Mark Carruthers’ ‘Alternative Ulsters’ discussion in Limavady on Saturday

Over the past 18 months Mark has set out on a journey to interview over 30 public figures from across Ireland with opinions to share and personal stories to tell. He conducted candid interviews with renowned people including Seamus Heaney (published posthumously), Liam Neeson, Kenneth Branagh, Mary McAleese, Gerry Adams, Peter Robinson and more on what it means to be from Ulster.

Collected in his new publication ‘Alternative Ulsters: Conversations on Identity’, Mark will discuss these conversations which explore Ulster in the twenty-first century with fellow BBC journalist Helen Mark, revealing a freshness of thought and a richness of culture that rarely make the headlines.

Alternative Ulsters is currently on the bestseller list and the beautiful publication features portraits of the famous subjects interviewed by renowned artist Colin Davidson.

Desima Connolly, Arts and Cultural Services Officer, said: “This is a very special event for us as Mark officially opened our venue back in 2011 and is a passionate advocate for the arts. More importantly, he is from Limavady and along with locally based Helen Mark, this is sure to be an informative and entertaining evening.”

Mark joined the BBC in 1989 and has become one of Northern Ireland’s best-known broadcasters, presenting The View, as well as Sunday Politics and Stormont Today. He is also currently the Chairman of the Belfast’s Lyric Theatre and was awarded an OBE for services to Drama in Northern Ireland in 2011.

Mark will be available to sign copies of his publication on the night and copies are available at the centre’s gift shop. Tickets are £5 with proceeds go to Mark’s charity CRY, which raises awareness of SADS (Sudden Adult Death Syndrome). Complimentary refreshments are also provided. To book your seat, contact Box Office on Tel:028 7776 0650.