Stars of the literary world will be descending on Bangor this week for the ever popular Aspects Irish Literature Festival which is running from September 25 – 28. Among the famous faces you can expect to see are Martin Bell, Fergal Keane, Simon Weston, Virginia Ironside and of the most famous mods of all time Paolo Hewitt.
Also on this year’s programme Tara West will read from her critically acclaimed novel ‘Poets Are Eaten As A Delicacy in Japan’ followed by a panel discussion on the challenges of mental well-being today’s society hosted by Nuala McKeever. For anyone interested in learning how to slow down and refocus, Ireland’s leading mindfulness expert Padraig O’Morain will be reading from his brilliant handbook “Mindfulness On The Go” and giving lots of advice on how to feel calmer and less stressed in everyday life.
Aspects will host a wealth of local authors too like Sheena Wilkinson who will be reading from her story ‘Each Slow Dusk’ which is part of the anthology of stories ‘The Great War,’ Rebecca Reid will read from her stunning new novel ‘Thickets Wood’ the second novel from the Thickets Wood trilogy and Tony Macaulay will read from his new book ‘All Growed Up,’ a funny and heart-warming sequel to his memoirs Paperboy and Breadboy. Belfast born David Park will also be appearing at the Festival reading from his latest novel ‘The Poet’s Wives.’
For poetry lovers, Damian Smyth will be reading from his latest poetry collection Mesopotamia at The Rabbit Rooms which will also hold The Aspects Poetry Slam, the first ever poetry slam held in Bangor, hosted by Poetry NI. Aspiring poets are invited to bring along their private collections of poetry and share them with the audience with the outright winner being crowned ‘Aspects Poetry Slam Champion!’ Local Poet Nathanial McAuley will be hosting a poetry reading with a difference – entitled simply “Adam,” McAuley takes on the story of Adam and The Garden of Eden through the medium of poetry, animation and live music.
On Saturday, September 27, in The Festival, actor and comedian Michael Smiley will be revisiting some of the stories about his childhood in North Down and his more recent experiences cycling around Northern Ireland for the BBC NI Series ‘Something to Ride Home About.’
And children are catered for too with the return of the ever popular ‘Young Aspects’ where young writers are invited to show case their talents. Then on Sunday 28 September, Flow Studio presents Dr Zeuss Storybook Yoga followed by a special QFT screening of The Cat In The Hat at North Down Museum. Also on Sunday 27, Paula McIntyre will be hosting ‘Food From Down’ in The Courtyard in The Museum, where she will host a number of local producers and chat to them about their food and demonstrate how their products can be used in delicious and easy to prepare recipes.
The programme also includes Bernie McGill reading for her collection of short stories ‘Sleepwalkers,’ The Aspects Book Club hosted by Marie-Louise Muir, “A Better Boy” a dramatic monologue performed by Game of Thrones star Ian McElhinney and lots more! We did say something for everyone! Don’t miss out on these fabulous events – book your tickets now!
To purchase a ticket or download a full programme, please go to: www.aspectsfestival.com.
Tickets are available at www.aspectsfestival.com from the festival Box Office at North Down Museum (028 9127 1200) and from Bangor Visitor Information Office (028 9127 0069).