“I’ve seen the crucial role it plays – attracting visitors, showcasing Wigtown as Scotland’s national book town and in highlighting the literature, culture and history of the region,” he said.
“It’s so much more than just a book festival – and it’s about so much more than books.
“The whole community works together to welcome visitors and to show them all that Wigtown and Galloway have to offer.”
Festival programmer Lee Randall said the area was home to many superb contemporary writers of its own.
“The festival programme shines a light on all this as well as the region’s wider creativity, culture and environment,” she added.
“We are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors for 10 days of literature, film, music, theatre, guided walks and discovery.”