Mark your calendars and get ready for another inspiring literary festival in the Highlands as NessBookFest 2024 returns from Thursday, 26th September to Saturday, 28th September 2024. Held in Inverness, this year’s theme is ambition, a reflection of the community organisation’s ongoing mission to bring together creativity, community, and culture in a series of free, engaging events.
NessBookFest invites literary enthusiasts of all ages to join a packed program of readings, discussions, and performances that will stimulate the imagination and spark conversation.
Free Entry for All Events
True to the NessBookFest ethos, all events are free of charge. You can secure your tickets by searching for NessBookFest on Ticket Tailor, or following the links on their social media platforms and official website. We recommend bringing cash if you’d like to purchase books from authors at in-person events.
Partnering with the Community
This year’s festival sees a continuation of partnerships with beloved local venues such as Inverness Library, The Junction Church, and The Bike Shed. As well as support from organisations like the Scottish Book Trust and Inverness Paving, whose contributions help make this community-centred festival possible.
Have a look at their wonderful events below and book your weekend’s activities!
Festival Highlights
Helen MacPherson – Just a Country Girl: Inverness to Nashville
Date: Thursday 26 September, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Junction Church
Former MFR presenter, Helen MacPherson, takes us on a journey through her 40-year career in radio, recounting her adventures interviewing country music legends and travelling between Inverness and Nashville. Her book, Just a Country Girl: Inverness to Nashville, captures these remarkable stories, and she’ll be sharing readings from the book at this engaging session.
This event is free but ticketed.
Calum Maclean – Alexander Ross: A Legacy in Architecture
Date: Friday 27 September, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Eden Court Theatre, SGL Board Room
Discover the life and work of the Highlands’ most celebrated architect, Alexander Ross, with expert Calum Maclean. This talk delves into the true legacy of Ross, one that has often been overshadowed by academic neglect and architectural modifications over the years. His designs shaped the Victorian Highlands, and his contributions to education and enterprise solidified his position as a prominent public figure.
This event is free but ticketed.
Maggie Craig – Political Ambitions: Scottish Radicals and Jacobites
Date: Saturday 28 September, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Inverness Library
Join acclaimed historian Maggie Craig as she explores the contrasting political ambitions of the Scottish Radicals of 1820 and the Jacobites of 1745. Known for her insightful works like One Week in April and Damn’ Rebel Bitches, Craig will discuss the motivations, challenges, and legacy of these historical movements.
This event is free but ticketed.
Barbara Henderson – The Boy, the Witch, and the Queen of Scots
Date: Saturday 28 September, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Inverness Library
In this interactive session, Barbara Henderson brings her latest historical novel to life. Set during the Reformation, The Boy, the Witch, and the Queen of Scots follows a young falconer caught in a dangerous web of politics and intrigue. This event is perfect for families and young readers.
This event is free but ticketed.
Winners of the NBF Young Writers Competition
Date: Saturday 28 September, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Inverness Library
Celebrate the future of Scottish writing with the talented young winners of the NBF 2024 Young Writers Competition. Hear their stories as they read aloud and receive their awards in this exciting showcase of new voices.
This event is free but ticketed.
NBF Poetry Slam 2024
Date: Saturday 28 September, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: The Bike Shed
End your festival experience with a thrilling Poetry Slam. Poets will battle it out for the title of NBF Poetry Slam Champion 2024, with the winner securing a place in the Scottish National Finals in 2025. Expect dynamic performances, fierce competition, and, most importantly, a love of the spoken word.
This event is free but ticketed.
Ticketing Information
All NessBookFest 2024 events are free, but tickets must be booked in advance via Ticket Tailor. Links are available on the NBF website and social media platforms, or you can search directly on the Ticket Tailor platform.
Book Your Inverness Taxi Now
There are loads of events happening in Inverness this summer, so don’t forget to prebook or order your Inverness Taxi through our convenient platforms:
Call Inverness Taxis on 01463222222
Download our partner app SafeKab to book your Inverness taxi at the touch of a button.
Drop into our city centre Inverness Taxi office on Church Street
