The University of Aberdeen will host the WayWORD Festival from October 3 to 11, 2026, marking its seventh annual event. This year's lineup features headliners such as actress and comedian Rosie Jones, bestselling authors Jenni Fagan, Sara Sheridan, and Mairi Kidd, alongside fantasy writers Hannah Kaner and Tasha Suri.

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The festival, organized by local youth, includes over 30 free and low-cost events aimed at amplifying marginalized voices. Activities range from author panels discussing migration experiences with writers like Leila Aboulela and Loraine Masiya Mponela to workshops on poetry as a form of activism. Events will be held at the University campus as well as at Aberdeen Art Gallery and Cowdray Hall.

In response to the closure of The Blue Lamp music venue, WayWORD will move its annual North East Voices event to St Nicholas Kirk, showcasing local spoken word poets, singer-songwriters, and a performance by Rachel Groves, the 2026 BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year.

A highlight will be the premiere of a new play by Aberdeen playwright Mae Diansangu at Cowdray Hall. The play, titled A Mustard Seed from a House Untouched by Death, will feature local talents including Essa Flett, Oluwatise Abiola-Awe, and Sarah Ord.

Millie Hamill, the youngest member of the WayWORD committee and last year's winner of the Nan Shepherd Creative Writing Prize, expressed her enthusiasm about the festival. She is set to host a panel with BAFTA-winning animator Will Anderson and oral storyteller David Hughes, focusing on character creation. Millie emphasized the festival's role in fostering dialogue and inspiring others.

Dr. Shane Strachan, a festival director, highlighted the festival's accessibility through free tickets, BSL provision, and inclusive venues. He noted the emphasis on supporting local creatives, with initiatives like the Ekphrastic Poetry Competition and a new Wine and Performance night.

Alan Bett, Head of Literature & Publishing at Creative Scotland, praised WayWORD as an example of how empowering young people can shape a cultural program that reflects contemporary society. He is particularly pleased with the numerous opportunities being created for local artists to showcase their work.

Other anticipated highlights include historian Ashley Douglas discussing Marie Maitland, referred to as Scotland's secret Sappho, and an evening featuring poetry set to jazz improvisation with notable performers including Hannah Lavery and Aditya Narayan.

The complete 2026 program and ticket information can be found on the WayWORD Festival website.

WayWORD Festival is organized as part of the WORD Centre for Creative Writing at the University of Aberdeen and has been empowering young people to craft this literary festival since 2020. The event is supported by Creative Scotland and the University of Aberdeen Development Trust SCIO.