Following the success of its debut festival, the Ballyscullion Park Book Festival is set to become a key event in the literary calendar. The festival, held in the picturesque surroundings of Ballyscullion Park near Bellaghy in mid-Ulster, will bring together readers, writers and art lovers for an unforgettable weekend of cultural delights.

This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better, with a 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 up to 50 talks, readings and panel discussions, as well as enjoying live music, local food stalls, artisan products and an art exhibition.

Among the highlights will be Carlo Gébler author, playwright and teacher, Lyndsy Spence author, historian and screenwriter and founder of The Mitford Society, Gareth Reid artist and winner of Sky Portrait Artist of the Decade 2023, John Goodall historian, author, and Architectural Editor of Country Life magazine, Dr Heidi Edmundson Portrush-born novelist and Emergency Medicine consultant in London, Martina Devlin award-winning novelist and journalist and Dr Caroline Campbell Director of the National Gallery of Ireland.

This year, the festival is proud to announce a charity partnership with NI Hospice. A percentage of the profit from ticket sales will be made to NI Hospice, and a representative will be on hand at the festival to talk about the care provided by the hospice.

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.

Rosalind Mulholland Festival Director said:
“We are thrilled to announce the return of the Ballyscullion Park Book Festival for 2025. This year’s festival will feature an incredible mix of returning speakers and exciting new faces. We are also delighted to announce our charity partner for 2025 as NI Hospice. The 2024 festival exceeded all expectations, and we are committed to building on that success by creating an even more vibrant and inspiring experience for all who attend. We look forward to welcoming returning and new visitors.”