Laois Leaves Festival of Writing and Music launch
Councill officials, public representatives and organisers at the historic Rock of Dunamase for the launch of this year's Leaves Festival of Writing and Music
LEAVES Festival of Writing and Music returns to Laois from 5-7 November.
This year’s event brings three full days of talks, workshops and performances to venues throughout the county.
Among the events this year there is bestselling Aisling series authors Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen in conversation.
The One County One Book is the compelling The Boy from the Sea and author Garrett Carr will take part in a number of events, including a conversation with debut novelist Neil Tully, author of The Visit.
Other events taking place include Dublin author Dermot Bolger in conversation with Carlo Gébler and a special evening marking Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union will be celebrated in the company of international author Nina George, alongside Irish writer Hugo Hamilton.
The organisers are also delighted to welcome musical artist and singer Méav to ‘Leaves’ with her own unique blend of traditional Irish, classical and folk songs.
For rock music fans, Dónal Gallagher will discuss the new biography of his brother Rory with Ann Marie Kelly.
As always, there will be a showcase of homegrown Laois talent, with Portlaoise born novelist Helen Cullen taking centre stage across the weekend and renowned Laois harpist Tríona Marshall.
Thursday 5 November Portlaoise library, 6.30pm: Sarah Breen and Emer McLysaght in conversation with Sinéad Cuddihy about their latest novel Our Deadly Summer.
Friday 6 November, 11am, Mountmellick library: award-winning bestselling novelists Faith Hogan and Ruth O’Leary in conversation with comedy writer and comedian Val Troy (panel moderator); 6pm, upstairs in Kavanagh's, 28 Main Street, Portlaoise, Dónal Gallagher, author of Edged in Blue: A Rock ‘N’ Roll Odyssey with Rory Gallagher in conversation with Ann Marie Kelly; 8pm, Dunamaise Arts Centre, authors Garrett Carr (The Boy from the Sea) and Neil Tully (The Visit) will partake in lively conversation about their work with arts journalist Helena Mulkerns. To start the evening’s programme, we are delighted to be joined by singer, musician and songwriter Méav, who will be accompanied by a full band.
Saturday 7 November, Portarlington library, 11am: award-winning author Louise Nealon joins us for a special event exploring her acclaimed novels Snowflake and Everything That Is Beautiful in conversation with Helen Carroll; Portlaoise library, 11am: Tales of Little Irish History Heroes, stories and crafts with Niamh Donnellan; 1pm, Dunamaise Arts Centre, Translating Ireland, director of Literature Ireland Sinéad Mac Aodha in conversation with Helen Cullen; 4pm, Dunamaise Arts Centre: WeAreGriot presents Turf Speak, a Laois poetry showcase with Dagogo Hart, FELISPEAKS, Snizhana Rauth, Jessica Witek, Tara Phelan and Catherine Graham; 6.30pm, St Peter’s Church of Ireland, in conversation: No One Tells You â The Last Years of Edna O’Brien, Dermot Bolger with Carlo Gebler; 6.30-8.30pm, St Peter’s Church of Ireland, a celebration of European literature with Helen Cullen, Nina George and Hugo Hamilton, music by Tríona Marshall.
For tickets or to check out the full programme of events, see www.leavesfestival.ie, www.dunamaise.ie. Tickets can also be booked directly from the Dunamaise box office on 057 8663355 and from the Laois Libraries booking page.
