Swift Festival line-up finalised

As recently reported, the Trim Swift Festival this year will be headlined by English impersonator and comedian Rory Bremner. The festival, which runs from 30th June to 3rd July, features a host of celebrity speakers, including rugby pundit and radio host George Hook, firebrand comedian and RTE smash hit David McSavage, stand-up and Aprés Match stalwart Barry Murphy, comedy writer Arthur Matthews - best known for co-writing 'Fr Ted', Bull Island's Alan Shortt, Irish Times journalist Harry McGee, and Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar, to name but a few. The festival, now in its fourth year, celebrates the life of satirist Dean Jonathan Swift, who lived in the town in 1700s and whose most famous works are 'Gulliver's Travels' and 'A Modest Proposal'. "We're delighted that Rory is headlining our celebration of satire this year. Every year, we gather leading politicians, international satirists, spin doctors and media figures to Trim and provide them with the opportunity to say what they really mean," said festival director Barbara Nestor. "Rory, Britain's top satirical impressionist, is taking time out from his 15-date national live tour in the UK to be with us in Trim for the festival. "For the July weekend, Trim becomes a 'no-spin' zone and out festival guests and the public take part in a celebration of satire in honour of Jonathan Swift - the greatest satirist in the English language." Bremner and company will be joined by Mayo TD Deputy Dara Calleary, media guru Terry Prone, presidential hopeful and 'Dragons Den' star Sean Gallagher, controversial columnist John Waters, TV3's Ursula Halligan, Minister Pat Rabbitte and Noel Whelan. Cathaoirleach of Trim Town Council Trevor Golden says the festival is going from strength to strength. "It's a very impressive line-up, They look like they're getting bigger and better every year," he said. He added: "It's a huge boost to the town, it gets great coverage nationally and it's obviously great that it attracts people to the town. It's a very different and unique festival." Cllr Golden went on: "All in all, it's a tremendous achievement and a major boost to putting Trim on the map nationally and internationally." The festival is sponsored by Bus Eireann, Meath County Council, Failte Ireland, ESB, Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim Castle Hotel, An Post and Tara Mines.