Hinterland Festival to deliver over 50 diverse events as visitors prepare to travel to Kells from far and wide

It was standing room only in the Courthouse in Kells on Wednesday last for the official launch of the Hinterland Festival of Literature & Arts.

Now in it's 12th year, the festival, which runs from 27th to 30th June, has firmly established itself on the national map. Director of Creative Ireland Tania Banotti said as much, as she officially launched the diverse programme of over 50 events and drew attention to the fact that a large proportion of audiences at Hinterland are travelling from outside Co Meath.

This year's programme includes Booker Prize winner Anne Enright, Father Ted creator Arthur Mathews, Irish soccer legend Niall Quinn, veteran journalist Peter Taylor and hair stylist to the Beatles Leslie Cavendish and many more.

There's also children's workshops, drama and live music from Tom Dunne & Fiachna Ó'Braonáin.

Banotti highlighted the creativity in the heritage town saying “I think there's something in the water in Kells and I can say that as I grew up just out the road in Ardglassan, near Crossakiel!” She highlighted the role of LitCrawl - where smaller venues like the local library, funeral parlour & pubs provide the stage for local artists with the chance to connect with audiences.

Chair of the Festival Committee Ger Gaughran said: “We are indebted to Meath County Council, Creative Ireland, our sponsors and the local business community - this festival simply wouldn't happen without them.”

Tickets and further information are available online at hinterland.ie or from the BookMARKet Café in Kells.