Aspects Festival, Northern Ireland’s longest running literature festival returns to Bangor this September.

Taking place from 1 – 30 September, the Festival celebrates writing in its broadest form, from poetry to prose, theatre to crime, journalism to well-being, drama and the visual arts.

The programme commences on Saturday, 1 September at Clandeboye Estate when Lady Dufferin will give a talk reflecting on the environment and how the landscape of the estate has influenced her as a painter. The talk will begin a weekend of events led by the Clandeboye Reading Party featuring special guest, Sir Bob Salisbury, focusing on topics around bio diversity and the environment.

On Thursday, 6 September, at Bangor Carnegie Library, a very special book and exhibition launch will take place. Produced especially for the Festival, ‘Blood Horses’ is a collaboration between poet Moyra Donaldson and artist Paddy Lennon. Through words and images, poet and painter have together created a moving dialogue between poem and painting telling the stories of three famous stallions.

New to the programme this year is the Professional Development for Writers Weekend which will be held in North Down Museum on 8 and 9 September. Aimed at new and developing writers, the course is dedicated to the craft and process of writing, connecting with audiences and effective paths to publishing.

Aspects is delighted to welcome Maggie O’Farrell to this year’s Festival. The Northern Ireland writer is the author of seven best-selling novels and will be discussing her latest work, ‘I Am, I Am, I Am’ at The Chamber, Bangor Castle on 20 September.

The positive influence of words on the body and mind will be the focus for a weekend of well-being events at the Festival Yurt in Bangor Castle’s Walled Garden. From mindfulness, yoga and the power of poetry and journaling, the programme will appeal to anyone interested in calming a busy mind and learning relaxation techniques. The highlight of the weekend is sure to be the Pop-Up Supper Club on Sunday, 16 September – an evening for the senses, sharing ‘good mood food’ in a unique space!

‘Both Sides’ is an intriguing and atmospheric play by writer and dramatist Jane Coyle. Featuring actresses Hannah Coyle and Libby Smith and inspired by the works of Samuel Beckett, this stunning drama will be performed at North Down Museum on Wednesday, 19 September.

Young readers are in for a treat this year with a full weekend of Young Aspects events. From comic strip creation, sensory story experiences, autism-friendly story-telling and lots more, the programme will appeal to children of all ages. The Festival is delighted to once again welcome Myra Zepf, Children’s Writing Fellow for NI who will hold workshops in North Down Museum on Sunday, 30 September.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Richard Smart said, “With its eclectic mix of poetry and prose Aspects Festival highlights the wealth of literary talent in the borough and we are delighted to celebrate this alongside authors from further afield. Ards and North Down Borough Council is proud to host such a long-running event. We hope that everyone enjoys this year’s inspirational programme.”

The Festival takes place from 1 – 30 September at various locations around Bangor. For further information on the programme and to book tickets see aspectsfestival.com Tickets go on sale, tomorrow 2 August.