Excitement builds at launch of Ballyscullion Park Book Festival

Following the wide success of Ballyscullion Park Book Festival the wholesome weekend is set to return to Bellaghy in May 2026. 

The festival will take place over two days from Saturday, May 16 to Sunday, May 17. 

It will be a celebration of writing, music and art in the heart of Seamus Heaney country. 

The line-up for next year’s festival was announced at a stunning launch within the grounds of the enchanting Ballyscullion Park. Highlights for 2026 include Lionel Shriver, renowned novelist and journalist and winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction 2025 for ‘We Need to Talk about Kevin’, as well as award-winning novelist and journalist Martina Devlin. 

Speaking on Thursday, Festival Director Rosalind Mulholland shared her joy about the event’s return. 

“The festival was born on my love of literature. The idea coupled with the perfect location and wealth of incredible writing and artistic talent in this country. Bellaghy has become a literary hub in Northern Ireland with the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, the new writer’s residence opening in 2027 at Bellaghy Bawn and the annual Ballyscullion Park Book Festival. All of these bring great benefits to the local community and businesses. Especially the hospitality industry which is under so much pressure at the moment,” she said.

“Writers and speakers come from all over Ireland,  the UK and beyond as do their attendees. The book festival has an interest for all ages in a relaxed and beautiful setting. The artisan market will return with top local crafters and vendors. As well as excellent food and coffee vans. Along with live music and the chance to meet and chat with the speakers. There is plenty of entertainment in the walled garden between talks. One of the things which speakers and attendees enjoy so much is that writers are there and can mingle together with their readers. There is a nice autosphere to it. There is a human face to it which we must ensure we keep.

“For 2026 we have added writing workshops to the programme. As well as children's events including exciting workshops along with the Seamus Heaney HomePlace outreach educational officer. Next year we will be partnering again with the Mitchell Institute for global peace, security and justice at Queen’s University. Andy Heyn, who is their Honorary Professor of Practice will monitor panel discussions about topical issues. Last year panel discussions included the use of modern versus traditional media and current challenges facing democracy. Next year we include a fascinating discussion about AI medicine with top medical journalist Rob Stepney.” 

Rosaliand said tickets to the festival would make perfect Christmas presents. 

“Please buy your tickets and spread the word of this unique and exciting festival,” she continued. 

“The festival depends entirely on ticket sales as currently it is underwritten by ourselves. In order to achieve sustainability we need support from the business community. Any support will be greatly received and we have sponsorship packages to share with anyone interested. The festival is a family run event supported by our committee and friends. So thank you to all of you for making it happen.” 

This year’s charity partner of the event will be NI Children's Hospice. 

Kieran Buchanan, spokesperson for the charity, expressed his thanks at the launch saying: “I can recognise a lot of what you do being reflected in some of the worlds which we operate. You mention about the arts and literature, the work that is done within that industry supports us unbelievably. If you were to go into our hospices you will see the strength of feeling that people have towards your industry. It is an absolute privilege to be welcomed here today to your industry and be supported by it. I know the team last year were very well supported from the festival and were in debt of gratitude for that. The funds that we receive from events go an awful long way. Without such support the hospice doesn’t exist. It costs over £20 million per year to run both facilities. The work the hospice does doesn’t just stop within our hospices, 90% of the work we do is in the community you won’t see unless you are directly affected. I am very much looking forward to coming back in May for the event. I didn’t know what to expect coming today but I have been warmed by what I have seen.” 

The launch of the festival also gave local authors a chance to give a snippet of what we can expect from the event in May. 

One of those authors is Co. Tyrone bestselling novelist Emma Heatherington, who is known for her heart-warming contemporary fiction and emotionally rich storytelling. 

Emma said: “I was here just last week launching my novel ‘Every Christmas Eve’ which is published by Penguin Random House. It was deeply inspired by the launch of the first book festival here at the park. When I came to meet Rosalind to have a look around the venue my imagination started to run. The next thing was the storyline of a family who lived in the house came to me. It is also inspired by Bellaghy as a place. There are a lot of real life businesses mentioned that you will see on the streets. So I will be speaking in May about how I was inspired by the park and how I gained inspiration for all of my novels. This will be my seventeenth book. Also how I believe in the healing power of creative writing as therapy. The past year I have had some very serious health issues. As someone living with cancer, I am delighted to see the festival team up with the NI Hospice. Thank you for inviting me back and I look forward to seeing you in May.” 

Other local authors who will be attending the festival include Lyndsy Spence, bestselling author, historian and screenwriter specialising in daring aristocratic women, Shauna Lawless novelist, author of the Gael Song historical fantasy trilogy and James Murphy crime fiction author of the Farset Investigations detective series and a series of psychological thrillers.

For further details and to book festival tickets visit ballyscullionparkbookfestival.com