The penned works of twelve talented humans and one creative Alpaca have been shortlisted in An Lanntair’s upcoming The Brilliant & Forever Literary Festival, part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 programme, taking place on Lews Castle Green on Saturday 6 August.
Bringing author Kevin MacNeil’s cult novel The Brilliant & Forever to real life this summer, An Lanntair and Kevin have been delighted to receive over 30 entries to the B&F literary competition from writers in the Hebrides, America, and continental Europe!
“We read and re-read the entries we received and finessed them down into a shortlist of thirteen,” said Kevin, adding: “Believe me when I say that was hard!”
Congratulations to the lucky thirteen writers: Martin Geraghty; Saoirse Fitzallan; Donald S Murray; June Graham; RM Murray; Steven Christopher McKnight; Ruairidh Maciver; Spencer Woodcock; Dinah Gardener; Hayli McClain; Rachel Carmichael; Louisa McLennan, and Archie the Alpaca.
Each shortlisted author will read their work at The Brilliant & Forever Festival on Saturday 6 August, before the public and a judging panel consisting of Jenny Niven, former Creative Scotland Head of Literature, interim Edinburgh International Book Festival Director, and now Executive Producer at Dandelion; alongside Publishing Scotland’s Business Development Manager Vikki Reilly, and never forgetting Murdo the Alpaca.
And as well as the B&F 2022 winner being announced, The Brilliant & Forever Festival will also feature music from Lewis singer/songwriter – and Kevin’s friend and collaborator – Willie Campbell.
As Murdo the Alpaca concludes: “In summary, if you want two hours of unique entertainment, come along and you will meet alpacas, hear stories, drink grassuccinos, support alpacas, hear some more stories, and marvel at the cool t-shirts and notebooks. A memorable way to spend a Saturday afternoon.”
Tickets for The Brilliant & Forever Festival are available to buy now, online at https://lanntair.com/events/event/the-brilliant-and-forever-2022/ or from the Box Office in An Lanntair, drop in or call on 01851 708480.
