Letterkenny’s Literary Festival: It’s bigger and better than ever

IT’S all systems go for Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter’s annual Literary Festival which runs from Thursday, October 17 until Sunday, October 20.

One of the event organisers, Donnan Harvey, said the event promises to be bigger and better than ever’.

He said the festival has grown year-on-year, and if it keeps moving in the right direction it could soon be one of the top literary festivals in the country.

It all gets underway at 6.30pm on Thursday, October 17 when Letterkenny Central Library hosts an intercultural evening with performances from the New Land Choir, poetry and music from various Polish artists, and readings from the Raphoe Diamond writers with Celine McGlynn. It’s free and everyone is welcome.

The official opening will take place the following day when well-known author, journalist and broadcaster, Kathy Donaghy will do the honours.

Kathy’s recent book, ‘Finding My Wild’, was published to huge critical acclaim, and her talk will focus on the themes explored in it, the influence of the homeplace, writing, and the power of words and books to change lives. Again it’s a free event, and it will be taking place at the Donegal County Museum at 7.30pm on Friday.

Earlier in the day, at 9.30am, the connection between the literary giant that was John Steinbeck and the North West of Ireland will be explored.

The talk will be given by Douglas Barrett on the author’s connection with Limavady’s Roe Valley.

And the talk will be followed by a screening of the famous film, Of Mice and Men, which was based on the author’s book of the same name. This screening will be at the Century Cinemas Complex.

One of the highlights of the festival is the Flash Fiction competition.

Here new authors who have been shortlisted are invited along to the prize winners evening.

This will serve as a platform for writers to get their voices heard.

Donnan said: “The standard this year has been superb and we would urge people to come along and support our young talent. The more we encourage new writing and new writers the richer the arts scene in our community will be.”

Although this is only a few of the wonderful events planned, those who want full details are encouraged to check the Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Literary Festival’s website or contact Donnan on 086 3452457.

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