Athlone’s Literary Festival which has grown from strength to strength in recent years, has announced its 2011 line-up. It features diverse events such as an evening with former Mountjoy Governor John Lonergan and discussions with poet Gabriel Rosenstock and writer Nuala Ni Conchuir, and an interview with Ruth Dudley Edwards. The event literally has something for everyone, whether it’s crime fiction, comic strips, poetry, music, or true-life stories. The festival takes place October 7- 9.
An event entitled ‘My Favourite Read’ will take place in the Passionfruit Theatre on Friday September 23 to launch the festival. ‘My Favourite Read’ will provide an insight into the reading choices of a wide variety of Athlone people. Participants at the ‘My Favourite Read’ include Jacqueline O’Shea, Evelyn O’Callaghan, Mark Cooney, Mary O’Rourke, Sean O’Domhnail, and Athlone student Vicky Joyce, who recently featured in the movie The Other Side of Sleep which received great reviews at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. The event is free and commences at 8pm.
Deirdre Collins of Athlone Literary Festival commented, “The launch of the festival this year is an event we have entitled ‘My Favourite Read’ and we hope this enjoyable evening of poetry, prose, discussion, and music will whet the appetites of everyone for the upcoming festival. We’re delighted to have young musician Stephen Connolly from Baylin also taking part in the evening; a talented young musician, his contribution will add much to this evening of words and music.”
The festival takes place from October 7 -9. A full festival programme is available on www.athloneliteraryfestival.com To make a booking email [email protected] or phone/text (086 ) 2282760.
