On Thursday, 15th May, the University of Stirling Library hosted the final event of the Stirling Libraries Off the Page Festival. A night that brought together poetry, performance, and community spirit in the most memorable way.
The evening, titled An Evening with Makar and Friends, featured Stirling Makar, Kevin P. Gilday, alongside a stellar lineup of guests: Alan Bissett, Hannah Lavery, and Jane Borges. Each performer brought their unique voice to the stage, captivating the audience with spoken word pieces that ranged from the poignant to the playful. The intimate setting of the Jisc Innovation Hub provided the perfect atmosphere for a night of literary celebration.
Three of our guests were Stirling graduates and shared their very different experiences and perspectives of their first days on campus. It was as illuminating as it was entertaining. Jane is this year’s Charles Wallace Fellowship writer and shared some of the work completed in her time with Stirling. Great to be among the first to experience this new work.
One of the most talked-about moments of the evening came courtesy of Alan Bissett, mid-performance, his stiletto heel got hilariously stuck in the floor! Instead of a plaque, it’s safe to say he’s made his mark on the space, quite literally.
The event was a true partnership between Stirling Council Libraries and the University of Stirling, with thoughtful planning and collaboration behind the scenes. From AV logistics and room setup to social media promotion and ticketing, the teamwork between Jan Hay, Trudie Pistilli, Colin Sinclair, and Kirsteen Young ensured everything ran smoothly.
With all 40 tickets snapped up and a waitlist in place, the room buzzed with anticipation. Attendees were welcomed with warmth and humour, and the performances were followed by an informal chat session that allowed the audience to engage informally with the artists.
This event wasn’t just a celebration of poetry, it was a celebration of partnership, creativity, and the power of libraries to bring people together. As the final applause echoed through the library, it was clear that this was more than just a festival closing; it was a moment of shared joy and inspiration that will linger long after the lights dimmed.
To everyone who helped make the evening a success, thank you. We’re already looking forward to what next year’s festival will bring.