Carlo Gebler, Rosalind Mulholland &Lyndsy Spence
Ballyscullion Park Book Festival announces line-up for 2025
Ballyscullion Park Book Festival, set in the heart of Seamus Heaney country, has announced its programme for 2025. Taking place in the stunning surroundings of Ballyscullion Park near Bellaghy in mid-Ulster the festival runs from Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 May 2025.
This year sees a fantastic line-up of both new and returning authors, children’s writers, opinion formers, historians, poets, musicians and artists. Over the two days, attendees can choose from around 50 talks, readings and panel discussions, as well as enjoying live music, local food stalls, artisan products and an art exhibition.
It is a privilege to host such a wide range of incredibly gifted writers across the festival weekend
Among the highlights will be Louis de Bernières, author and poet; Dr Roy Foster, Emeritus Professor of History at Oxford and cultural commentator; Ramita Navai, multi award-winning journalist, documentary maker and author; Lyndsy Spence author, historian and screenwriter and founder of The Mitford Society; Gareth Reid artist and 2023 Sky Portrait Artist of the Decade; John Goodall, historian, author, and Architectural Editor of Country Life magazine; Martina Devlin, award-winning novelist and journalist and Dr Caroline Campbell Director of the National Gallery of Ireland.
This year the festival is partnering with NI Hospice and a percentage of profits from ticket sales will be made to the organisation. A hospice representative will be on hand at the festival to talk about the care they provide.
Ballyscullion Park is part of the Loughinsholin Tourism Cluster, which aims to develop and promote a range of authentic, sustainable visitor experiences, a sense of place as well as a commitment to preserve and promote the generations of rich heritage and traditions found in the region of mid-Ulster. The cluster is supported by Invest Northern Ireland through its Collaborative Growth Programme.
Festival Director Rosalind Mulholland said they were delighted to reveal this year’s programme. ‘It is a privilege to host such a wide range of incredibly gifted writers across the festival weekend. From internationally renowned authors, playwrights and artists, it is shaping up to be an unforgettable 2 days. We also hope the festival will attract visitors from near and far as well as showcase our beautiful region as a must visit NI destination.’
