SOME 46 Irish writers and 26 Irish publishing houses will peddle their wares this year at the Frankfurt Book Fair, it was announced yesterday. The guide to the Ireland And Ps Diaspora Festival, which is the book fair's theme, was launched by the festival's patron, the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, Mr Higgins.
Funding was initially problematic for the festival, which Mr Higgins will officially launch in Frankfurt, Germany, on October 1st. But it has secured more than £200,000 from the Arts Council as well as some sponsorship.
Ireland's designation as the focal country is "of quite enormous significance", said Mr Higgins. Participating writers include Seamus Heaney, who will give a reading, as well as Colm Toibin, John Banville, Roddy Doyle, Hugo Hamilton, Declan Kiberd, Pat McCabe, Nuala Ni Dhomhnaill, Maeve Binchy and many more.
A "Day Of Irish Life In Germany will see the culture of Ireland celebrated in over 500 German cities on September 26th. Other events linked to the festival include an exhibition by the Irish artist, Sean Scully, the world premiere of a new composition by the Irish composer, Seoirse Bodley, which will commemorate Martin Luther, and a gala concert in Frankfurt's Opera House featuring musicians including De Dannan, Ronnie Drew, Martin Hayes and Louis Stewart.