Now in it’s 13th year the Leaves Festival of Writing and Music continues to grow from strength to strength and is becoming a firm fixture on the literary circuit. The festival celebrates writing and music in the beautiful setting of Laois. Leaves is the festival to enjoy contemporary writers, the art of conversation, musicians, film and theatre.
For 2020, the Leaves Festival of Writing and Music faced challenges set by Covid 19 restrictions. For this year, writers and audiences cannot gather together in large numbers at Dunamaise Arts Centre and other beautiful locations across lovely Laois. The decision was made to broadcast Leaves instead and present all events in the form of Podcasts. Through these podcasts, Leaves On Air will continue to celebrate writing and music and encourage people to enjoy contemporary Irish writers, the art of conversation and wonderful music, from the comfort of home.
This year the Leaves on Air podcast series is curated and presented by one of Ireland’s best known writers, the poet and novelist Dermot Bolger. Dermot, together with Laois Arts Office and Dunamase Arts Centre have put together a comprehensive programme that includes readings by literary greats, podcasts, music, and conversations.
The backdrop for this festival has previously been the Dunamaise Arts Centre in the centre of Portlaoise. Once the town prison this beautifully restored building is now a vibrant Arts Centre. However, to reflect our current circumstances of staying safely indoors, Leaves on Air will take a virtual spot on the brand new Dunamaise Arts Centre Podcast Channel. The festival episodes will be the debut events of this new channel, ushering the Arts Centre into a new and exciting phase of delivering entertainment to all. A novel reflection of the times we are in, and a unique way for our vibrant Laois Arts community to continue supporting each other in these unprecedented times.
usually runs in various locations in Portlaoise, Co Laois. This year it will be hosted online, in line with government guidelines on gatherings.
