Paul McVeigh Residency Returns
credit - Hayley Benoit
The Paul McVeigh Literary Residency Returns to The Harrison
After the remarkable success of its inaugural year, The Harrison Chambers of Distinction is thrilled to announce the continuation of the Paul McVeigh Literary Residency, an initiative that places celebrated authors at the heart of Belfast’s cultural and creative landscape. The programme, led by renowned Northern Irish writer Paul McVeigh, supports established and emerging literary talent, offering writers the time, space, and inspiration to focus on their craft within the historic and artistically rich surroundings of our boutique hotel.
Celebrating Literary Excellence
The first confirmed author-in-residence for 2025 is the award-winning Ingrid Persaud, known for her powerful storytelling and vivid characters. Born in Trinidad and now based in London, Ingrid is the acclaimed author of Love After Love—a novel that earned the Costa First Novel Award, The Author’s Club First Book Award, and the Indie Book Award for Fiction. Her latest work, The Lost Love Songs of Boysie Singh, further showcases her unique voice and Caribbean heritage. Ingrid's stories have also been recognised with the BBC National Short Story Award and the Commonwealth Short Story Prize.
Ingrid will be joining The Harrison for a short-term residency, where she will be offered a peaceful writing retreat in one of our literary-inspired rooms. During her stay, she will engage with the local creative community through events, readings, and public discussions aimed at nurturing literary conversations and inspiring new voices.
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After the huge success of our launch last year, we are delighted to announce the first author attached to the Paul McVeigh Residency at The Harrison.
Ingrid Persuad is the author of two novels, Love After Love and The Lost Love Songs of Boysie Singh. Her debut novel, Love After Love, won the Costa First Novel award, the Author’s Club First Book Award and the Indie Book Award for Fiction. Other prizes include the BBC National Short Story Award and the Commonwealth Short Story Prize. She was born in Trinidad and lives in London.
The 2025 Residency will be announced in the coming weeks.
A Unique Collaboration Between Hospitality and Literature
The Paul McVeigh Residency at The Harrison is a pioneering collaboration that blends luxury hospitality with literary excellence. Set in a restored Victorian merchant’s residence, The Harrison offers the ideal environment for creativity to flourish. The residency is a celebration of storytelling, diversity, and the power of literature to connect people across backgrounds.
Author and residency founder Paul McVeigh, originally from Belfast, is best known for his novel The Good Son, which won The Polari Prize and was shortlisted for the Prix du Roman Cezam in France. With deep roots in the local literary scene and international acclaim, McVeigh brings a wealth of experience and vision to this unique initiative.
More to Come in 2025
The full lineup for the 2025 Paul McVeigh Residency will be announced soon. This year promises an exciting mix of established voices and emerging talent who will be welcomed into The Harrison’s community of distinction. Each resident author will receive bespoke accommodation, creative support, and opportunities to connect with Belfast’s vibrant literary and cultural scene.
Stay tuned by following @PaulMcVeighWriter and @HarrisonBelfast on X, or sign up to our newsletter to receive exclusive updates, author event announcements, and behind-the-scenes insights from our residents.
Supporting Belfast’s Literary Future
At The Harrison, we believe that literature has the power to shape culture and inspire change. The Paul McVeigh Residency is a vital part of our commitment to supporting the arts and positioning Belfast as a city of creativity and distinction. We are proud to be a hub for literary talent and a sanctuary for authors as they craft the stories of tomorrow.