Athlone Literary Festival launched amidst a riot of colour

One of the midlands' most significant cultural events, the Athlone Literary Festival, will take place later this month. The festival was officially launched last weekend by Mayor of Athlone Cllr Mark Cooney at a ceremony in Athlone's historic castle. To take place from Friday, September 25 to Sunday, September 27, a packed festival programme features prose, debate, poetry, workshops and readings. Among those taking part in this year's festival are writer Dermot Bolger, human rights activist Colm O'Gorman and business journalist Brendan Keenan. Chairman of the Athlone Literary Festival Jarlath Duffy said the hard-working committee had devised a programme which would provide something to attract all those with an interest in literature, debate and the arts. Encouraging the people of the midlands to browse the festival's programme, Mr Duffy said: "We feel we have compiled a diverse, and we hope, intriguing and stimulating array of events." Launching the festival, Cllr Mark Cooney praised those involved in fanning the flames of arts and culture in the midlands. Cllr Cooney said Athlone Town Council was more than happy to support the Athlone Literary Festival, which had become an annual fixture in the region's cultural calendar. Even when funding was in short supply, he said there was a need for local authorities to continue to support events such as the Athlone Literary Festival. First established in 1999 as the John Broderick Weekend, the festival broadened its horizons in 2003 and is now in its seventh year in its current incarnation. The festival launch was preceded by the colourful spectacle of a parade across Athlone's town bridge featuring The Ravens Marching Band, who later performed in front of Athlone Castle to the enjoyment of onlookers. Also speaking at the launch, Grace Brennan, a lifelong devotee of the arts in the midlands, highlighted the value of the arts in a healthy and functioning society. She referred to the various poetry events hosted during the festival and encouraged budding poets to attend the open forum evening on Saturday morning. The festival committee is indebted to its sponsors Westmeath County Council, Athlone Town Council, Foras Eireann, Prince of Wales Hotel, Double LM and Athlone Promoting Workplace Equality. The festival programme can be obtained by visiting www.athlone.ie/literaryfestival There is a small admission fee to most programme items. A weekend pass can be purchsed for €55/€35 concessions. Enquiries and bookings to athloneliterary@gmail.com or to 090 6498838. Bookings may also be made at The Prince of Wales Hotel on the festival weekend. However, patrons are advised that some events may book out in advance.