Life

Plenty on the menu at seaside book fest

The First World War, mods, poetry, food and photography are all coveróed in the 23rd Aspects literary festival in Bangor, writes Brian Campbell

FORMER politician Martin Bell, journalist Fergal Keane, actor Ian McElhinney, comedian Michael Smiley and acclaimed novelists Sheena Wilkinson and David Park (pictured, far right) are just some of the names confirmed for this year's Aspects Irish Literature festival in Bangor, Co Down.

The festival was launched on Tuesday at the Curve Gallery in Bangor's Carnegie Library and it runs this year from September 25 to 28.

Reflecting on the centenary of the First World War, Aspects will take a look at war through modern day eyes.

Martin Bell and Fergal Keane will offer audiences an insight into the impact a career in reporting on conflict can have.

Broadcaster Gerry Kelly will be interviewing Falklands War veteran Simon Weston, while Sheena Wilkinson will be reading from her book The Great War. Holywood-born actor and comedian Michael Smiley will take a trip down memory lane as he revisits his series Something to Ride Home About.

Co Down photographer Bill Kirk's new exhibition will be opened by author Glenn Patterson, while poetry - with Damian Smyth and Nathaniel McAuley on the bill, as well as a poetry slam - features heavily.

Mod culture will be discussed by Paolo Hewitt, author of The Sharper Word, A Mod Anthology. Hewitt will appear in conversation with one of Northern Ireland's most prominent mods - hairdresser Paul Stafford.

Pauline Burgesse will host a writing workshop for young budding authors, while the Young Aspects Showcase Event will also return, featuring writing from secondary school pupils from Bangor and the surrounding area.

For those of an older vintage, agony aunt Virginia Ironside will be out for laughs with her one-woman show Growing Old Disgracefully, while foodies should sign up for Paula McIntyre's 'Food From Down' event at lunchtime on the last day of the festival (Sunday September 28).

Other highlights of this year's programme include Bernie McGill reading from her collection of short stories (Sleepwalkers), Tony Macaulay reading from his novel All Growed Up, Tara West, Alf McCreary, Rebecca Reid, a screening of A Hard Day's Night (above, right) and the Aspects Book Club's take on Jan Carson's novel Malcolm Orange Disappears. One of the most popular events should be a staging of John Wilson Foster's play A Better Boy, acted by Game of Thrones star Ian McElhinney.

The play goes back to 1917 and concerns William J Pirrie, chairman of Harland & Wolff, who discusses his nephew Tommie Andrews - chief designer of the ill-fated Titanic.

Councillor Peter Martin, Mayor of North Down, said he was hugely impressed by the line-up for Aspects this year. "With its eclectic mix of poetry and prose, this year's festival highlights the wealth of local literary talent here and displays the cultural diversity of the area. The programme has something for the young and old alike," he said.

* The 23rd Aspects Irish Literature festival runs in Bangor from September 25 to 28. For information and tickets, visit AspectsFestival.com or call 028 9127 1200 or 028 9127 0069.

* ALL ASPECTS COVERED: Comedienne Nuala McKeever joins author Sheena Wilkinson and actor Ian McElhinney to launch this year's Aspects literary festival in Bangor