Delvin Book Festival 'bigger than ever’ before'

The final preparations are being made ahead of this year’s Delvin Book Festival, which is once again taking place on the May bank holiday weekend.

The largest book fair on the island of Ireland, the event attracts thousands of bibliophiles from across the country each year; and when around 20,000 books are for sale at prices starting from €1, it’s easy to see why.

In 2022, the book fair moved from its long time home at Delvin Mart into multiple venues around the village. The move has gone down well with the public and has created a great buzz around the village.

Eager to build on the enduring popularity of the book fair, last year the hard working organising committee took the decision to expand the event into a three-day festival, which turned out to be a resounding success.

For the last few months, the committee has been busy putting together this year’s programme of events, which kicks off on Friday May 3 with an Arts and Craft Fair in St Patrick’s Hall (Noon-4pm).

More than 20 crafters will be participating in this year’s fair, almost double last year’s number. A spokesperson for the organising committee told the Westmeath Examiner that everyone involved was "flabbergasted" by the large numbers that attended last year’s arts and crafts fair.

"It got a great response. This year all of the crafters are from Westmeath and there is a real eclectic mix. We are deeply grateful for the help we have received from people and, in particular, artist Hazel Revington Cross from the Purple Raven Gallery."

Also taking place on Friday is Delvin Valley Drama Group’s ‘Bits and Pieces’ comedy performance in Gaffney’s, which will see some well known local faces displaying their acting chops in a series of short pieces, starting at 8.30pm. Also on Friday evening, folk group Baltrad will be playing in O’Shaughnessy’s Bar.

The music continues on Saturday May 4, with traditional music sessions in both Gaffney’s and O’Shaughnessy’s, while on Sunday, the monster book fair will turn the centre of Delvin into a hive of activity.

The Delvin Book Fair has been running on the bank holiday Sunday in May since 2010 and is the primary fundraiser for the Delvin Sports and Leisure Centre (DSLC), a local initiative that promotes community involvement.

At present the DSLC provides amenities such as a walking track, playing field, toilets and (limited) changing facilities.

The money raised at the book festival is primarily used to ensure the upkeep of the facility and cover the normal annual utilities. In addition, the committee are currently installing a sensory garden for the benefit of all in the community.

"We are so grateful to the wider community in Delvin for their support in organising and running the fair and now the expanded book festival.

“We are particularly grateful for the help given by the students and staff from Delvin Youth Reach. We really wouldn’t be able to run the event without the support of the wider community and it is much appreciated.

"This year’s event is shaping up to the biggest and best so far and we are hoping that as many people as possible come out and support it," the spokesperson said.