As a recently graduated literature student, I stumbled across Paisley Book Festival while procrastinating writing my essays by aimlessly googling through my endlessly increasing ‘To Be Read’ list. Hailing from Manchester and having spent the previous 4 years living in Edinburgh I was completely unaware of what an incredible event I would soon come to be a part of. After sending off an email expressing my interest in the festival and the astounding roster of writers and creatives it was due to welcome, I had little expectation of what was about to come next.
Following a few more emails back and forth and a hugely welcoming and informative phone call with Anne, the festival’s volunteer coordinator, the dates for Paisley Book Festival 2025 were pencilled into my calendar.
A few days before the festival began, the amazing team at One Ren welcomed our group of bustling volunteers into Paisley Town Hall for a briefing on the exciting weekend ahead. We settled in with a cups of tea and coffee and a selection of delicious cakes as we listened to the team explain how the festival would operate and opened the floor to any questions from the volunteers. Next we took a tour around the stunning Paisley Town Hall building, mapping out where the events would take place and locating the volunteer hub where we would be able to take relax and take a break between festival activities.
The next 3 days of the festival were a whirlwind. Volunteering gave me the opportunity to not only sit in on talks and readings from some of my favourite authors and poets but also to discover a host of newly cherished discoveries – happily making good use of the volunteer discount at The Book Nook where I was able to purchase some new additions to my top shelf!
As a newcomer to the town, participating in events such as The Paisley Music Trail, an event hosted by the lovely Fiona and Allison of Glasgow Music City Tours, gave me a fascinating insight into the cultural landscape of Paisley. Listening to tales of Paisley’s industrial past, prosperous punk era and continued musical legacy while taking in some of the towns beautiful architecture was a definite highlight of my weekend.
I could not talk about my volunteering experience without mentioning the incredible community of volunteers and staff who were enormously welcoming and supportive throughout the experience. Our volunteer team was wonderfully diverse—ranging from students like myself, eager to explore our passion for literature beyond the classroom while gaining hands-on experience with events and the literary scene, to retirees and local community members, many of whom were seasoned volunteers at Paisley Book Festival—and I can see why!
Over cups of tea and more than a few chocolate biscuits, the differences in our lives melted away. Around the break room table, local tips, book recommendations, and event reviews were shared as festival regulars helped to guide our group of newbies through the weekend.
As the events of Sunday came to a close and we said our goodbyes, I reflected on the luck I’d had to chance across such an amazing event and cannot recommend volunteering at Paisley Book Festival enough to anyone keen to meet great people, share their love of literature and gain valuable experience.
Bridget Stanger
