13th January 2025
Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre is delighted to partner with the Steinbeck Festival team to host the 7th annual celebration of John Steinbeck’s enduring legacy and his connection to Limavady. Running from 7–28 February, this vibrant festival offers a dynamic programme of music, theatre, talks, art, and storytelling, with something for everyone to enjoy.
The festival opens on 7 February with broadcaster Mark Carruthers in conversation with acclaimed journalist and author Fergal Keane, followed by a lively night of swing and American classics with the Limavady Big Band on 8 February.
Diving into Steinbeck’s life and work, the programme features talks by leading experts, including photographer James Hughes on Steinbeck’s travels in Georgia, Dr. Andrew Pickering on his time in Somerset, and Dr. Linda McKeown exploring In Dubious Battle. Fans of BBC’s Blue Lights can also enjoy a behind-the-scenes session with writers Declan Lawn and Louise Gallagher.
Theatre and music enthusiasts are in for a treat. Joyce Greenaway’s one-woman show Whisk(e)y Wars will transport audiences through a powerful tale of passion and resilience, paired with a tasting of Limavady’s award-winning whiskey. Muireann Bradley, fresh from the success of her album I Kept These Old Blues, brings her soulful melodies to the festival stage on 15 February, promising an intimate and unforgettable performance.
Local creativity takes centre stage with storytelling and poetry from emerging and established voices, while the Dustbowl Photography Competition and a gallery exhibition of Steinbeck-inspired book covers created by primary school students showcase artistic interpretations of his legacy.
For younger audiences, there’s a storytelling session for children aged 4-6 and a GCSE-focused Of Mice and Men workshop that explores Steinbeck’s local connections, literary themes, and the historical context of the novel, culminating in a screening of the 1992 film adaptation.
The festival concludes on 28 February with Voices from a Far Field, a free evening celebrating music and storytelling in English, Irish, and Ulster Scots. This captivating finale reflects the festival’s spirit of community and cultural connection.
Join us as we celebrate creativity, history, and the timeless relevance of Steinbeck’s work. For tickets and event details, visit www.roevalleyarts.com or call 028 7776 0650.
STEINBECK PROGRAMME
EXHIBITIONS
STEINBECK DUSTBOWL PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION : LEAVING | 3 February – 22 March | EXHIBITION LAUNCH: Saturday 8 February | 1pm | Admission free
THE STEINBECK CONNECTION : CHILDREN’S BOOK COVER EXHIBITION| 22 February -22 March | EXHIBITION LAUNCH: Saturday 22 February | 12.30pm | Admission free
EVENTS
TALK: MARK CARRUTHERS IN CONVERSATION WITH FERGAL KEANE | Friday 7 February | 8pm |Tickets £12
TALK: STEINBECK IN GEORGIA | Saturday 8 February | 1.30pm | Free admission but booking essential
MUSIC: LIMAVADY BIG BAND | Saturday 8 February | 8pm | Tickets £12
SPOKEN WORD: AN EVENING WITH LOCAL STORYTELLERS AND POETS | Thursday 13 February | 8pm | Free admission but advance booking is essential
WHISKEY WARS | A One Woman Show by Joyce Greenaway | Friday 14 February | 8pm | Tickets £15
MINIBUS TOUR: DISCOVER THE LOCAL STEINBECK SITES| Saturday 15 February | 9-10.45am | Tickets £8
TALK: IN DUBIOUS BATTLE | A talk by Dr Linda McKeown | Saturday 15 February | 11am | Free admission but booking essential
TOUR & LUNCH: LIMAVADY WORKHOUSE LUNCH AND TOUR| Saturday 15 February | 12.30 – 2.15pm | Tickets £30
TALK: STEINBECK IN SOMERSET | A talk by Dr Andrew Pickering | Saturday 15 February | 2.30pm | Free admission but booking essential
MUSIC: MUIREANN BRADLEY IN CONCERT Supported by Highly Strung | Saturday 15 February | 8pm | Tickets £17
SCHOOLS: OF MICE AND MEN | SECONDARY SCHOOLS G.C.S.E PROGRAMME| Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 February | 9.30am – 1pm | Free admission but booking essential
TALK: BLUE LIGHTS | A talk by Declan Lawn and Louise Gallagher | Thursday 20 February | 8pm | Free admission but booking essential
STORYTIME FOR LITTLE ONES| Saturday 22 February | 11am | Tickets £5 (Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian)
BOOK CLUB IN CAFÉ STEINBECK | Thursday 27 February | 7.30pm | Free admission – just come along!
SPOKEN WORD:VOICES FROM A FAR FIELD | Friday 28 February | 8pm (Doors 7.30pm) | Free admission but booking is essential
