Toibin to head Lismore festival
Multi award winning author Colm Tóibín is just one of the world-renowned writers who will appear at the 15th annual Immrama Festival of Travel Writing in Lismore, Co Waterford this June.
Taking place from June 15 to June 18 the theme of this year’s festival is ‘Emigration, Exile and Slavery’.
In addition to Toibin’s appearance there will also be talks by humanitarian and author Terry Waite CBE, journalist and author Des Ekin, writer and documentary maker Tom Feiling and adventurer and author Andre P. Sykes
Speaking at the launch of the 2017 festival programme Mayor of Waterford Councillor Adam Wyse, said: ‘It is an honour to launch the 15th annual Immrama Festival of Travel Writing programme, the theme of the 2017 festival ‘Emigration, Exile and Slavery’ sadly reflect issues which are as relevant today as they were during the era of Colm Tóibín’s ‘Brooklyn’ and Des Ekin’s ‘ The Stolen Village’ of the 1600’s.
‘ The Immrama festival is always brave and topical in the development of its themes; continually proving to be innovative in its programming. It is this type of approach which has proven hugely successful for the festival ensuring that each June, Lismore in a hub for international tourism.’
Colm Tóibín who is one of the keynote speakers will take to the stage in the heritage town of Lismore on Saturday, June 17. Tóibín is the author of eight novels including Blackwater Lightship, The Master and The Testament of Mary, all three of which were nominated for the Booker Prize, with The Master also winning the IMPAC Award, and Brooklyn, which won the Costa Novel Award. He has also published two collections of stories and many works of non-fiction. His most recent novel is Nora Webster.
Joining Colm as a keynote on June 17 is Terry Waite CBE. 30 years ago this year Terry was taken hostage in Lebanon and kept in captivity for almost five years. T
The travel writing festival is also hosting a young travel writer’s competition and stu- dents are now invited to write an 800-word short story about their favourite air journey and where it took them. The closing date for entries is May 20 and submissions can be made via www.lismoreimmrama.com/studentcompetition
On the final day of the festival ‘Family Fun Sunday’ will take place at the Millennium Park, the Lismore Farmers Market will be on the castle avenue plus a Sunday evening event with focus on sport and travel is set to take place.
Full details of the festival programme and for event tickets for the Immrama Lismore Festival of Travel Writing 2017 see www.lismoreimmrama.com or call (058) 53803.