Boswell Festival big names are revealed

Giles and Mary from Channel 4’ s Gogglebox talk about their life.

The Royal Collection – Life Passion and Power - Michael Hall, special adviser to the BBC4 TV series was given unprecedented access to the royal residencies. His book Art, Passion and Power records the taste and obsessions of Kings and Queen from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth 11 and how over time they used the arts to strengthen their position as rulers by divine rights.

Also Treading the Boards are Jackie Kay, Andrew O’Hagan, Judy Murray, WW2 Veterans of the Arctic Convoys, Four Mums in a Boat, Chris Mullin, Darren McGarvey plus the intriguing prospect of Kilted Yoga with Finlay Wilson.

Busier, Buzzier and ‘ Bozzier’ than ever before The Children’s Festival at the Engineering Centre makes an ideal weekend outing for families.

Two days packed with talks and activities, many of them free, create a buzzing hive of activity for all ages.

The principal sponsors are Creative Scotland, the Great Steward of Scotland Dumfries House Trust, East Ayrshire Council and Baillie Gifford.

Tickets for Main Author Talks are £ 9, children £ 2.

Go to www. boswellbookfestival. co. uk, box 01563 554 900, or in person at Cumnock Town Hall and Waterstones in Ayr.

Caroline Knox, festival director, said: “This is our biggest most ambitious, and star- studded programme in the eight years of the Festival.

“It is brimming with life stories that span a Dame, a Yogi, a Cardinal and a Rapper, a mix which would have