Aspects 2017 is getting set to open in Bangor and arts lovers from around the area will once again be looking forward to a great ten days of a very exciting programme of events.
With bestselling authors, poetry, music, resources for writers, theatre, history and family events, Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Aspects Festival 2017 has a packed programme which celebrates every aspect of Irish writing.
Taking place from 14–24 September at various locations around Bangor, the eclectic line-up has something for everyone.
Frank McGuinness, playwright, writer, poet, novelist and librettist will be at Bangor Castle on Friday, 15 September at 7pm where he will discuss his life, works and inspirations with BBC’s Marie-Louise Muir.
The unique event will have an extra special element as Four Men and a Dog’s Kevin Doherty will perform some of the music he wrote for Frank’s play Donegal after the interview.
Aspects is delighted to present best-selling author and actress Carol Drinkwater to this year’s Festival. Loved by many for her role as Helen in All Creature’s Great and Small, Carol will be discussing her new work of fiction The Lost Girl at North Down Museum on Friday 22 September at 6pm.
Poetry lovers are in for a treat too with plenty of poetry events featuring on this year’s programme. Donaghadee native, poet Rachel McCrum will be at North Down Museum on Wednesday, 20 September at 8.30pm. Rachel who was the inaugural poet in residence for BBC Scotland in 2015 will be reading from her latest work The First Blast to Awaken Women Degenerate. Peter Fallon, poet, publisher and founder of The Gallery Press will also be at North Down Museum on Wednesday 20 September at 7pm. Recognised as the foremost Irish publisher of poetry, Peter’s experience and knowledge is immense, this event is not to be missed by poets seeking to have work published.
For all the family, Stephen Beggs will perform My Father’s Chair at Studio 1A on Saturday 16 September at 4pm. This performance will explore the nature of fatherhood, exploring what it’s like to be a dad, have a dad and the relationship between children and their fathers. This funny and emotional journey will touch and entertain the audience. Age guidance 6 years +.
Young readers are invited to come along to North Down Museum on Saturday 16 September for workshops with Myra Zepf – Children’s Writing Fellow for Northern Ireland. The first workshop for children aged 4 – 6 will be a lively, interactive session based on Myra’s book Don’t Go To School! The second workshop at 2pm for children ages 7+ will revolve around story-making. There will be no pens and no paper but an epic brain-storm sparked by creative props!
Join the incredibly talented Joshua Burnside on Saturday 23 September at The Chamber, Bangor Castle for a magical evening of live music. Recently described by The Irish Times as ‘Rumbling, brooding, powerful and magnetic,’ Joshua’s unique folk textures and melodies mesmerise audiences wherever he goes.
Other Festival highlights include Neil Shawcross’ Penguin Book Cover exhibition at Bangor Carnegie Library from 4 to 30 September and author Kelly Creighton will launch her short-story collection Bank Holiday Hurricane with Bernie McGill at North Down Museum on Sunday 24 September at 6pm.
Speaking about the Festival, Arts Officer Patricia Hamilton said: “I am really excited about this years’ festival! It is packed with incredible local writing talent alongside writing royalty.
“There are interviews, readings and opportunities to ask your favourite writers a burning question. There are also performance, drama, visual art and workshop events for all ages, all celebrating writing in its broadest form.”
For more information on the full programme and to book tickets, visit:
or phone 028 9127 1200.
