Hay Festival adds to portfolio with launch of Kells event

The organisers of Hay Festival have added to its portfolio of literature and arts events with the announcement that it has launched Hay Festival Kells in County Meath, Ireland. The inaugural three-day festival is planned for June  28-30, 2013, and will bring together the best of Irish, English speaking and international authors and thinkers to celebrate the sharing of stories and ideas.

Lyndy Cooke, producer of Hay Festival, said: “Hay Festival is delighted to announce its newest adventure in the town of Kells. Kells is rich in history and tradition, the home of The Book of Kells and a delightful and inspiring destination.”

Full details of the event programme will be released in May but Booker winners John Banville and DBC Pierre have already been confirmed as speakers.

Supporters and partners of the inaugural Hay Festival Kells include Kells and District Chamber, Meath Partnership, Fáilte Ireland, Meath County Council and Kells Town Council. Kells and District Chamber, working with a number of stakeholders, hope to develop an Irish “Town of Books” as a national centre for all genres of literature, old and new.