Cork literary stars to shine at Elizabeth Fort event

A HISTORIC Cork landmark will be used to showcase some of the region’s literary stars at a unique event to take place on Sunday afternoon.

Elizabeth Fort on Barrack Street will provide the stage for a series of performances from both up-and-coming and established writers and poets as well as spoken word performers.

Audiences at the historic venue will be treated to readings, live music and poetry performances, drop-in workshops and much more at the event which is being organised as part of Cork World Book Fest and POP Arts and is facilitated by Cork City Council Arts Office, the book festival, Cork City Libraries and Promenade.

Organisers promise that the literary-themed event will offer people of all ages the opportunity to explore various creative outlets throughout the afternoon.

On the agenda are events such as the Pop-up Book Fair, where people can browse a wide range of finds from some of the country’s most well-known booksellers while Exile will also operate a pop-up bookshop selling volumes about photography, illustrations, and graphic works.

Young readers will have an opportunity for an appointment to see the ‘Book Doctor’ who will prescribe titles they might enjoy based on what they’re currently reading.

There will be an opportunity for poetry fans to meet with the award-winning poet and writer Eleanor Hooker who will be the poetry pharmacist for the afternoon, selecting and prescribing a ‘Vital Signs’ poem that participants can bring home and read at their leisure.

Among the renowned verse-makers participating in the pop-up poetry events which take place between 1pm-3pm are Molly Twomey, Lauren O’Donovan, Michelle Delea, and Dean Browne.

Between 4pm and 5pm, the ‘Ó Bhéal’ monthly poetry event will showcase spoken word performances from four regular Cork City poetry events including Sling Slang, Ubuntu, The Underground Loft, and from Ó Bhéal itself.

The organisers have advised that they are aiming to reduce its impact on the environment as much as possible.

Everyone attending is encouraged to be conscious of this by bringing along their own keep cups, picnics and are asked to recycle their waste in a sustainable and responsible way.

The events team aim to further minimise waste by working with eco-friendly suppliers and vendors.

See  www.corkworldbookfest.com