Aspects Festival Returns Next Week with a Packed Programme of Writers, Poetry and Performance
The countdown is on to Aspects Festival, which begins next week and will once again bring readers, writers and literary enthusiasts to Bangor. From 23th September to 4th October, audiences can enjoy a diverse programme of author talks, poetry, performances, workshops and events at venues across the city.
A major highlight of this year’s festival is Bangor’s participation in A Poet in Every Port, a flagship project marking the 75th anniversary of London’s Southbank Centre.
The initiative is bringing a travelling selection from the world’s largest public collection of modern poetry to 11 coastal locations across the UK, with Bangor serving as the final stop on the tour. Over five days, the festival will host readings, workshops and creative events celebrating poetry, place and community.
On Wednesday 23 September, the programme begins with a reading by Amy Louise Wyatt and Denisa Hasieberova, two poets selected as part of Southbank Centre’s New Poets Collective initiative, which nurtures emerging voices in each location visited by the tour.
The centrepiece of the programme takes place on Saturday 26th September, when the mobile National Poetry Library arrives in Ward Park for a free day of poetry-themed activities.
Visitors can enjoy a poetry treasure hunt, opportunities to create original poems, performances on a mini-stage and an open mic session, with additional activities taking place nearby at Seacourt Print Workshop.
The event offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s most significant collections of modern poetry while taking part in a day designed to make poetry accessible, engaging and fun for all ages.
Aspects Festival Director Patricia Hamilton said: “Aspects Festival has always been about bringing people together through a shared love of stories, ideas and creativity.
“We are delighted to welcome audiences back for another exciting programme and especially proud to be part of Southbank Centre’s A Poet in Every Port. Having part of the National Poetry Library visit Bangor is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to engage with poetry in a fresh and accessible way, while also showcasing the strength of our own local literary community.
“Whether you’re a lifelong festival supporter or planning your first visit, there’s something in this year’s programme for everyone.”
Alongside its strong poetry offering, the festival features an impressive line-up of writers including Jan Carson, David Park and Alistair Moffat, with events exploring fiction, history, memoir, theatre and contemporary culture.
On Monday 28th September, illustrator Neal McCullough will share the extraordinary story behind How to Create the Craziest Pop-Up Book!, a remarkable Hollywood commission celebrating songwriter Allee Willis, her legendary pink home and the famous friends and collaborators who passed through its doors.
In conversation with Andi Jarvis, McCullough will explore the creative challenges and larger-than-life stories behind what he describes as the craziest book he has ever created.
Poetry lovers are also invited to attend Blue Moon, Fierce Sun on Thursday 24th September, which brings together acclaimed Ards Peninsula poets Moyra Donaldson, Deirdre Cartmill and Stephanie Conn.
Through readings from their latest collections, the three poets will explore themes of memory, identity, landscape, grief, resilience and hope.
For those with an interest in theatre and cultural history, A Better Locksmith with Jane Coyle on Thursday 1st October offers a fascinating journey through four decades of theatre in Northern Ireland.
Joined by acclaimed theatre director David Grant, with readings from actors Ruairi Conaghan and Caitriona Hinds, Coyle will reflect on the artists, productions and creative voices that have shaped the region’s vibrant theatre scene.
With free events, workshops, performances and conversations taking place throughout the festival, Aspects continues to offer opportunities for audiences of all ages to connect with writers, discover new perspectives and celebrate the power of words.
Full programme information and tickets are available at AspectsFestival.com.
- Aspects Festival runs from 23 September to 4 October 2026 at various venues around Bangor.
- A Poet in Every Port is a Southbank Centre project marking the organisation’s 75th anniversary and will visit 11 coastal locations across the UK, with Bangor as the final stop.
- The National Mobile Poetry Library will visit Ward Park, Bangor, on Saturday 26th September from 10am to 5pm.
- For more information on A Poet in Every Port, visit: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/create-learn/talent-artist-development/a-poet-in-every-port/
