Reader in Media and Culture Dr Sean Campbell gave a free talk titled 'Dwellers on the Threshold: Second-Generation Irish Musicians in England' at this year's Headingley LitFest.

Sean's talk was advertised in the Yorkshire Evening Post on 6 March, and drew a sell-out crowd at the Headingley Enterprise & Arts Centre on Friday 8 March.

The lecture explored the role of Irish ethnicity in the lives and work of these musicians, focusing on three high-profile artists: Kevin Rowland (Dexys Midnight Runners), Shane MacGowan (The Pogues), and Morrissey/Johnny Marr (The Smiths). It examined the different ways in which they engaged with Irish issues and how they negotiated questions of Irish-English identity, drawing on extensive archival research of audio-visual material as well as original interviews with the key figures. The lecture was followed by a traditional Irish music showcase session in the café.

Sean has also been invited to speak at this year's Trinity Week event at Trinity College Dublin in April. This year's theme is 'Diaspora', and Sean will give a public talk on diaspora and cultural expression.

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