An extraordinary gathering of world-wide travel writers will be present in Lismore throughout the weekend, enthralling audiences with tales of their travels and adventures including Ireland's finest writers 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 the United Kingdom.
The main guest speaker events at this year's Immrama are just one element of a wider programme of events, with something for all ages and interests; whether it's writing, travelling, kayaking, walking, history, music, food or art - there's something there for everyone. Bernard Leddy, Chairman of the Immrama Organising Committee, is delighted with the variety and depth of this year's festival programme, "We are thrilled with the wide range of quality events we have in this year's Immrama programme. 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."
Festival goers young and old will have the opportunity to journey 'Along the Enchanted Way' with Travellers Past and Present' for the weekend. In addition to the adults having the opportunity to listen to fascinating tales from some of the most famous travel writers in the world, younger Festival goers will have the opportunity to compete for literary awards, participate in poetry workshops and to join in the traditional 'Free Family Fun Sunday' afternoon programme.
Free Family Fun Sunday involves a host of entertainment from 2pm courtesy of the 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 of Lismore.
A wealth of local writing talent will 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. On Friday, June 10 the inaugural Dervla Murphy Teenage Travel Writing Award will be presented at Lismore Library, in association with Waterford County Library Service.
In a unique approach to creative writing, the festival offers two different opportunities for budding writers to explore their creativity. Grace Wells will host a guided stroll to experience the beauty and history of Lismore followed by a writing workshop. Grace has being mentoring writers for a number of years and is currently undertaking a writer's mentoring programme for Waterford County Council and Artlinks. Writers with a desire to explore the potential for internet publication while refining their travel writing skills can avail of the Blogger's forum event with Rolf Potts and Manchán Magan on Saturday June 11.
Also on Saturday, June 11 The Molly Keane Writers Award take place at Lismore Library and on Sunday, June 12, at noon 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. Music lovers are in for a treat, when the Kidderminster Choir, conducted by Liam Brady, will perform at Lismore Cathedral on Saturday evening, in conjunction with the Dungarvan Brass Band. On Sunday, June 12 Eamon Maxwell of Lismore Castle Arts will a host a presentation on the 'Artist as Traveller', exploring how visual artists use the journey in their work.
A number of 'Fringe Events' will also take place throughout the weekend, including kayaking along the River Blackwater with Blackwater Boating in the company of Jasper Winn, author of Paddle: A Long Way around Ireland, on Sunday June 12, launching at Lady Louisa's Walk in Lismore and finishing at Tourin House and Gardens with a talk on his travels. For landlubbers who don't fancy a paddle in a canoe, Jasper Winn's talk will commence at 4.30pm in the Tea House, Tourin House. A Gregorian Mass will take place on Sunday morning at St Carthage's Catholic Church, and a Farmers Market will take place on Sunday morning at Lismore Castle Avenue.
The Immrama Festival of Travel Writing will be held in Lismore from June 9 to 12, 2011 and is generously supported by Fáilte Ireland, Waterford County Council, Eason Dungarvan, Waterford Airport and the Arts Council. Tickets and further information can be found on www.lismoreimmrama.com or by contacting 058 53803.
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