A Glasgow festival which was shelved after nearly 20 years has been saved by an 'unexpected donation'.

Glasgow Life has confirmed a series of Aye Write pop-up events and a programme of Wee Write events will go ahead this year after an 'unexpected' but 'welcome' donation.

The organisation said stand-alone events will be held for the main festival and a smaller-scale version of Wee Write will take place.

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The donation – which is from The Colin Weir Charitable Foundation – is for £65,000.

It comes after we reported in March the plug had been pulled on the event – which is one of Scotland's biggest book festivals.

The organisers cancelled it after it was turned down for financial support by the Scottish Government's arts agency Creative Scotland.

READ MORE: Glasgow event shelved after nearly 20 years as funding is cut

While the festival is produced by Glasgow Life, it is understood it was reliant on Creative Scotland's continuing support through its 'open fund'.

Launched in 2005, Aye Write featured around 175 authors appearing in more than 12 events across 10 days last year.

The pop-up events will take place throughout the year and in the new year.

Shows which have been confirmed already are: 

  • Damian Barr and James Ley in conversation with Jackie Wylie on Tuesday, April 30 at The Mitchell Library.
  • GT Karber ‘How To Solve A Murdle’ on Thursday, May 16 at Waterstones, Sauchiehall Street.
  • James O’Brien in conversation with Editor of The Herald, Catherine Salmond on Friday, May 16 at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
  • Val McDermid in conversation with Nicola Sturgeon MSP on Tuesday, May 21, at The Old Fruitmarket.
  • Doon Mackichan in conversation with Kieran Hodgson on Wednesday, May 22, at Waterstones, Sauchiehall Street.
  • Lionel Shriver on Sunday, May 26 at Waterstones, Sauchiehall Street.
  • David Nicholls on Friday, June 14, at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
  • Chris Brookmyre on Wednesday, July 17, at Drygate.
  • Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson on Thursday, August 8, at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Meanwhile, the organisation has confirmed Wee Write will go ahead in autumn this year on a smaller scale.

As part of it, there will be a range of activities for children and young people as it celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Glasgow Life has said they are continuing to develop a multi-year funding application to Creative Scotland for future editions of the event.

If successful, Aye Write will return in full in 2025, 2026, and 2027.

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Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Aye Write is a much-loved festival, which is apparent from the outpouring of support over the past few weeks.

"The generous donation from the Colin Weir Charitable Foundation means it can continue to have a positive impact on Glaswegians and people throughout Scotland.”

READ MORE: Booker Prize winner hits out over cancellation of Glasgow festival

A spokesman for the Foundation, said: “We are pleased to be able to support Aye Write to put on a programme of great events in 2024.

"It was unthinkable that Aye Write should be silenced until next year. Happily, the donation means that won’t be the case.”

Glasgow Life has also thanked the foundation, authors, publishers, and members of the public who have helped or offered support to the festival.

Tickets for the events will go on sale from Wednesday, April 17 at 10am.