All roads lead to Longford for second Granard Booktown Festival
Visitors from across the globe will flock to the town to enjoy a packed programme of events over three days
This weekend Granard assumes the role of a literary hub as it hosts its second Booktown Festival.
Visitors from across the globe will flock to the town to enjoy a packed programme of events over three days.
“We are really looking forward to the festival this weekend,” organiser John Connell told the Leader.
He enthused, “All roads lead to Granard from April 19 to 21. Although a number of the Booktown events are already sold out, we still have tickets available for many of our great offerings.”
Granard Booktown Festival encourages book lovers to visit the town and share in the written arts. The festival provides cultural amenities throughout the town, creating a wellspring of literary creation.
“We are looking forward to the contribution of our first artist in residence, Noel Monahan. Our Friday night headliner takes place in the library. This will see Sinead Gleeson discussing her new book Hagstone,” John outlined.
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Inspired by the global Booktown movement, Granard's literary get-together sees the town dedicated itself to books, literature, and the arts for three glorious days.
John says there is great interest in the festival: “Other highlights include Ciaran Murphy (of Second Captains) in conversation with Longford's own Mickey Quinn and the famous North American writer Patrick DeWitt, as well as chef Gary O'Hanlon talking with RTE's Ella McSweeney.
“We have Booker Prize winner Paul Lynch and the BBC's Fergal Keane. We have something for everyone this weekend. There will be live music in the town and a warm welcome for everyone.”
Granard is the first Irish town to organise a Booktown Festival.
The festival brings speakers, writers and artists to the town from Friday April 19 to Sunday April 21.