This year, Listowel Writers’ Week will celebrate its 47th annual festival and it will be held between Wednesday, May 30th and Sunday, June 3rd inclusive.
Featuring some of the world’s greatest writers, the festival events span five days and showcase the latest ideas in the arts and current affairs, alongside a rich schedule of music, theatre, comedy and entertainment for all ages.
Galaxy of Literary Stars
A galaxy of literary stars will gather to present new work and revisit old favourites.
The National Children’s Literary Festival Programme will feature a host of writers, storytellers and illustrators to give young readers and writers the opportunity to meet their heroes and get creative.
The festival will be opened by renowned poet Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill on Wednesday, May 30th 2018 at 8pm.
Cornucopia of Fantastic Events
“The programme this year really does reflect a cornucopia of fantastic events of interest to all readers and writers. I wish I had a Tardis so that I could attend everything on offer! I would urge our visitors to book promptly as I am confident that these events will be booked out early,” said Liz Dunn, chairperson of the festival.
In an age of communication that is increasingly characterised by abbreviated content, Listowel Writers’ Week promotes self-discovery through the long-form, immersive experience whilst offering opportunities for informed conversation and the chance for inspiration to take hold in the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of the heritage town of Listowel.
Festival Programme In Brief
Award-winning novelists who will discuss their work include: Edna O’Brien, Colm Tóibín, Margaret Drabble, Anthony Horowitz, Alex Preston, Eimear McBride, Ruth Fitzmaurice, Carlo Gébler, Jon McGregor, Louise O’Neill, Julie Parsons, Alex Barclay, Lidia Yuknavitch, Sally Rooney, Mary Morrissy, Rachael English, Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen.
Kerry Group Novelists
Shortlisted Kerry Group novelists Sally Rooney, Lisa Harding, Frank McGuinness, Bernard McLaverty and Paul Lynch will attend opening night at which one of them will walk away with the prize of €15,000.
Shortlisted Pigott Poetry Poets, Sinead Morrissey, Michael Longley and Colette Bryce will attend Opening Night at which one of them will receive the prize of €8,000
Ennis Book Club Event
Listowel Writers’ Week were much saddened to learn that the Ennis Book Club Festival was forced to completely cancel their festival this year due to Storm Emma and it was felt that, as a fellow festival, we should extend the hand of camaraderie and invite them to host one of their cancelled events during our own festival. As a result, we are thrilled to host a special Ennis Book Club Festival event featuring Sally Rooney and Mary Morrissy on the 31st May.
Importance of Poetry
Recognising the importance of poetry, events will take centre stage featuring Billy Collins, Michael Longley, Colette Bryce, Scarlett Sabet, Caoilinn Hughes, John O’Donnell, Mark Roper and Brian Kirk.
Conversations around Current Affairs and Irish politics will be facilitated by Vincent Browne, Katie Hannon, Michael O’Regan and Rachael English.
The past is to be reimagined and discussed by leading historians and writers including Cathriona Crowe, Fergal Keane, Ciara Breathnach, John Borgonovo and Adrian Dunbar
Rarely Seen John B Keane Plays
Health and wellbeing will feature with events hosted by Professor Ian Robertson and on Friday and Saturday, William Sieghart will bring his famous Poetry Pharmacy to the festival.
Lunchtime Theatre productions will include: Two of Clubs, Fruitcake, My Left Nut and two rarely seen John B Keane short plays, Pure of Heart and Backwater.
Evening Theatre includes: The Good Father; Unforgotten; After Sarah Miles and Rag Man.
A Morning Walk
There will be book launches from Caoilinn Hughes, John O’Donnell, Gabriel Fitzmaurice and James Finnegan.
Art Exhibitions will feature a major showing of current works by Pauline Bewick and illustrative works by Brenda Fitzmaurice
The festival will begin each day with a morning walk and each themed walk will take a different route around the heritage town of Listowel.
Many Free Events
There are many FREE events at Listowel Writers’ Week and these include Wild Voices at The Library in association with the Writer in Resident at Kerry County Council, Anne Marie Ní Churreáin, Poetry Corners, Literary Pub Trails, outdoor poetry readings, a Pop-Up Gaeltacht and a Cúirt Filíochta.
Tickets for all events are on sale on the http://writersweek.ie/festival-programme-2018
The Maine Valley Post has, is and always will be a free resource for the people of the locality and its wider diaspora. When we started in 2013, the intention was to be a weekly, online newsletter. Over time, the site has evolved into a much different beast with multiple updates on a daily basis.
Because of its nature as a digital publication, it brings with it certain expenses: computers and cameras that require updating and maintenance; internet hosting and access; to say nothing of the time and hard work that goes into the site. It all adds up…
Our online community has always been our greatest asset and a vocal supporter of the Maine Valley Post since day one.
Please take a moment to click on the link below to see how you can directly contribute to our continued growth and success. Thank you for taking the time……..John Reidy
