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The organisers of the first-ever Rath Literary Festival are thrilled with the enthusiastic turnout for their events at the weekend, celebrating literature, history, poetry and the musical arts. The festival ran from 6-8 June in the County Down town.
who performed in Chandler’s House at the Rath Literary Festival in Rathfriland.
Included from left are: Andy Peters, Tony Macauley, Catherine Fegan, Duke Special,
Ada Elliott and Margot Groves.
Expressing her delight Margot Groves, one of the festival’s organisers said: "People came from not only local townlands surrounding Rathfriland but Belfast, Dungannon, Dublin, and even Tipperary! There was a terrific atmosphere, and audiences were inspired, entertained, educated, and enlightened by both our local history and the presentations of contributors from further afield."
A standout moment of the festival was the special opening of Drumballyroney Church and the Brontë Interpretive Centre on Sunday, courtesy of the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. This rare opportunity to explore these historic sites was an important milestone for the festival’s mission. Despite the inclement weather, spirits remained high, reinforcing the importance of celebrating the area’s connection to the Brontë family.
Linda McKenna (standing) and seated Milena Williamson and Emma McKervey.
The festival also featured a vibrant line-up of authors, artists, and musicians, including Maggie Doyle with Dr Linley Hamilton and his jazz quartet, Linda McKenna, Emma McKervey, Kelly Creighton and Melina Williamson (Femina Culpa), Whiskey Before Breakfast, Anne Harper, Tony Macaulay, Duke Special, Shelagh Henry, Uel Wright, Martina Devlin, Pauline Vallance and Jacynth Hamill.
The event was a collaborative effort between Rathfriland WI, Rathfriland & District Regeneration Company, and Hilltown Community Association, with support from the Northern Ireland National Lottery Community Fund and the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
Drumballyroney Church at Rath Literary Festival.
Festival organisers are already looking ahead to next year, planning to once again bring together voices from the written, spoken and musical arts.
For updates on future events, follow Rath Literary Festival on Facebook.
