The Arts Service of Causeway Coast & Glens Council presents Bernie McGill in conversation with Jessica Bates, with music by Hannah McPhillimy

This event is now available to view online at Flowerfield Arts Centre’s YouTube channel. 

Join us for an evening of music and words from two acclaimed artists whose work is inspired by the distinctive land and seascapes of the Causeway Coast and Glens.

North Coast native Hannah McPhillimy’s brand of thoughtful indie-pop takes its influences from artists across the Atlantic such as Regina Spektor and Feist, but retains an unpredictable beauty that is uniquely home-grown. Described by The Irish Times as ‘a bit of a wonder’, she has supported artists such as Foy Vance, SOAK and The Gloaming. Hannah recently returned from completing her masters in classical composition at the prestigious Michigan University and touring in the U.S.

‘Quietly Captivating.’ Culture NI
‘Music both stunning and moving in equal measure.’ Chordblossom
‘McPhillimy’s vocal talents hit home time and time again.’ The Thin Air 
‘A real talent.’ Ralph McLean, BBC Ulster 

The landscape and people of the North Coast are firmly rooted in the writing of Bernie McGill. Her first novel, The Butterfly Cabinet, was set in Portstewart and inspired by the tragic events surrounding the Montague family in 1892. Her most recent novel, The Watch House, is set on Rathlin Island, at the time of the Marconi wireless experiments. Its themes of enforced isolation, of new technologies in communication, and of the ingenuity of people to overcome the restrictions of their environment, are distinctly appropriate for the times we find ourselves in.

‘McGill writes about life, love and telegraphy with a poet’s clarity’ The Sunday Times
‘McGill proves once again she is a masterful storyteller . . . historical fiction at its absolute best’ The Lady

Hannah and Bernie will be joined by Ulster University Senior Lecturer and Rathlin resident Jessica Bates to talk about creativity in Lockdown, the impact of location and of circumstances on creative work, and how creative responses can help us navigate troubled times.

Dr Jessica Bates is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education, Ulster University where she is Course Director for the Postgraduate Diploma and MSc in Library and Information Management, both online courses. Dr Bates is also Chair of the Advisory Panel to The National Collection of Northern Ireland Publications (NIPR).