DROMORE BOOK FESTIVAL FEATURES CREAM OF LITERARY CROP

Bookshop owner Lesley Price has assembled a star-studded line-up of top authors for the second Dromore Book Festival, which she has organised single handed.

Among those taking part are Claire Keegan, author of Foster and Small Things Like These; multi-million bestseller Cecelia Ahern; writer and broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan; thriller writers Liz Nugent and Claire Allan; Booker-nominated Eoin McNamee; and Dearbhla Mescal, mother of actor Paul, who’ll be discussing her book Finding Joy. Journalist Sam McBride will also be talking about his written work.

Other events include writing and pottery workshops, a film presentation on how literature has featured on screen, and a book launch featuring a jazz concert. 

Lesley, owner of Bridge Books in Dromore, said: “I’m so delighted to have secured so many big names in the literary world, after a lot of hard work, not to mention shredded nerves! I said last year that I hoped the festival would put Dromore on the literary map. I’m hoping that the 2026 event will put us on a par with many much bigger festivals and show that a small town can achieve big ambitions.”

The festival runs from May 4 until May 10 at various venues in the town. Those attending can enjoy 10% off food and drink at Mulholland’s on the Square and at Melanie Bond Boutique on production of a festival programme, which is available from Bridge Books or online.

Tickets can be bought from www.ticketsource.co.uk/bridge-books, where you can also find full details of all the events.

Lesley added: “Although the organisation of the festival is a one-woman effort, I’m so lucky to have the support of my wonderful Bridge Books Book Club volunteers who’ll be helping at the events. I’d also like to thank all those who have provided venues, including Dromore Methodist Church, St Colman’s, Dromore Elim and Mulholland’s on the Square.