bestselling favourites and inspiring new voices, the festival will once again bring stories, ideas and imagination to the heart of Byres Road & the Lanes.
Running across the September weekend (26–29 September), the festival will see dozens of exciting events transform Byres Road and the Lanes into a buzzing hub of words, culture and creativity.
Festival highlights include:
- Michael Pedersen & Stuart Murdoch (Thu 25 Sept, Hillhead Library) — the poet joins forces with the Belle & Sebastian frontman in a special opening event chaired by Nicola Meighan.
- Glasgow on a Plate (Sat 27 Sept) — celebrated chefs Ferrier Richardson, Giovanna Eusebi, Aurelien Mourez and David Scott share the stories behind their dishes in a mouth-watering panel.
- Maisie Chan (Fri 26 Sept) — join the award-winning author for a fun, interactive reading of her latest children’s book Nate Yu’s Blast From The Past.
- Andrea Gibb & Aisling Walsh (Sun 28 Sept) — The award-winning screenwriter and director will be discussing the process of successfully taking the much-loved novel Miss Austen by Gill Hornby from page to screen. Airing on BBC One earlier this year, the series starred Keeley Hawes.
- Chris McQueer (Sun 28 Sept) — one of Scotland’s most original contemporary voices, in conversation with Isaac Hoff about his latest novel, Hermit.
- Kirsty Logan (Sat 27 Sept) — the acclaimed novelist discusses her story collection ‘NO and Other Love Stories.’
- Peter Ross (Sat 27 Sept) — the award-winning journalist and author discusses his work with Deborah Murray.
The programme also features family favourites such as Emily Dodd, Alan Windram and a lively Kids’ Book Swap at Fonn Mór. Community highlights include Oxfam’s late-night opening of their new store on Byres Road, a full-day Writing Wrongs Workshop at the Clarice Pears building and late-night spoken word at the Curler’s Rest.
Michael Pedersen, Author and Edinburgh’s Makar (Poet Laureate).
“Glasgow’s West End is a big hitter when it comes to live arts and cultural sparks. From a book-lover’s perspective, it’s at its zenith during the Byres Road Book Festival. What a fantabulous throng of literary splendour this year’s programme is. I’m elated to be bringing my debut novel into that mix alongside one of Scotland most sublime lyrists / now a sensational novelist (Stuart Murdoch of Belle & Sebastian). And we’re just two of many lustrous beings taking part. Not only that, it’s all free! Swoons galore, what a gift.”
Maisie Chan, Award-winning Children’s author.
‘I’m so thrilled to be part of the Byre Road Book Festival again! I can’t wait to meet young readers and share my new book with them. Living in the West End is brilliant – there is so much on our doorstep to see and do. It’s a fantastic local book festival with a real community feel, and best of all – it’s FREE!’
John Turner, Chair of the Byres Road Improvement District, said:
“This year’s programme is brimming with talent and creativity, from household names to rising stars, with something to inspire every reader, aspiring writer, food lover and festivalgoer.
Locations for events are now spread along Byres Road, from the book swaps at the Oran Mor, an open evening at the new home of the relocated Oxfam Bookshop and a writing workshop at the University’s Clarice Pears Building.
It’s going to be a great weekend, so why not add to your enjoyment visiting the wide range of eclectic shops, eateries and other businesses that form the heart of Byres Road and the Lanes”
The Byres Road Book Festival is brought to you by Visit West End, the Byres Road & Lanes Business Improvement District, in association with our partners Waterstones, the Gaelic Book Council and Glasgow Life.
Visit West End works year-round to make Glasgow’s West End vibrant, supporting local businesses and connecting the community through events and culture — and our efforts are paying off. Last year, Byres Road was voted the ninth best high street in the UK for independent businesses by American Express — the only Scottish street to make the Top 10.
📖 Festival brochures with full listings will be available across Glasgow.
🎟️ For tickets and programme updates, visit:
👉 www.byresroadbookfestival.com
📲 Follow us for the latest news and behind-the-scenes stories:
- Instagram: @byresrdbookfest Facebook: Byres Road Book Festival X: @byresrdbookfest
ENDSMedia contact:
Eleanor Plackett — eleanorplackett@visitwestend.com | 07407 387 846
