Calling all bibliophiles.

Cork’s Elizabeth Fort is transforming into a book-lovers haven this Sunday, April 28th, from 1pm to 6:15pm. It’s part of the Cork World Book Fest, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it.

This free shindig takes place inside the cool, star-shaped fort on Barrack Street and it’s a family-friendly gig so it’s the ideal way to get the gang out of the house for some free fun.

Photo. Darragh Kane

Expect a vibrant mix of literary talent: established authors rubbing shoulders with rising stars, poets dropping rhymes, and spoken-word performers bringing the fire.

There’ll be readings, live music by local artists, and even drop-in workshops to get your creative juices flowing.

This jam-packed drop-in all-ages event includes:

A Pop-up Book Fair: Browse a wide range of literary finds from some of Ireland’s finest booksellers and Exile’s pop-up bookshop of photography books, illustrations and graphic works from an exciting selection of independent publishers and artists

Vital Signs Poetry SOS Sessions: Award-winning poet and writer Eleanor Hooker will be offering 10-minute Poetry S.O.S sessions as a ‘poetry pharmacist’, selecting and prescribing a Vital Signs poem that participants can bring home and read at their leisure. These short sessions are on a first come first served basis.

The Book Doctor will see you now!: Enthusiastic young readers can meet with the friendly ‘Book Doctors’ from Children’s Books Ireland. They’ll offer advice to young readers so they go away with a list of potential new books to read and discover. Children (with their parent/guardian) are invited to drop by for a consultation.

Pop-up Poetry: Readings will take place at 1.30pm, 2pm, 2.20pm and 3pm. Curated by award-winning poet Molly Twomey with readings from Molly herself, Cork writer Lauren O’Donovan, Cork-based poet and multi-disciplinary artist Michelle Delea and Dean Browne .

Nature Tales: Inspired by Irish wildlife, drop-in sessions with Arran Towers will be held at 2pm and 3.30pm. Clay creatures will be crafted inspired by these tales. Suitable for all ages.

A Pop-Up Playground: Let’s Play Cork will be creating a free pop-up playground in Elizabeth Fort, with a variety of games for the young and young at heart. Open from 1pm-3pm.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer, a poetry enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good story, this is your chance to celebrate all things bookish.