The C.S. Lewis Festival, the colourful celebration of one of Belfast’s most famous sons, returns for an extended weekend of theatre, tours, talks, films, storytelling and family events across the east of the city and beyond.
The second C.S. Lewis Festival, which takes place from 20-23 November 2014, has been generously funded by Belfast City Council, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.
It marks the 51st anniversary of the death of the renowned author, theologian, academic and creator of the incredible Chronicles of Narnia series.
Across 4 days of Lewis-related events will be reflections and assessments of the cultural significance of Lewis’ rich legacy, the impact he had on Belfast, as well as the strong influence his native city had on his vast body of work.
Festival Organiser Wendy Langham said:
“C.S. Lewis is one of those figures that everybody has heard of, but perhaps few realise that he was born, and for a time, was schooled in east Belfast. The 2014 C.S. Lewis Festival seeks to discover and celebrate those connections and invite people to come on a journey with us across the east, and hopefully have a lot of fun in the process!”
The highlights of the 2nd C.S. Lewis Festival include the Great Story Quest which takes the award-winning Replay Theatre into local primary schools, a CS Lewis Bus Tour, where local Lewis expert Sandy Smith takes intrepid travelers on a very personal journey into the heart of Lewis’ Belfast. Campbell College – the young Lewis’ alma mater, and the inspiration behind the famous Narnia lamp, will play host to the C.S. Lewis Nearly True Tours, hosted by Young at Art, as children big and small are invited into a magical realm of exploration and adventure amidst the enchanted grounds of the famous college. There will be screenings including The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and the gripping documentary – The Man, The Myth and the Wardrobe, featuring an introduction from east Belfast director Moore Sinnerton.
Actor David Payne brings his acclaimed one man show An Evening with C.S.Lewis to the festival for the first time. Early-birds can enjoy the Narnia Breakfast at the Park Avenue Hotel. There’s also an opportunity to enjoy an evening with two experts who will expand your knowledge of Lewis the man and his meaning for today during C.S. Lewis- The Bigger Picture. This year’s Lewis at Lunchtime in the Ulster Hall, will have a timely focus on C.S. Lewis and the Great War.
St Mark’s Church, Lewis’ much-loved original place of worship, will be hosting a suitably seasonal Winter Wonderland Craft Fair and the Holywood Arches library will offer up a range of storytelling and creative writing workshops and displays for kids big and small.
Elsewhere there’s more creative workshops, screen printing and exhibitions throughout the east of the city!
Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: “C.S. Lewis left a legacy which appeals to those of different generations, religious beliefs and social circumstances. His work creates a common bond between us all, where we can share in the enjoyment of his literature Everyone can take ownership of his work, but there is a particular pride in his birthplace of East Belfast, where C.S. Lewis spent his formative years. Now in its second year, the C.S. Lewis Festival is a celebration of this link to a literary great. My department is pleased to support a community festival which underlines the vibrancy of East Belfast, and enhances the cultural infrastructure in an area which has historically suffered from under-investment.”
Damian Smyth, Head of Literature and Drama, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “The Arts Council is pleased to support this annual celebration of one of the most important writers of the 20th Century and a son of East Belfast. Lewis’s ability to inspire generations globally through his unique storytelling is reflected in the impressive festival programme which offers something for everyone. I would encourage all to go along and enjoy this rich series of events which boosts the cultural offer of the city as a whole.”
Councillor Guy Spence, deputy chair of Belfast City Council’s Development Committee added:
“The CS Lewis Festival has a great range of events which will appeal to all tastes and all ages. From kippers and Turkish delight at a traditional CS Lewis breakfast; to making Aslan the Lion mini sculptures; to touring Campbell College with two uniquely funny comedy tour guides; films, talks, and readings; – you’ll be spoilt for choice! Well done to the organisers and all the best to the Eastside of the city. I’d encourage you all to spread the word and support as many events as you can.”
The C.S. Lewis Festival runs from 20-23 November. Full Programme details can be found at www.communitygreenway.co.uk/CSLewisfestival Keep up to date with the latest information via Facebook.com/CSLewisFestival and Twitter @CSLewisFest