Aspects Festival 2023: Programme Unveiled!

The Mayor and Maggie Doyle at Aspects Launch

This year’s Aspects Festival is happening from 27 September to 7 October when an array of writers, poets and literature fans will be making their way to Bangor to celebrate the very best of Irish writing. Hosted by Ards and North Down Borough Council, Aspects is now in its 32nd year, making it Northern Ireland’s longest running literature festival.

Aspects Festival has long been committed to promoting Irish writing from established, well-known authors, as well as nurturing local and emerging talent. This year’s festival upholds that tradition, with a diverse range of events celebrating poetry, politics, memoir and history. The programme features a plethora of offerings across all genres of literature including book launches, new writing and engaging discussions.

Among the Festival highlights are three captivating memoirs from Judith Mok, Bill Whelan of Riverdance fame and Lady Mary Peters who will share their experiences and take audiences on their journeys. The Festival Club at the Imperial Bar makes a welcome return as well as the Book Club, taking place in The Courthouse and the popular Poetry Slam, along with workshops and an exhibition by artist Mark Ainsworth in Bangor Library.

Bangor’s Ghost: A Love Letter to the Town is a very special film event taking place at Bangor Abbey. Produced and directed by Rachel McCarthy, the film explores the history and mythologies of Bangor’s ghosts and stories associated with them, all told by local artists.

Author Maggie Doyle will be using her book Mountain Notes, A Nature Diary as inspiration for a special nature walk along Bangor’s Coastal Path. This unique event will include sketching, reading and stories in the great outdoors. Maggie will also join the Nature Writing event later the same day with Gráinne Lyons and Kerri Ní Dochartaigh as they discuss their books which include themes of nature, memoir and identity.

The wonderful Clandeboye Reading party is back this year, exploring the theme of Childhood and Children’s Culture. This unique project brings together a wonderful partnership between Clandeboye Estate, Queen's University Belfast, Trinity College Dublin and Aspects Festival. Professor Jane Olyhmere will also be discussing her new book and Harry Mount, the late Lady Dufferin’s godson, will be presenting The Last Marchioness a tribute to Lindy’s life.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour commented: “Aspects Festival takes pride in being one of the longest-running literature festivals in Ireland and Council are delighted to host it each year. With its diverse and exciting programme, offering something for everyone, I would encourage everyone to explore the programme, book your tickets and join us in this celebration of reading and writing.”

The full programme and tickets will be available on the Aspects website from Thursday 10 August: aspectsfestival.com

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