The Book Festival began in 1983 and has been an annual event since 1997, quickly cementing itself as a Scottish must-do for residents and tourists alike. But with so much on offer (this year’s festival sees over 700 events for adults and children), how can you guarantee that you will get the most out of the Festival?

Here are our top five tips:

• Plan ahead if there is an event you refuse to miss! With the festival continuing to grow in popularity, events do sell out (sometimes quickly) so make a note of those that appeal to you and get in the booking queue.
• Don’t double book or set yourself back-to-back events. Check the event times carefully (unfortunately it may be necessary to be selective and miss certain events). Be aware that you will not be able to enter an event that, for example, starts at 8pm if you exit an event at 8pm.
• Don’t be afraid to be thrifty! Seek out the free events (such as the daily 4pm Storyshop featuring readings from Edinburgh’s emerging authors), or simply enjoy the atmosphere in the festival’s beautiful home of Charlotte Square Gardens in the heart of Edinburgh.
• Pack a picnic! If you’re lucky enough to catch the fleeting sun as it passes through Edinburgh, why not make a day of it? You also ensure that you don’t have to rush to venues.
• Take risks! Book a ticket for someone you have never heard of, or for a discussion which you know nothing about. Find a favourite new author and surprise yourself!

And who are we looking forward to seeing? With so many incredible authors visiting this year (many already sold out by eager book-lovers), it is hard to narrow it down, but some of our favourites are: deft with her use of dark-humour and former poet-laureate – Scotland’s first female to hold the title – Carol Ann Duffy, who is also currently within the GCSE English Literature curriculum; Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh, who will be reading from his newest novel A Decent Ride (perhaps not one for the faint-hearted); and Man-Booker prizewinner Ben Okri, who penned the wonderful The Famished Road and will be reading from his first novel for eight years, The Age of Magic which edbookfest.com promises will be “disturbing, enlightening and transforming”.

Do get in touch with us and let us know who you are looking forward to see, and if you have any great tips. Happy Book Festival!

*To book tickets for the Festival:

Visit the Edinburgh Book Festival website: www.edbookfest.co.uk

Call: 0845 373 5888

In person: The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE