Trim Co. Meath will be the centre of the universe of satire  from 30th June to 3rd July 2011 for the 4th Trim Swift Festival. Rory Bremner, the UK’s leading satirist for many years, will lead a stellar cast of celebrities, politicians as well as satirists at the Trim Swift Festival that weekend. Ireland’s George Hook and right-wing American shock jock Michael Graham lead a host of leading celebrity, satire, political, media, academic and sports figures such as Alan Shortt, David McSavage, Barry Murphy & Fr Ted’s Arthur Matthews, Deputy Dara Calleary, Terry Prone, Minister Leo Varadkar, Sean Gallagher, Brendan Keenan, John Waters, Harry McGee, Noel Whelan and Minister Pat Rabbitte and many others.

We’re delighted that Rory Bremner is headlining our celebration of satire this year. 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. Every year, we gather leading politicians, international satirists, spin doctors and media figures to Trim and provide them with the opportunity to call it as it is.  For the July weekend, Trim becomes a no-spin zone and our festival guests and the public take part in a celebration of satire in honour of Jonathan Swift – the greatest satirist in the English language.

One of last years most popular events, and certainly its most competitive, the Stand-up Row, makes a return. It features many of the town’s great characters who debate one side of an argument for a minute and then switch sides and argue the other side for another minute without breaking stride. This event commemorates a major event in Swift’s life when he changed  political sides after a general election 300 years ago this year.

This year’s Festival has a greatly expanded Family day on July 2nd, as well as a number of new and innovative events that take place near Trim Castle. In addition Ireland’s leading satirists will descend on Trim for SatireDay July 2nd. It is absolutely unique to have so many comedians and satirists in the one place  and it will prove a fascinating day.

Later that night another unique event, an open air showing of “Braveheart ” on the walls of Trim Castle, is a not to be missed one-off event. 

The Trim Festival is sponsored and supported by Meath Partnership, Meath County Council, Bus Eireann, Failte Ireland, ESB, Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim Castle Hotel and An Post.

Click here to take a look at a review of last years Festival