Literary Festival to launch this week
Book lovers will be flocking to the South East this Valentine’s week for the launch of the Wexford Literary Festival, which takes place this year from May 19-May 21. Since it was set up in Enniscorthy four years ago, the festival has established itself as a significant fixture in the country’s literary scene. This year’s line-up is further testament to its success, with speakers and judges including writers Donal Ryan, Alex Barclay, Sinead Moriarty and Shane Hegarty, and Sunday Independent literary editor Madeleine Keane. The launch of Wexford Literary Festival takes place this Thursday, February 16 at Enniscorthy Castle at 8pm and the festival is extending a warm invitation to all to attend. As well as music from harpist Sarah Flynn Mechan and discussion, the launch will offer details of this year’s literary prizes, including the Children’s Book Trailer Award, the Wexford Literary Festival One-Act Play Competition, the Colm Tóibín International Short Story Award and The Wexford Literary Festival International Poetry Award. Sponsors include Baker Tilly Hughes Blake, Kinsella Fish, Wexford County Council, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and Zaeire Artisan Chocolates, while Alan Corcoran, of South East Radio, will be officially launching the festival. Author Carmel Harrington, chairperson of Wexford Literary Festival, said: “Over the past four years, our festival has grown into a vibrant event that connects, inspires and informs writers and readers of all ages. In addition to a packed weekend of author talks and panel discussions, we are launching four awards, with a prize fund of €2,700. The team behind Wexford Literary Festival have worked hard to ensure that this year is once again friendly, fun and a celebration of books, with events for all ages.” Paddy Kavanagh, chairman of Wexford County Council, added: “I’ve watched the Wexford Literary Festival evolve over the past four years with great interest. Their objective is to celebrate the wealth of literary talent that Wexford and Ireland holds and to support emerging writers in their own creative path. It’s impressive that already Wexford Literary Festival has played a role in connecting writers with agents and publishing houses. And a number of writers who attended the festival have now gone onto secure book deals. Wexford County Council are delighted to support the festival and look forward to the programme of events this year.” A presentation of €1,000 will also be made on the night to the Alzheimers Society proceeds from the sale of the Wexford Literary Festival Anthology From Wexford With Love. For further details and to buy tickets for this year’s festival (including day, weekend and concession packages), please see wexfordliteraryfestival.com.