Ballymena hosts evening on David Trimble’s life with author Stephen Walker and Declan Lawn

Stephen Walker and Declan Lawn will be in the Braid Theatre, Ballymena on Tuesday 14 October at 7:30pm 

Two Ballymena-born writers are set to explore the remarkable life and political legacy of Nobel Laureate David Trimble at a special evening event in the town’s Braid Theatre on Tuesday 14 October.

The event will feature acclaimed author Stephen Walker, whose new biography David Trimble: Peacemaker has been described by The Irish Times as a “political page turner,” in conversation with award-winning screenwriter Declan Lawn, co-creator of the hit BBC One series Blue Lights.

Published by Gill Books, Walker’s biography draws on more than 100 new interviews and was written with the cooperation of the Trimble family. It is the journalist’s fifth book, following his bestselling 2023 title John Hume: The Persuader.

Ballymena author Stephen Walker, pictured at a recent book signing event.

Walker, who was educated in Ballymena, said he was delighted to be returning home for the event.

“Declan Lawn and I did a similar event with my John Hume book in 2023 and we had a wonderful sell-out evening with a fantastic audience.

“Coming from Ballymena it is a big thrill to come back to the Braid Theatre which is such a wonderful venue. I am looking forward to seeing many friends and familiar faces again.”

He added:

“I know there is a big interest in Ballymena in politics and current affairs and book events get good support. We always get great audience questions in Ballymena.”

Both Walker and Lawn are former BBC Northern Ireland reporters who worked together on the flagship investigative programme Spotlight.

Since leaving journalism, Declan Lawn has built a successful career in screenwriting, co-writing and directing Blue Lights, which recently won a BAFTA, as well as working on The Salisbury Poisonings and the Netflix film Rogue Agent.

Lawn said he was equally excited to return home for discussion.

“It’s a real pleasure to return to the Braid to discuss this latest book by my old friend Stephen Walker. The last event we did for his biography of John Hume was a great success, so I’m really looking forward to coming back to my home town to talk about this new book on Lord Trimble.”

He added with a smile:

“We might even tell a few indiscreet yarns from our days working on the BBC’s Spotlight programme together.”

The Stephen Walker Book Launch and Q&A takes place at The Braid Theatre, Ballymena, on Tuesday 14 October.

Tickets are available from shapedbyseaandstone.com or stephenwalker.uk, with a concession rate available for students.