World War I anniversary to be marked at Hay Festival
Former US President, Bill Clinton called Hay “ The Woodstock of the mind ”. Broadcaster Jeremy Paxman, Writer, Joseph O’ Connor and Jung Chang, author of Wild Swanswill all be at the Hay Festival in Kells 3-6 July 2014. The original Hay Festival started 27 years ago in of Hay-on-Wye in Wales. It gathers people together to think about the world as it is and to imagine how it could be. Stories and ideas are shared with great international writers and thinkers, film-makers, historians and novelists, philosophers, environmentalists, poets and scientists. At night everyone parties with musicians and comedians and other interesting folk.The wonderful concept of Hay is re-created in towns and cities throughout the world and Kells has the privilege of hosting the festival for the second year in a row.
Historian and broadcaster, Myles Dungan, who is from Kells is one of the key people behind the event. “There is something for everyone, young and old at this year’s event ,”says Myles. “Literature, poetry, plays, films and food. Not forgetting songs and stories, which comes in the form of the delightful live performance of Its a Lovely War, songs and stories from the Great War including songs such as Its a long way to Tipperary and The Green Fields of France”. Myles acts as MC for this event which is sponsored by Sheridan Insurances.
Other festival highlights include Louis de Bernières, author of Captain Corelli's Mandolin, poet Rosita Boland, and Anthony Summers and Robbyn Swan, co-authors of the Pulitzer Prize nominated The Full Story of 9/11 and Osama Bin Laden. Young audiences will enjoy writers Darren Shan and Judi Curtin and the animated film Moon Man. There will be many interesting and diverse talks with speakers such as sportsman Sean Boylan, Professor David Reynolds on WWI and Senator Susan O'Keeffe.
There are also Irish language and musical events; A Food Village with cookery demonstrations and tastings, as well as children’s cookery workshops, locally produced artisan food stalls and talks. These will be attended by many renowned foodies including Richard Corrigan of Virginia Park Lodge, Sally McKenna of the McKenna Guides, Rory O’Connell of Ballymaloe Cookery School, organic chef Evan Doyle of Brooklodge. So for books, film, song, food and fun, hit Hay. To win two free tickets to It’s a lovely War, check out Sheridan Insurances Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sheridaninsurances.
Tickets for events can be purchased online at www.haysfestivalkells or in Kells by visiting or calling Kells Chamber Office (Carrick Street) – 046 924 0055. Opening Hours: 9.30am to 5pm. Tickets are also available at Antonia's Bookstore, Trim – 046 943 7532.