Celebrate Life Stories in 2027!

Join us next 7-9 May at Dumfries House, Ayrshire for an inspiring weekend of renowned speakers, bringing us fascinating insights into their diverse worlds, through the medium of biography and memoir. Our festival programme will be available from early March 2027.

Don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list to get all of the latest festival news and event updates.

About the Boswell Book Festival

The world’s only festival of biography and memoir, set in the spectacular grounds of Dumfries House, draws an enthusiastic audience attracted by its unique theme.

Inspired by the great Ayrshire biographer James Boswell of Auchinleck, at the heart of the Festival is a programme of stories taken from the inspirational lives of people past and present - told through talks, drama, art and music.

Find out more and view highlights

Boswell Children's Festival

Run alongside our main programme, the hugely popular Boswell Children’s Festival offers a lively weekend of family friendly events and activities.

Led by well-loved storytellers and illustrators, it is guaranteed to appeal to young readers of all ages.

Discover our Children's Festival

Boswell Book Festival Children's Festival image

Our Unique Festival Location

The Boswell Book Festival is set in and around the glorious Dumfries House in East Ayrshire.

One of Scotland's most beautiful historic houses, it lies within a spectacular setting of 2,000 acres of woodlands, river walks, and explorable parklands and gardens.

Explore our stunning festival setting

Make a Donation

We are indebted to all who have supported the Boswell Book Festival since 2011 in so many different ways.

It is only with the help of so many loyal supporters that the Festival has achieved recognition as a cultural event of national importance.

If you wish to support the festival going forwards, please use the donate button.

Donate

Join Our Festival Mailing List

The Boswell Book Festival is an event inaugurated and staged by The Boswell Trust, a charity registered in Scotland number SC041655 and a company limited by guarantee registered in Scotland SC380815.

Registered office: Auchendrane, By Ayr, KA7 4TW. The Trust is established for the advancement of heritage, literary arts and education, specifically the restoration of James Boswell's Mausoleum in Auchinleck Churchyard and the creation of a visitor attraction in the adjoining Boswell Aisle.

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