Set as always in Irvine, the festival will run from Thursday, September 25 to Sunday, September 28, with some cracking events in store.
It will include alternative versions of Tam O’Shanter, an evening of crime and whisky, some Italian-Scottish cookery, an exposure of the dark side of Scottish history, comedy and plenty of events to keep the wee ones entertained.
Tickets are already selling fast for one of the stand-out shows this year – featuring Dreghorn woman and former First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon.
Nicola brings her debut book ‘Frankly’ to her hometown. In this deeply personal memoir, she recounts her journey from working-class Ayrshire to the steps of Bute House.
(Image: Tidelines) She will appear at the Harbour Arts Centre on Saturday, September 27 in conversation with broadcaster Sean McDonald.
In his article for this year’s programme, award-winning author, Tidelines patron – and Kilwinning/Irvine man – Andrew O’Hagan writes: “It’s a joy to see how many of this year’s events draw on a great wealth of what I would call local talent.
“Some of that talent, of course, is now world famous. Former First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, is also first and foremost a Dreghorn lassie, and a brilliant statesperson who has devoted all her adult life – as well as quite a bit of her teenage life – to public service.
“I’ve read an early copy of her memoir Frankly, and I can tell you she pulls no punches. Her brilliant book is certain to be one of the publishing highlights of the year, and her event for Tidelines, on prime home turf, will be an outstanding event.”
Key events for your diaries include:
(Image: Tidelines) A very special opening event on Thursday, September 25, marking the publication day of Mat o’ Shanter, Ayrshire poet Simon Lamb’s stunning reimagining of ‘Tam o’ Shanter’. He will be in conversation with Vivian French.
Friday, September 26 will see a Drink To Die For. Join authors Natalie Jayne Clark and Martin Stewart for an evening of crime and whisky. They will explore the compelling power of Scotch – and the extreme lengths to which their characters will go for the ‘water of life’. Optional whisky tasting included… with an Irn Bru alternative.
The day will also include Dear Zoo sessions, a Moxie Kids storytelling event at the HAC for the wee ones where they can create their own books.
And Irvine Lasses Burns Club will lead everyone on harbourside walks on both Friday and Sunday during the festival.
On the Saturday morning, kids can enjoy My Dog Max, as author Alan Dapré shares his pawsome picture book.
Foodies will love the Saturday lunchtime event, when the Contini Cookbook is revealed. Carla Contini will discuss how her family’s Italian-Scottish heritage enriched the recipes on the menu at her award-winning Contini restaurant in Edinburgh.
From 2-3pm on Saturday, prize-winning author and hip-hop artist Darren McGarvey will discuss his new book Trauma Industrial Complex – How Oversharing Became a Product in a Digital World.
(Image: Tidelines) Saturday’s events conclude with ‘How to Kill a Witch: A Guide for the Patriarchy’. Human rights lawyer Claire Mitchell and novelist Zoe Venditozzi will talk about their fascinating book, which exposes a dark side of Scottish history.
Tidelines kicks off Sunday at Irvine beach for a A Dook & A Book Workshop, featuring Chantal McFeely and Lynn McNally. Join them for a guided dip in the sea, then back to the HAC for luxury hot chocolate. Hear how local swimmer Chantal used cold water and the art of journaling to combat grief, then create a personalised journal cover with talented artist Lynn.
In the afternoon, Claudia Esnouf will be in conversation with Munro conqueror Eleanor Freckleton. Claudia walked 1,500 miles through India, Nepal, Europe and Scotland. Along the way, she faced down a rampaging water buffalo, survived a freezing glacier crossing, and unknowingly camped in a minefield. Above all, she unexpectedly endured the worst of heartbreak, where walking became the only cure.
In the afternoon, Our Gaelic Bookcase will feature singer songwriter David Douglas and Whitehirst Park Primary, while later that day you can join Alastair MacDonald Jackson who will take you on a literary journey around Scotland’s west coast islands.
A 7pm you can ‘Coorie doon’ with acclaimed Scottish writer Jackie Kay in conversation with Ayrshire poet, Tracy Anne Harvey. The pair will follow the journey of life, starting and finishing with Jackie’s latest children’s book.
The whole event will conclude with Nicola Sturgeon’s book launch event at Fullarton ConneXions. Tickets for all the Tidelines events are now on sale through the Harbour Arts Centre box office.