Impressive line up for citys book festival includes Derek Mahon tribute

Derek Mahon: The festival will host a tribute to the Kinsale-based poet

THE Cork World Book Fest takes place at the Cork City Library and Triskel Arts Centre later this month.

The line-up is impressive, with visits from Joseph O’Neill and Paul Durcan, among others. Taking place from April 21st-25th events include readings from graphic novels and ‘speed dating with books’ to storytelling and workshops. Cllr Mary Shields, Lord Mayor of Cork, will officially open the festival at 7pm on Tuesday April 21st, at the City Library. The opening event is A Tribute to Derek Mahon, the acclaimed Belfast poet, now residing in Kinsale.

‘One of the most significant aspects of the fest is introducing international writers who are relatively unknown to Ireland,’ says Cork City Librarian Liam Ronayne.

Canadian best-selling authors Lauren B Davis and Charles Foran will discuss their latest novels on Saturday at Triskel. At the library here are two international events. The Poets of Bologna features Gruppo 77 in their first appearance outside Italy and later on Nit català sees academic Peter Bush reading from his translations of several Catalan works.

Galway’s Lisa McInerney and Belfast writer Paul McVeigh share the First Novels double bill on Thursday night. Friday features concentration camp survivor Tomi Reichenthal in discussion with Evelyn Conlon, whose new novel is based on the lives of 19th century famine orphan Irish girls shipped to Australia.

Under the banner of ‘The Best Banned in the Land’ the City Library hosts a range of events on censorship and banning of books. There will be discussions with writer Jack Harte and PEN International’s Sarah Clarke, an exhibition of banned books which runs throughout the festival, as well as documentaries on the life and work of Frank O’Connor. Cork Community Artlink will present artwork in response to this theme.

‘Reaching out to younger generations plays a central role in the fest,’ says Roynane, ‘and also brings about some of our most exciting content.’ Teen Day on Wednesday has speed dating with books, an open mic showcase and a film evening. On the Saturday, the Grand Parade will be a hive of activity with book stalls, marquees, art, story telling for younger children and great family fun. The UCC Literary journal ‘Quarryman’ has been revived by UCC’s inaugural MA in Creative Writing group.

The first edition launches as the closing event for this year’s festival, with special guest Mary Morrissy.