30 June - 03 July 2011
Venue: Trim County Meath
The festival celebrates Dean Jonathan Swift, English literature’s greatest satirist, who resided in Trim for a significant part of his life. The festival seeks to promote political awareness, debate and satire in Ireland by featuring events where politicians, satirists, academics, social commentators and the public openly debate.
Big names are to set foot in Trim in 2011 and Rory Bremner will lead a stellar cast of celebrities, politicians and satirists including George Hook and right wing American shock-jock Michael Graham.
Rory Bremner will be joined by a host of leading figures including Alan Shortt, David McSavage, Barry Murphy, Arthur Matthews, Deputy Dara Calleary, Terry Prone, Minister Leo Varadkar, Dragons Den's Sean Gallagher, Brendan Keenan, John Waters, Harry McGee, Noel Whelan, Minister Pat Rabbitte and many others.
This years 'Stand Up Row' will also feature the towns characters and pubs who have nominated teams to take part in the world premiere of a stand up row. Participants are asked to argue one side of an arguement for a minute and then switch sides without breaking stride. This is in honour of Swift changing political sides and a UK general election 300 years ago!
The festival programme also includes comedy nights, political debate, open air music, debate, an academic conference and more.
Trim becomes a no-spin zone during the festival - don't miss it!