Glasgow’s renowned literary festival, Aye Write, has been rescued from potential cancellation thanks to a generous donation from the charitable foundation of the late Euromillions winner, Colin Weir. Facing uncertainty following funding setbacks, the festival is now set to return, albeit in a more modest format.
The unexpected £65,000 contribution from the Colin Weir Charitable Foundation has provided a vital lifeline for Aye Write, ensuring its continuation as a cultural highlight in Glasgow. Glasgow Life, the organisation behind the festival, will oversee a series of standalone events spread throughout the year, offering diverse literary experiences to the public.
Previously spanning over ten days, Aye Write will now feature a condensed programme of standalone events running from April 30 to August 8. Despite the reduction, the festival pledges to maintain its commitment to quality programming, with notable guests including acclaimed actor Alan Cumming, renowned broadcaster James O’Brien, and Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon.
In addition to Aye Write, funding has also been secured for Wee Write, a festival dedicated to children and young people. Set to take place in autumn, Wee Write will mark its 10th anniversary with an array of engaging activities, with further details to be revealed in the coming months.
Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support, Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, emphasised the festival’s importance to the community. She stated, “Aye Write is a much-loved festival, evident from the outpouring of support in recent weeks. The generous donation from the Colin Weir Charitable Foundation ensures it continues to positively impact Glaswegians and people across Scotland.”
Echoing this sentiment, a spokesperson for the Foundation affirmed their commitment to preserving Aye Write’s legacy, saying, “We are delighted to support Aye Write in hosting a series of events in 2024. The thought of Aye Write being silenced until next year was unthinkable. Thankfully, this donation ensures that will not be the case.”
Looking ahead, Glasgow Life is actively pursuing multi-year funding from Creative Scotland to ensure Aye Write’s longevity. If successful, the festival is poised to return in full swing in the years ahead, with plans for editions in 2025, 2026, and 2027.
Tickets for the upcoming events will go on sale at 10 am on Wednesday, April 17, via the Aye Write website.
The revival of Aye Write underscores the enduring spirit of community support and the transformative impact of philanthropy. As Glasgow prepares to once again immerse itself in literature and ideas, a memorable celebration of creativity and imagination awaits.
