It’s been a summer of extremes, intense highs and depressing lows, and we’ll say nothing about the weather.
Let’s address the low point of this summer first, namely the recent racially motivated violence in Belfast. Flash Fiction Armagh condemns racism. As a diverse community ourselves, we stand in solidarity with migrants and refugees in building an inclusive & diverse community that is a safe and peaceful home for all.
However, it has been heartwarming to see the turnout supporting diversity in our community at the peaceful rallies over the past weekend. There is still work to do, but when good people come together, good things happen.
And speaking of good things…
Congratulations to the Armagh Senior Men’s team on bringing the Sam Maguire to Armagh. What a jubilant weekend that was. Congratulations also to the Armagh Ladies team for winning the Ulster title and to the Minors for making it to the All Ireland finals. Armagh was not just winning on the field; Well done to Daniel Wiffin, who brought home a gold and a bronze medal for swimming from the 2024 Paris Olympics! Sure, aren’t we Armachians just as proud as punch of our athletes? It must be all those apples we eat here.
All in all, it has been a great summer in Armagh, even if we’ve had to provide our own sunshine.
And the summer’s not over yet. And even when it is, we kick off autumn at the award-winning Armagh Food and Cider Festival with Flash Fiction in the Orchard at the beautiful Crannagael house on 5th September at 7 pm. We are delighted to announce our lineup of talented writers reading their superb flash fiction. In no particular order:
Sharon Mc Knight reading Armagh
Mikala Smee reading The Cusp
Ellen Mc Kenna reading The Invitation
Patrick Mc Curdie reading Bombed Your Chippy
Susan Lanigan reading Jesus in the Library
Jill Kerr reading Star
Noreen Donnelly reading Obsession, Possession, Freedom
Jillian McFrederick reading A Friend Indeed
Amy Elkheart reading Bathroom Stall Wisdom
Sean McNicholl reading Pure Disaster
Rachel Toner reading Under the Apples
Tickets for this event typically sell out, so don’t delay. For £20 per person, be entertained by 11 writers reading their flash fiction while you sip on a glass of local MacIvors cider or Barnhill apple juice and nibble on food prepared by Gareth Reid, 4 Vicars Catering, such as Hummus with Preserved Lemon & Tahini, Marinated Kalamata Olives, Roasted Vegetable Salad, Harissa & Pomegranate, Spiced Lamb Kofta, Cucumber, Yoghurt, Preserved Lemon & Mint, served with Flat Breads & Garden Vegetables.
And we’re not done yet! As you while away the rest of the summer, get your spooky story on for the first ever Flash Fiction Armagh at Halloween, a fancy dress Halloween event on 31st October 2024 in Abbey Lane Theatre in collaboration with the Armagh Theatre Group with a performance of an original play on the same evening. More details to follow, but the important thing to note is that SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN for this event. Email [email protected] with your (700-word max) submission in the body of the email and the subject line “Flash Fiction Armagh at Halloween.”
Halloween theme with fancy dress on the night for Halloween!
Submissions close on 25th September 2024, and tickets will be on sale after that.
All we have to do now is wait for the apples to ripen!
Byddi Lee
