WITH names like Roddy Doyle, John Montague and Nuala Ni Dhomhnaill, the ever expanding Aspects festival of Irish writing in Bangor, Co Down now in its fifth year has another tempting line up of readings and literary events from next Wednesday to Sunday. Other guest writers include Clare Boylan, and, in a joint reading, crime novelists Gemma O'Connor and Eugene McEldowney. Darina Allen will talk about her recipes and Josephine Hart will give a reading from her new novel, Oblivion. David Grant, Christopher FitzSimon and Martin Lynch discuss theatre (Thursday) and there is a similar session on Irish film with Ciaran Carty, Graham Reid, and Mary McGuckian (Saturday). Nuala Ni Dhomhnaill and Cathal O Searcaigh read their poetry with singing by Mairead Ni Dhomhnaill (Thursday).
The Roddy Doyle reading on Sunday, September 29th is already sold out. Also booking heavily is Young Aspects (Saturday, September 28th), which includes a reading by Marita Conlon McKenna and storytelling with Liz Weir. Youngsters, will read their own poetry, in a special session organised by Martin Mooney. P.J. Lynch's original illustrations for Brendan Behan's The King of Ireland's Son will be on show, and the award winning artist will also be in attendance. All events take place in Bangor's Heritage Centre. Tel 080-1247-271200.
