Dromore Book Festival
Grateful thanks to all the authors and guests for their time and talent.
To everyone who has helped including:
Mike Philpott
Tara Mills
Peter McGoran
Stuart Neville
Tonic Design
momentum humancapital ltd
Mulholland's On The Square
Dromore Cathedral
Dromore Elim Church
ABC Council
Special thanks, as always, to my book club and customers who will be volunteering their time throughout the festival.
I wouldn't be able to do it without them.
Bridge Books
3 Bridge St, Dromore BT25 1AN T: 028 9269 9899
Welcome to Dromore Book Festival!
What better way to celebrate 30 years of Bridge Books Dromore than with a festival dedicated to the magic of stories? From inspiring author talks to hands-on workshops, I’m bringing book lovers together in amazing local venues. Dive in, explore the programme, and celebrate the joy of books with me!
Love Lesley x
Writing Workshop with Bernie McGill
Monday 5 May, 2-4pm
Venue TBC | Tickets £20 | Age 16+
Join award-winning writer Bernie McGill for a creative writing workshop designed to inspire and strengthen your practice. Through exercises and prompts, writers of all levels – poets, memoirists, and fiction writers – can develop their work. Bring writing materials and be ready to write!
4 | DROMORE BOOK FESTIVAL
Crime Queens
Liz Nugent, Sharon Dempsey and Hannah King
Monday 5 May, 7.30pm
Dromore Cathedral | Tickets £10
Includes Tea and Coffee
Join crime writing queens Liz Nugent, Sharon Dempsey, and Hannah King for an evening of conversation at Dromore Cathedral. With awardwinning novels and gripping thrillers, these celebrated authors will discuss their work, inspirations, and the dark twists in their storytelling.
A must-attend event for crime fiction lovers!
An Evening with Donal Ryan
Tuesday 6 May, 7.30pm
Dromore Cathedral | Tickets £10 Includes Tea and Coffee
Join award-winning author Donal Ryan in conversation with journalist Mike Philpott for an evening of literary insight. Ryan, known for bestselling novels like The Spinning Heart and The Queen of Dirt Island, will discuss his acclaimed work and writing journey.
A must for book lovers and aspiring writers!
Brian McGilloway
In conversation with Stuart Neville
Wednesday 7 May, 7.30pm
Dromore Cathedral | Tickets £10
Includes Tea and Coffee
A night of conversation with two of the best thriller writers this island has to offer. Brian McGilloway, a New York Times bestselling author, is renowned for his crime novels, including the Ben Devlin and Lucy Black series. His last book The Empty Room was a Sunday Times bestseller.
Stuart Neville is a firm favourite at Bridge Books with his books regularly featuring in the Top Ten Bestsellers.
Brian Rowan
In conversation with Mike Philpott Wednesday 7 May, 7.45pm
Dromore Elim, Bridge Street | Tickets £7
Brian Rowan is a former BBC correspondent and four-time NI Press and Broadcast Awards category winner, reported on key peace process events. His memoir, Living With Ghosts, was published in 2022. Mike Philpott, a seasoned BBC journalist, hosts is a regular host for author events at Bridge Books.
8 | DROMORE BOOK
An evening with Claire Allan and Emma Heatherington
Thursday 8 May, 7.00pm
Dromore Cathedral | Tickets £10 Includes Tea and Coffee
Join us for a special evening as Claire Allan and Emma Heatherington, two of Northern Ireland’s most celebrated female authors, share their literary journey. Friends since their debut novels in 2007, Claire and Emma have navigated the world of writing together. Claire, known for her bestselling thrillers and romantic comedies, and Emma, with her heartfelt novels and inspirational spirit, will discuss their careers, friendship, and Emma’s courageous battle with cancer.
Expect laughter, camaraderie, and heartfelt moments. Plus, £5 from each ticket will support the hospital treating Emma.
Stuart Bailie and Terri Hooley
In conversation with Peter McGoran (Hot Press) Thursday 8 May, 7.30pm Mulholland's On The Square | Tickets £7 Includes Tea and Coffee
Stuart Bailie, a renowned Belfast-born music journalist, celebrates 40 years in the industry. Formerly an NME Assistant Editor and Hot Press contributor, he’s authored works on Van Morrison and punk. In 2023, he released Terri Hooley: Seventy-Five Revolutions, exploring Hooley’s impact on Belfast’s music scene. Hooley, founder of Good Vibrations, launched bands like The Undertones. Stuart and Terri will discuss their work with Hot Press’s Peter McGoran.
Sarah Gilmartin, Caoilinn Hughes and Garrett Carr in conversation
Friday 9 May, 7.00pm
Dromore Cathedral | Tickets £10 Includes Tea and Coffee
Join us for an engaging event at Dromore Cathedral when Mike Philpott will be chatting to Sarah Gilmartin, Caoilinn Hughes, and Garrett Carr.
Discover their acclaimed works such as Gilmartin’s Service, Hughes’s The Alternatives, and Carr’s
The Boy from the Sea. Celebrate the talent and achievements of these remarkable modern writers.
Claire Mitchell and Linda Ervine
In conversation with Tara Mills
Friday 9 May, 7.30pm
Dromore Elim, Bridge Street | Tickets £10
Claire Mitchell, author of The Ghost Limb, and Linda Ervine MBE will engage in a discussion with BBC’s Tara Mills. Mitchell, a Belfast writer and former sociology lecturer, explores everyday politics in Northern Ireland. Ervine, a language rights activist, promotes Irish language inclusion in Protestant areas. Mills, an experienced broadcaster, covers significant Northern Ireland events.
Illustration Workshop with Paul Howard
Saturday 10 May, 10.30am
Dromore Town Hall | Free Event | Age 7 -10
Create a new book cover for Jill Tomlinson’s The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark and learn illustration from Paul Howard, who guides you in drawing Plop the owl through simple steps. With over 30 years of experience, Howard is renowned for his work on this classic.
Fairy Tales and Magic Charms with Marianne MacShane
Saturday 10 May, 11.45am
Dromore Elim, Bridge Street | Free Event | Age 6+
Enter a world of enchantment with author Marianne McShane as she shares her fairy tale, The Fog Catcher’s Daughter. Enjoy a charm-making workshop with Marianne, a renowned children’s writer and storyteller from Co. Down. Her latest book, The Belfast Gingerbread Girl, publishes this September. Suitable for ages 6+.
VAALFESTIV
ST FLYER ORY
@bridgebooksdro1 bridge_books_dromore @bridgebooksni