Aspects Festival is delighted to once again welcome Lady Dufferin and The Clandeboye Reading Party to be part of this year’s festival programme.
The Reading Party is a joint initiative between Trinity College Dublin, Queen’s University Belfast, Clandeboye Estate and Aspects Festival and is returning to the Festival for its fourth year. This year’s theme is “Food for Thought” and the programme will feature a weekend of public talks, discussions, readings, launches and food, all taking place at Clandeboye Courtyard, 5 – 6 October.
On Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October, The Reading Party will host a series of free Lightning Talks about the history, culture and literature of food and drink. These showcases always promote interesting discussion and are free to attend, although registration is required.
Sure to be a highlight of the weekend, Lady Dufferin will host a Mad Hatter’s Tea party in Clandeboye’s beautiful Banqueting Hall on Saturday afternoon at 3pm. Expect an afternoon tea with a difference with a delightful spread provided by The Kitchen Academy. The fun afternoon will also include some food anecdotes from Lady Dufferin and her guests. Mad Hats are optional!
On Sunday afternoon at 3.30pm, florist to royalty Shane Connolly will give a special talk on the relationship between Flowers, Food and Drink. Northern Ireland native Shane designed the flowers for the weddings of TRH Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall and TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and holds the Royal Warrant for both HM The Queen and HRH The Prince of Wales.
The Festival is also delighted to welcome Dr Susan Flavin from Trinity College who will be giving a free talk on The History of What We Eat and Drink on Sunday at 5pm. Susan’s research concentrates on the history of trade, consumption and material culture and identity in Ireland c1550 – 1650.
Women Aloud NI make a welcome return to Aspects on Sunday at 6.30pm with their Food for Thought event which will feature poetry inspired by food! Enjoy this showcase of local poets celebrating their love of good food! Women Aloud NI is a local initiative which aims to raise the profile of the women’s writing scene in Northern Ireland. This is a free event but registration is required.
Join the incredibly talented duo The Darkling Air on Sunday at 8pm, as they launch their new album at the Festival Finale event. The Darkling Air are Rachel McCarthy and Michael Keeney joined by their long-time collaborators Arco String Quartet. This will be the first performance of their new album Ancestor. Expect an evening of a haunting music in the atmospheric setting of Clandeboye’s Banqueting Hall.
Aspects Festival runs until October 6 at various locations around Bangor. For further information on the programme and to book tickets see aspectsfestival.com