1 WIGTOWN how I miss you, how I yearn to mooch your streets clutching coffee and nodding knowingly to fellow bookworms. Until then, though, we have the “big bang week” brought to us by Wigtown book festival, an online cornucopia of delights, not least of which is a reading and talk by a shero of mine, Kellie Gerardi, author, aerospace and defence professional and astronaut. Gerardi will be talking about her book Not Necessarily Rocket Science: A Beginner’s Guide to Life in the Space Age. It tells of her non-traditional path in the space industry and her mission to democratise access to space. Wednesday March 3, 5pm. For info and tickets head to www.wigtownbookfestival.com/programme/event/428322028/
2 ANOTHER part of “big bang week” which is essentially heaven for girly swots is a talk by the awesome Jo Marchant. Marchant explores the subject of her acclaimed new book, humanity’s intimate relationship with the heavens. For most of human history, humans have led not just an earthly existence but a cosmic one. Our innate relationship with the stars shaped who we are – our religious beliefs, power structures, scientific advances and even our biology. To hear her log on to www.wigtownbookfestival.com/programme/event/428322025/ on Wednesday at 7.30pm.
3 THERE isn’t anyone going to keep down a feisty Dundonian woman, and so the annual Dundee women’s festival has not been cancelled, it has just gone all digital. An event I’ll be tuning in for is the discussion on Imposter syndrome led by the indomitable Science Grrrl, this is on Saturday March 6 at 2pm. All events at Dundee Women’s Festival are online, accessible and free. For the full calendar head over to www.dundeewomensfestival.org.uk
4 OPERA on the telly? Surely not? The fantastic team at Scottish Opera have outdone themselves with a selection of twists on traditional opera for you to devour from your couch. I am intrigued by Mozart’s Cosí Fan Tutte; two sisters, their lovers, and a man with a point to prove about fickle young couples. Director Roxana Haines reimagines Mozart’s exuberant comedy as a gameshow for today, in which lovers’ loyalties are put to the ultimate test. Head over to www.scottishopera.org.uk/what-s-on/opera-on-screen/ to watch for free at any time, donations appreciated.
5 THE LGBTI elders social club is live and online. As part of the #comingbackoutball and in conjunction with the National Theatre of Scotland there is an online party happening so dust off your dancing shoes, charge your glasses and get ready. Sunday March 7 at 2pm but tickets need to be reserved online and in advance, free of course. So head over to https://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/events
6 HOORAY, the Glasgow Film Festival is finally here to entertain and delight. I am very excited by Angelou on Burns. This award-winning documentary tells the story of the American poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou’s journey to Ayrshire to visit the birthplace of fellow poet Robert Burns. Hop on to www.glasgowfilm.org for more info.
7 WHO says you can’t be an all star rugby player and a fabulous drag queen? The Kings Cross Steelers were the world’s first gay rugby team. Twenty-five years on, they are heading to Amsterdam for the world gay rugby tournament, The Bingham Cup. This film follows the fortunes of the club but finds its heart in the individual stories of the players and lesbian head coach Nic Evans. Heartwarming and tear jerking, part of the Glasgow Film Festival. For more info head to www.glasgowfilm.org. Steelers is showing today and tomorrow.
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