Uploaded September 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Powerful global forces, combined with events at home that have divided the country, are disrupting the way we live and work. Erosion of the law and attacks on the judiciary are splintering the certainties under which we have lived for a long time. Speaking up for civil liberties, human rights and social justice has been at the heart of Helena Kennedy’s work, giving a voice to people without any access to power. You can hear that unmistakable voice by joining her as she discusses the role of law in an age of disruption.
“Independent of spirit and of thought, free-speaking and resolute. There is no one better qualified to lead the IBA in our human rights advocacy work” – IBA Executive Director Dr Mark Ellis
About the speaker: Helena Kennedy is one of Britain’s most distinguished lawyers. Born in Glasgow, she studied law in London and is a QC, a broadcaster and as Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws, a Labour member of the House of Lords. Since 2018 she has been Director of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute.
In association with the charity StageTEXT, this event will include live surtitles for people with hearing loss. To find out more go to stagetext.org.
Supported by The Castansa Trust.
You can purchase titles relating to this event from the Festival Bookshop online - bookshop.wigtownbookfestival.com
Powerful global forces, combined with events at home that have divided the country, are disrupting the way we live and work. Erosion of the law and attacks on the judiciary are splintering the certainties under which we have lived for a long time. Speaking up for civil liberties, human rights and social justice has been at the heart of Helena Kennedy’s work, giving a voice to people without any access to power. You can hear that unmistakable voice by joining her as she discusses the role of law in an age of disruption.
“Independent of spirit and of thought, free-speaking and resolute. There is no one better qualified to lead the IBA in our human rights advocacy work” – IBA Executive Director Dr Mark Ellis
About the speaker: Helena Kennedy is one of Britain’s most distinguished lawyers. Born in Glasgow, she studied law in London and is a QC, a broadcaster and as Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws, a Labour member of the House of Lords. Since 2018 she has been Director of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute.
In association with the charity StageTEXT, this event will include live surtitles for people with hearing loss. To find out more go to stagetext.org.
Supported by The Castansa Trust.
You can purchase titles relating to this event from the Festival Bookshop online - bookshop.wigtownbookfestival.com
![Ross MacKenzie || The Otherwhere Emporium [AGES 8-12]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LpsbYQd9k8s/mqdefault.jpg "Ross MacKenzie || The Otherwhere Emporium [AGES 8-12]
Blue Peter Book Award Winner Ross MacKenzie leads us back inside The Nowhere Emporium one last time. The magic has changed, the Carnival of Wonders has fallen into disrepair and the soul of Daniel’s greatest adversary, trapped in the Emporium, leaves a path of destruction in his wake. What has happened to Daniel Holmes and can Mirren find him before the shop, and everyone inside it, is lost forever? Join the creator of The Nowhere Emporium, Ross MacKenzie as he chats with author Vivian French about the final chapter in this magical trilogy.
SEND YOUR QUESTIONS
You or your teacher can send questions to Ross before or during the event [questions@wigtownbookfestival.com] for a Q&A session at the end.")
