Lismore's very first Story Festival: Towers and Tales

The very first Lismore Story Festival Towers and Tales took place on Saturday 18 April and we were thrilled to be involved. John Huddy, director of Illustrationcupboard Gallery was there from the very beginning when the story festival seed was first planted with Niamh Sharkey (former Irish Children's Laureate) and William Burlington, owner of Lismore Castle, where the festival was held.

The festival was born out of Niamh's wish that all children in Ireland should be gifted a book, an initiative that is already successfully delivered in over thirty countries worldwide. With thanks to Children's Books Ireland, all young visitors  to the festival who bought a ticket to one of the events received a free book!

Niamh Sharkey (above) Monster Doodle!

The sun was shining and Lismore Castle was overflowing with illustrators, authors, families and even the Gruffalo! We were stunned by the enormous response to the festival and absolutely thrilled that children and adults alike were just as passionate about books as we are.

Illustrationcupboard Gallery hosted a bespoke exhibition, Meet the Residents, in the Summerhouse Cafe. The exhibition included original artwork by (to name a few) Victor Ambrus, Simon Bartram, Babette Cole, Lauren Child, Shirley Hughes, John Lawrence. It was complemented by an illustration competition, Draw Your Own Lismore Resident, judged by the fantastic Chris Riddell.

Artwork (from right) Shirley Hughes, John Lawrence, Victor Ambrus, Lauren Child

 

Chris Riddell and a selection of children's illustrations

The winner and his family, (above), residents of Lismore. 

Other events included a panel discussion with Philip Ardagh on Writing for Children: How to Get Published,  Chris Riddell lead two events, one for children Introducing Ada Goth & Miss Ottoline Brown and a must for professionals and aspiring illustrators & cartoonists Chris Riddell's Workshop especially for adults, there was a hat making tea party with Sarah McIntyre and other such wonders including a hot chocolate factory, pop up stories, croquet with the Queen of Hearts, animations screenings and face painting!

Sarah McIntyre illustrating the library bus

Shed Press Publications (founder Jessica Jane Charleston of Illustrationcupboard) leading letterpress printing & book binding workshops in the Stableyard alongside the Inspiration station

Tea time with Philip Ardagh and eager festival goers

All in all it was an overwhelming success! Congratulations Towers and Tales team! 

Can't wait for next year ...