We welcome poets, authors, musicians and dramatists to celebrate the work and legacy of Frances Browne and kick off our festival weekend.

Highlights include keynote address by Donegal poet Annemarie Ní Churreáin and a reading of a short play 'Sarah Leech: Strangers to our Own' about Ulster Scots poet Sarah Leech by Dr. Pauline Holland. We also reveal new work by Frances Browne, and present the second annual Frances Browne Award.

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Lively conversation between the comedian, actor and activist Deirdre O'Kane and actor Frankie McCafferty.
Full details here.

Announcing the awards of the Frances Browne Multilingual Poetry Competition, with musical guests.

Whether you have a cúpla focail or none at all everybody is céad míle fáilte here.

A wonderful opportunity to work with one of the most acclaimed poets and sought after writing tutors of the moment.

Interactive introduction to writing in Ulster dialect considering Scots, Ulster Scots and Ulster English

Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhríde launches this collection of short stories from Ulster, curated by editor Réaltán Ní Leannáin. Eoghan will be in conversation with fellow contributor
Dubhán Ó Longáin

Dusty Bluebells is a musical, hearty and spiritual family mystery set in an Irish seaside town. By Angeline King in Ulster Scots translation.
Introduced by journalist and broadcaster Mary Harte.

Panel Discussion: Three remarkable neglected Ulster Scots women writers.

This panel discussion will contextualise the work of three women writers for the audience and consider how issues of identity and language have impacted on their historical and contemporary reception. Ulster Scots writer Anne Mc Master will chair and provide contemporary insights.

An opportunity to sample a wide array of events celebrating Ulster Scots culture and language.

Be immersed in Ulster Scots drama, music, song, poetry and Highland dance at Monreagh Ulster Scots / Scots Irish Heritage & Education Centre, Carrigans, in the tranquil settings of a beautifully restored 19th century manse.
Compered by Angeline King, with well-known local performers Ian McCracken, poet and storyteller and multi-instrumentalist musician and singer Stuart Buchanan.

Victorian Street Games with Bemusement, Fuinseog Woodland Crafts; Victorian Arts and Crafts, and lots more for the little ones.

Join acclaimed writer Annemarie Ní Churreáin in the atmospheric surroundings of Dunmore House and Gardens, and be inspired by the natural word in this unique, and intimate masterclass

Gordon Speer's choir performs a selection of hymns by Cecil Frances Alexander, a local contemporary of Frances Browne.

More details here

A spectacular interactive outdoor promenade performance incorporating dance, storytelling, music, singing and aerial dance theatre.