Fascinating debate and performances in the enchanted gardens of Mount Stewart

Now this sounds like a fascinating weekend - and it’s being staged in one of Northern Ireland’s most enchanting places.

The National Trust has just revealed the final line-up for its first Festival of Conversations at Mount Stewart - and it’s going to be amazing.

Guests to the Mount Stewart Conversations festival will be treated to world-class debate, award-winning performers and international artists, all appearing in various locations around the estate and gardens during the weekend of Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September.

During the two-day festival a series of talks will feature some of the greatest minds of the modern age.

Jonathan Powell - former Chief of Staff to Tony Blair - will take to the stage with Irish journalist Fintan O’Toole to ask ‘Can the Kingdom Stay United after Brexit?’

Meanwhile Pulitzer prize winner Anne Applebaum will go head to head with Alex Titov of Queen’s University Belfast to debate whether Russia is malevolent or merely misunderstood.

Journalist, broadcaster and author David Aaronovitch will cover his hugely entertaining best seller - ‘Voodoo Histories – How the Conspiracy Theory has Shaped Modern History’.

And Francis Campbell, former British Ambassador to the Holy See, will debate ‘Being a Diplomat: Fact and Fiction?’

Legendary BBC documentary maker, Michael Cockerell, will give insights on ‘Diplomats, Diplomacy and Television’ alongside crime-fiction writer and historian, Ruth Dudley Edwards.

Chairing key debates throughout the festival are BBC personalities William Crawley, Mark Carruthers and Mark Devenport.

And it's not just about debate - arts and music will fill the lawns at Mount Stewart with award-winning song writer Iain Archer headlining on Saturday night and Ursula Burns, the world’s most dangerous harpist, bringing her show to the stage on Sunday evening.

More intimate acts will include a Ugandan dance workshop, music by Anglo-Colombian duo Bitch ’n’ Monk, a Charango and Ukulele workshop and performances by Orchestra des Réfugiés et Amis.

A lighter note will be struck by acrobatic street performers Lords of Strut and the Camper Van of Dreams will be encouraging visitors to step inside and share their dreams.  

A host of local suppliers will provide a tempting variety of drinks and street food to ensure a memorable weekend.

Jon Kerr, National Trust General Manager at Mount Stewart, said:  “Mount Stewart is no ordinary country estate. For hundreds of years, this has been Ireland’s secret retreat for Royals, leaders of state, influencers and aristocracy.

“For generations this has been a powerhouse of great thinking, art, music, talks and deliberation, and this energy lives on today.

“In the spirit of the estate, Mount Stewart Conversations will bring an eclectic range of people, artists and performers together for a unique weekend of lively debate, stories, music and arts.’

Tickets are on sale now for a one-of-a-kind weekend at Mount Stewart.

Festival day passes are £30, or a festival weekend pass is available for £50. Concession discounts are also available.

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/conversations for more information.