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Tidelines Book Festival is back at the HAC
The organisers of North Ayrshire's Tidelines Book Festival have revealed the big names and authors who'll be appearing at the 2025 event.
Tidelines Book Festival has firmly established itself as a highlight in North Ayrshire’s cultural calendar. Now entering its 12th year, the event is a vibrant celebration of storytelling, creativity and community. This year's festival takes place from Thursday 25 September until Sunday 28 September with the Harbour Arts Centre in Irvine hosting most of the events.
Scots language is front and centre of this year’s programme. The festival opens with the launch of ‘Mat o’ Shanter’, the new book by talented Ayrshire poet Simon Lamb. A modern-day re-imagining of Tam O’Shanter, the book blends poetry and personal insights, whilst exploring the enduring influence of Robert Burns.
The festival will conclude with national treasure and Scots writer, playwright and poet, Jackie Kay. ‘Coorie In’ is a truly original picture book that celebrates the small, perfect rituals of childhood and how they become a vital part of who we are.
The headline event sees former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon recount her journey from working-class Ayrshire roots to the highest political office in the country. ‘Frankly’ is a personal and revealing memoir from one of Britain’s most significant political leaders of recent times.
Councillor Alan Hill, North Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands is encouraging residents and visitors to come along to the much-anticipated book festival.
Quote: We are delighted to welcome the organisers of Tidelines Book Festival back to our flagship arts and culture venue for North Ayrshire. Once again, the varied and exciting programme offers something for everyone and North Ayrshire Council is proud to support this milestone event for the 12th year running. Don’t delay, get your tickets today as the events are sure to book up fast.
Quote from: Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands
Other highlights include an evening of crime and whisky with Natalie Jayne Clark and Martin Stewart, as well as the opportunity to discover the secrets of Carina Contini’s marvellous family cookbook. Darren McGarvey will also examine the stories we tell ourselves about our trauma, and Claudia Esnouf shares her story of resilience and courage in ‘Walk Like A Girl’.
Elsewhere, there are storytelling sessions for babies and pre-schoolers, literary walks withthe Irvine Lasses, a chance to explore The Nature Library, and an opportunity to participate in A Dook & A Book workshop – full details in the programme. A pop-up bookshop will also be hosted in the Harbour Arts Centre, selling books by festival authors and more…
For full details on what's happening and when, including information on how to book tickets for the events on this year's programme, see tidelinesbookfestival.com. Keep up to date with the action by following Tidelines Book Festival on Facebook.
Tidelines Book Festival is a community-run charitable trust bringing world-class literary events to Ayrshire at affordable prices. Tidelines aim to encourage involvement with and participation in literature in all its forms. We aspire to reach as wide an audience as possible, particularly those who might not readily think of the written word as entertainment or might lack confidence in engaging in cultural activity.
Tidelines Book Festival will take place from Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 September 2025. Tickets are on sale now via tidelinesbookfestival.com
The Harbour Arts Centre, located at Irvine Harbourside is a fully accessible venue, on the flat, with parking, toilets and café facilities nearby. For more info on the HAC summer events schedule, visit the HAC website.
Published: 22 August 2025