With this new independent identity, the festival says it will “extend its reach” to include artists and writers from the regions and the hinterlands.
Kells has become a key stop on the literary map for some of Europe's and the world's greatest writers and artists.
“And will continue to be so,” promises a spokesperson. “The close relationship between Kells and the Hay Festival has been vital over the past four years in building the Festival to current international standards.
In 2017, as the Festival enters its fifth year, they believe that the "timing felt right to progress as a stand-alone event."
The spokesperson adds, “Kells has benefited enormously from support and mentoring from the international Hay Festival legacy and brand, and the Festival Committee remain close collaborators and great friends with the ever-supportive family at Hay, and those collaborations are set to continue on specific events.
“The town of Kells has demonstrated its ability to build on its literary legacy, and this new development means there is potential to bring greater depth to the Festival, making sure it serves the needs and interests of its local community as well as the important visitors.”
The spokesperson adds, “Developments in the town of Kells in recent years include activity to develop the town as a Cultural Hub, and the growing success of Kells Local Heroes with events like the Pink Ribbon Walk.
"New thinking has always been a Festival feature, with events such as the Type Trail and Documentary Festival. The commitment by local business owners to creating astonishing literary themed displays in shop windows has become an annual creative endeavour.
“The defining characteristic of the town is community and the Festival will continue to be run by a dedicated local committee who volunteer their time, including Myles Dungan who has done so much over the past four years, and will continue to programme a brilliant range of writers, artists, musicians, politicians and personalities to visit Co. Meath each summer,” concluded the spokesperson.
Hinterland Festival will take place on June 22 – 25, and further details will be announced in January.