Word 06

Word is Aberdeen's annual writers' festival, and is due to take place this year from 12-14 May.

It has become one of Scotland's most popular festivals in the literature calendar and this year promises to be one of the busiest yet, with over 10,000 people expected to take part in events. Some events in the diverse programme are already sold out, particularly where big names are appearing, but places are still available for certain events. (Early booking is advised - please visit the Word 06 website for further information).

Some of the names appearing this year include Richard E. Grant, Liz Smith (famous for her roles in The Vicar of Dibley and The Royle Family), Susie MacGuire, Robin Robertson and the writer of this month's (May) Scots poem of the month, W.N. Herbert. Big international names will be appearing alongside local talent in a varied programme of readings, lectures, workshops and panel discussions.

In the evenings, there will be a variety of events at venues across the city centre, including exhibitions, film screenings, poetry, music events and the annual poetry slam.

As well as the main programme, there is an action packed children's programme, with events for all ages from babies to teenagers. In addition to this, the schools programme offers a fantastic line-up of events for school pupils from Primary 1 to Secondary 2. All events in the schools programme are free and last an hour.

There is also a Gaelic programme, which includes events such as 'Songs, Games and Stories' (ages 6-12), 'The Future of Gaelic - panel discussion', 'Norma NicLeoid - Dileas Donn - Gaelic Book Council Book Launch' and 'Traditional Music and Song'.

If you can't make it to the festival, or even if you just want to re-live some of your favourite moments, BT has teamed up with Word so that after the festival, you can enjoy video recordings of some of Word's top events. Events included in this initiative will have the BT logo next to them in the programme.

For more information about the programme, how to book tickets, travelling to Aberdeen and where to stay when you get there, please visit the Word 06 website.