Traveller tales to thrill at festival

TRAVEL writing is the main item on the agenda for next month’s Immrama Festival in Co Waterford but organisers yesterday announced a wider programme of events to include walking, kayaking, history, music, food and art.

A list of family-friendly items is on the menu for the festival in Lismore which runs from Thursday, June 9 to Sunday, June 12, aimed at having something of interest for all age groups.

Worldwide travel writers will be in Lismore throughout the weekend, enthralling audiences with tales of their travels including award-winners Conor O’Clery and Theo Dorgan, as well as Rolf Potts from the USA and Sara Wheeler, Alex von Tunzelmann, Anthony Sattin and William Blacker from Britain.

But the main speaker events are just one element of a wider programme of events, according to organising committee chairman Bernard Leddy.

“We believe that there is something for everyone and we look forward to welcoming people from near and far to Lismore to celebrate this wonderful event with us,” he said yesterday.

In addition to the adults having the opportunity to listen to travel stories, younger festival-goers can compete for literary awards, participate in poetry workshops and join in the traditional Free Family Fun Sunday afternoon programme.

This involves a host of entertainment from 2pm on the Sunday, courtesy of Wobbly Circus and with live music by Loudest Whisper. Events include stilt-walking, face painting, music, dance and storytelling all in the Millennium Park in the picturesque heritage town.

A wealth of local writing talent will also be celebrated at the festival opening on Thursday, June 9, with author readings and the launch of new publications by writers Paul Clements, Áine Uí Fhoghlú, Alan Murphy and David Monagan at Lismore Castle.

The inaugural Dervla Murphy Teenage Travel Writing Award will be presented at Lismore Library the following day, in association with Waterford County Library Service.

The Molly Keane Writers’ Award takes place at Lismore Library on Saturday, June 11 and, on Sunday, June 12, former county librarian and historian Donald Brady will host a free presentation at the Courthouse Theatre on William Deane- Tanner of Belleville Park, Cappoquin alias William Desmond Taylor: Hollywood actor, renowned silent-film director and murder victim.

“Fringe” events will also take place throughout the weekend, including kayaking along the river Blackwater, walking events, talks, concerts and a farmers’ market.

* For more information visit www.lismoreimmrama.com