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Rathfriland will be the destination for some of the island of Ireland's and Scotland’s best literary and musical talent next month, as they take part in the first ever Rath Literary Festival.
Running from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 June, an array of events will take place bringing some well known names to the town on the hill in County Down.
Femina Culpa is a poetry collective bringing together four poets based in County Down and Belfast, Emma McKervey, Milena Williamson, Linda McKenna and Kelly Creighton. Their most recent poetry collections have all been inspired by the stories of nineteenth century women who were caught up in the criminal justice system or who were victims of crime. Their work has been based on archival research and seeks to uncover the voices of these women through poetry.
Belfast author Tony Macauley and internationally renowned Duke Special, will be providing a special evening on Saturday. Dr Tony Macaulay is an author, peacebuilder and broadcaster. His memoirs of growing up in Belfast during the Troubles. Paperboy, Breadboy and All Growed Up have been adapted into hit musicals at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Ulster University for services to literature and peacebuilding at home and abroad.
Duke Special has released 14 albums and EPs, toured all over the world and has been involved in a diverse array of other projects, including writing the music for London’s National Theatre. He was also commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to write a series of original songs making him an artist stateside.
Dublin based novelist Martina Devlin will be in conversation discussing ‘Charlotte Brontë in Ireland' delving into the life of the eldest Brontë sister. Martina, author and newspaper columnist, has written nine novels, and in her latest novel Charlotte, she explores Charlotte Brontë's life and her strong Irish connections and will be discussing what impact they had on her life, fiction and how she is remembered. She will also talk about the inspiration for the novel and her research into the life and character of Charlotte Brontë.
Scottish singer and songwriter Pauline Vallance and Jacynth Hamill are the final act in the festival bringing their show, an imagining of the Brontë Sisters coping with the chaos of the Edinburgh Fringe. It covers three visits - one with the three sisters when they are unknown, the second with Charlotte on her own after her devastating losses, but dealing with celebrity and the third, travelling with her new husband. It features original songs and follows the actual arc of their lives, though in a modern setting. Pauline who hails from Ayrshire in Scotland with family links to Rathfriland whilst Jacynth, originally from Coleraine, lives in Belfast.
Coupled with the exceptional local talent who call Rathfriland their ‘home’ this first ever Rath Literary Festival is proving very popular not only in the local area but further afield.
Events will be taking place in Chandler’s House and the old Belfast Bank in Rathfriland Square and on Sunday will move to the historic, atmospheric and unique schoolhouse and church where Patrick Brontë was Minister. Set on a hill with uninterrupted views of the Mournes, this is the perfect location to soak up the history and reflect on the Brontë family’s connection to Rathfriland.
Visit the Festival’s TicketSource website to view full details and prices of all events www.ticketsource.co.uk or email your selection to rathliteraryfestival@gmail.com
Alternatively contact Ada Elliott on 07803 598801 who can take your booking personally. We advise people to book early as due to the event spaces, numbers are restricted.
The Rath Literary Festival is being organised by Rathfriland WI, Rathfriland & District Regeneration Company and Hilltown Community Association with the support of the Rathfriland WI’s National Community Lottery Fund grant and Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Council.
You can follow developments via the Rath Literary Festival Facebook page at www.facebook.com
