This year’s Aspects Festival will run from 25- 28 September and will definitely appeal to everyone, simultaneously welcoming the return of experienced Aspect’s fans and embracing the uninitiated.

As always Aspects likes to showcase as many forms of writing as possible, in addition to displaying the wealth of local literary talents from new writers like Jan Carson, to established highly respected masters of the written word such as David Park.

Aspects is well renowned for bringing household names to Bangor and this year’s line-up will not disappoint. Reflecting on World War 1, this year’s Festival will take a look at war through modern day eyes. Martin Bell and friend of the Festival Fergal Keane will offer audiences an insight into the impact a career in reporting on conflict can have. Whilst Gerry Kelly will be interviewing Falklands War veteran Simon Weston plus Sheena Wilkinson will be reading from the book ‘The Great War’.

Another headliner for the Festival is Holywood born award-winning actor and comedian Michael Smiley. Michael will revisit his childhood in Bangor, whilst reminiscing about the characters he met on his journeys including acclaimed local photographer and cyclist Bill Kirk. For all those photography enthusiasts the Festival will offer the chance to exclusively preview Bill Kirk’s new exhibition which will be opened by well-known author Glenn Patterson.

Bangor is famous for its strong Mod culture so who better to represent the genre than the literary godfather of the subject and author of The Sharper Word, A Mod Anthology, Paolo Hewitt. Paolo will be in discussion with Northern Ireland’s own well-known Mod celebrity hairdresser Paul Stafford.

As always Young Aspects plays a major part in the Festival, Pauline Burgesse will be holding a writing workshop for all those potential authors, whilst the very successful Young Aspects Showcase Event will return to present writing from young people from around the Borough. The little ones will have plenty to look forward to with some Dr. Zeuss yoga and Young at Art presenting a not to be missed interactive experience.

For those whose years of Dr.Zeuss are well behind them need not worry, as agony aunt Virginia Ironside will be on hand to help, she is bound to raise a few laughs with her one woman show Growing Old Disgracefully.

For poetry lovers Damian Smyth and Nathaniel Mc Auley will be reading from their new collections or why not take the bull by the horns and participate in Bangor’s first ever poetry slam.

Without a doubt this is a Festival not to be missed. Mayor of North Down, Councillor Peter Martin commented: “With its eclectic mix of poetry and prose this Festival highlights the wealth of local literary talent in North Down and displays the cultural diversity of the area. It has something for the young and old alike”

Tickets and programmes are available at www.aspectsfestival.com, from the festival Box Office at North Down Museum (028 9127 1200) and from Bangor Tourist Information Office (028 9127 0069).