The Art Auction in the Butty Barn was one of the real highlights of the festival last year. It's sense of theatre and nailbiting drama matched anything a troupe of well meaning luvvies could put on anywhere...and not a leotard in the house. Thanks to those artists who kindly donated a painting, and of course Damien Hirst's donated spin, the immediate future of the festival looks pretty secure by virtue of  the money raised from that painting. Although trying to repeat last year's drama would be insane, we are going to have an auction again in the barn, but this time our artists will be calling the shots. They get the lion's share - the Flat Lake charging 25% commission.

We are pleased to announce the participation of the FENDERESKY GALLERY in Belfast. It's curator, Jamshid Fenderesky, will be submitting about 35 diverse contemporary pieces at affordable prices - ranging from about E400.00 to E6000.00. We'll also be entering Jonathon Leahey's inaugural  Flat Lake Twin Figure sculpture from last year. Wrought from rusted farm machinery on the Hilton Estate, this imposing masterpiece will undoubtedly become a prized collectors item.....

......   and to top the whole thing off we'll be adding to the stunning literary line-up with a dazzling cherry red 1964 Triumph Herald. The 60’s classic will provide the final lot  and is sure to cause quite a stir. For this zippy little gem, it’s fine lines designed by Giovanni Michelotti, is no run-of-the-mill classic - because it’s interior roof lining will be signed by the illustrious roll call of Ulster Poets appearing this year. And just for good measure, we'll be hiding a painting in its boot. The Herald will take pride of place in Hilton Park’s Butty Barn over the festival weekend… then revealed to all at the end of the auction.

Anyway, bring you cheque book as I'm sure a few of you discerning art heads will walk away with a bit of a bargain.

Here's a few swatches of the canvas shmuttah....