Thu 1 Jan, 12:00am
‘Possibly the world’s most beautiful female voice.’
MOJO MAGAZINE
CARA DILLON: COMING HOME BOOK TALK
Taunton Literary Festival 2024
In the world of folk music, few shine as brightly as celebrated Irish singer Cara Dillon, renowned for her transcendent voice and emotional performances. This special event will see Cara discuss her debut book, Coming Home. Published in March 2024, it is a deeply personal narrative that sees her reflecting on her remarkable family and deep connection to the people, culture and land of her native Co Derry in the North of Ireland, alongside captivating insights into her place in the world and her journey – both as an artist and a mother. Evolving from a collection of original poems which form the basis of her acclaimed new album (her first in over six years) in which she presents the pieces in a stunning blend of spoken word and song. In addition to the interview, Cara will perform a number of songs accompanied by her husband on guitar.
With both the book and album receiving five-star reviews, and completing three sell-out UK and Irish tours totalling over 45 dates, not to mention being a featured guest on Woman’s Hour, the impact of Cara’s latest work is undeniable.
Reflecting on her heritage, Cara shares, “I grew up in a small town in Co Derry, but my mother (92) and late father were both born on the same remote hillside in the Northern Sperrin Mountains on land my family still owns and farms. It’s a beautiful but barren place that evokes deep emotions in me, and the stories I grew up listening to were simply extraordinary. It’s taken me until now to realise how precious they are, and what a privilege it’s been to have a direct link through my parents to a time that seems truly a world away.”
Maria McManus, Director of Poetry Ireland, offers high praise for Cara’s book, describing it as, “Memoir, poems, guidebook, diary. It is a work of intimacy, love, and affection, unguarded and authentic. It’s both blanket & magic carpet. It’s the tent of childhoods spent dreaming under a night sky in summer. It’s boundless.”
Cara is no stranger to the West Country though, she is a longtime resident of Frome, Somerset, and together with her husband, fellow musician/producer, Sam Lakeman (who hails from West Devon), she can often be found performing intimate shows with Sam throughout the West.
Having previously given book talks at prestigious literary festivals in Belfast, Dublin, London and Bath, we’re thrilled to have Cara join us here in Taunton.
Certainly not one to miss.
Will include audience Q&A and book signing.
Cara Dillon: Coming Home is just one of the wonderful events coming to the Tacchi-Morris soon. Check out our What’s On page to discover even more brilliant shows in Taunton.