Leaves Festival 2024: Celebrating 16 Years of Irish Writing and Music
As winter approaches, the Leaves Festival 2024 is set to bring the best of Irish writing and music to County Laois from November 8th to 11th. Celebrating its 16th year, this festival has grown into a significant event on the literary circuit, offering a rich blend of contemporary writing, music, film, and theatre. Set against the backdrop of Laois's beautiful locations, the festival is an unmissable event for those who appreciate the art of storytelling and the power of the spoken word.
This year, the festival is delighted to welcome Aingeala Flannery as the Leaves Festival Writer-in-Residence. Her acclaimed book, The Amusements, was chosen as the 2023 Leaves Festival One-County-One-Book selection. Throughout the festival, Aingeala will engage with audiences of all ages through a variety of public and closed events, providing opportunities for deep conversations and creative workshops. Notably, the newly opened Portlaoise Library will serve as a key venue, offering a fresh space for festival-goers to enjoy the events.
For the spoken word community, Leaves Festival 2024 offers several events that should be on your radar:
Stand By Me, Spoken Word Event with Ann-Marie Kelly
On Saturday, November 11th, at the Dunamaise Arts Centre, this event is a lunchtime gathering of voices from across all ages, centered around the theme "Stand by Me." It promises a dynamic mix of spoken word, music, and storytelling, with the audience invited to participate and share their own stories. Focusing on themes of friendship, loyalty, and overcoming challenges, this event is a must-attend for spoken word enthusiasts who appreciate the power of shared narratives.
The Writing Journey – LOETB
Happening on Friday, November 10th, at Portlaoise Library, this live reading event showcases the original work of local writers who have honed their craft through creative writing classes. It’s an inspiring showcase for emerging literary talents and provides a great opportunity for spoken word artists to see how others develop and present their narratives, possibly sparking new ideas for their own performances.
Telling Stories – Aingeala Flannery, Anne Enright in Conversation with Alex Clark
Also on Saturday, November 11th, this event features a conversation between Aingeala Flannery and award-winning novelist Anne Enright, chaired by journalist Alex Clark. Held at the Dunamaise Arts Centre, this session will delve into the intricacies of reading and writing fiction, making it particularly appealing to spoken word artists interested in deepening their understanding of narrative craft. The evening will be enriched with live music, adding an extra layer of artistic expression to the event.
Comic Book Workshop with Colin O’Mahoney
Although primarily focused on visual storytelling, this workshop on November 11th could offer valuable creative insights for spoken word artists interested in expanding their storytelling techniques. The workshop will explore character and story creation through comics, providing fresh perspectives that could be applied to spoken word performances.
The Leaves Festival 2024 is more than just a celebration of writing; it’s a vibrant cultural event that brings together a diverse range of artistic expressions. For those in the spoken word community, this festival offers numerous opportunities to engage, learn, and perform. Whether you’re looking to refine your craft or simply immerse yourself in the creative atmosphere, Leaves Festival 2024 is the place to be this November.