The upcoming Edinburgh book festival is set to highlight the power of hope with appearances by Hanif Kureishi, Najwan Darwish, and a Brazilian tribal leader. The central theme of this year's event will revolve around the concept of repair, offering solutions and optimism during times of crisis and conflict, according to the festival's director, Jenny Niven.

Niven expressed that the focus on repair is an act of hope, aiming to address broken aspects of society such as politics and mental health. The festival will feature new writers and thinkers who provide solutions and innovative ideas to move conversations forward.

The festival will kick off with an opening gala showcasing new commissions from Darwish, Juma Xipaia, and others like Jenni Fagan and Amitav Ghosh. Kureishi will share a personal perspective on repair during an online appearance.

In an effort to broaden its appeal, the festival will include a diverse range of guests such as former footballer Ally McCoist, Ruth Jones, and Nicola Sturgeon. Sturgeon will discuss her memoir 'Frankly' with Kirsty Wark, along with other events planned throughout the week.

This year's festival will feature 700 events, including an expanded series of cookery shows due to last year's success. Attendees can expect seven cookery demonstrations with renowned chefs offering various cuisines, as well as interactive sessions where the audience can enjoy the meals they prepare.

With the festival now located in a new venue at Edinburgh University, Niven aims to introduce new elements such as music, book-binding workshops, and a dedicated young adult series. The festival will also include more theatrical productions and specific subject themes to stand out among other events.

One of the highlights will be a recreation of the Scotch sitting room by Ivor Cutler, featuring Hamish Hawk presenting stories and reworkings of Cutler's work. The festival will conclude with Hollywood stars Viggo Mortensen and Vanessa Redgrave among other celebrities reading from 'The People Speak', an anthology of famous speeches and polemics from around the world.