Media pundits for July"s Swift Festival

Media personalities George Hook, Vincent Browne and John Waters will be among those to attend this year"s Trim Swift Satire Festival which takes place from 2nd-5th July. All three will participate in lively, no-holds-barred debates with politicians, media types, academics and local characters. They will take the stage at the Swift Round Table Discussion and at the old-school Tannoy Debate in the castle grounds during the event. This year, an extra event featuring some of Ireland"s best-known satirical comedians will be held on the 4th July. People can book a table with each of the celebrities attending the event this year. A launch of the festival will take place at 8pm on 28th May in Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim, where guests will be 'auctioned". Last year, Vincent Browne"s table sold for the highest amount and guests certainly got value for money. Jonathan Swift lived in Trim for a large part of his creative life. He used satire to attack corruption, fight poverty and expose hypocrisy in all its forms. His writing is read today not just out of historical interest but for its lasting political impact and topical resonance. The round table discussion will take place on 3rd July and will comprise a wine reception, followed by a four-course meal. At that point, celebrity guests will then move to a head table and begin debate the 'The State we"re In, and how we can get out of it!" This year"s open-air Tannoy Debate will be chaired by George Hook. This debate is entitled the 'Blame Game" and each participant will be asked to blame our current economic situation on certain groups in society, such as the media, the bankers, the politicians, business and even the public. This event will follow a market day in the castle grounds where local businesses will put their produce on display.