Projects
The Louis MacNeice Literary Festival
The Louis MacNeice Literary Festival is coming soon! From the 18th-20th October we will be hosting 5 events celebrating Carrickfergus’s connection with the famous poet!
Events
Friday 18th October
The Louis Macneice festival open mic
The Secret Bookshelf, The Courtyard
Friday 18th 7pm
Join us in The Secret Bookshelf (or in the garden, if the weather is kind!) for a night of open mic poetry, hosted by award winning poet, Paul Maddern with special guest reader Stephanie Conn.
There will be ten five-minute available slots to read your work inspired by MacNeice, if you would like to read you don’t need to book – just email Jo at jozeb71@gmail.com
If you just want to come and enjoy the culture and ambience grab your tickets here!
Refreshments available from @7bistro through the evening 🙂
Saturday 19th October
Official festival launch
Carrickfergus Town Hall
Saturday 19th October – 2pm
We are thrilled to welcome one of Northern Ireland’s best loved novelists and ardent Louis MacNeice fan, Glenn Patterson to officially launch our festival this year.
Join us for a bit of literary craic, a few nibbles and a chance to see some of Carrickfergus Museum’s collections connected to MacNeice.
Book here
the Voices of children
Carrickfergus Town Hall
Saturday 19th October 3pm
In this sharing session, Vanissa will discuss The Voices of Children, a poetry and music composition initiative designed to foster a deep appreciation for both words and music among children. As someone who has recently relocated to this country, Vanissa is eager to engage with the local culture by collaborating with schoolchildren in Northern Ireland. She will share her inspiration and vision for the project, as well as her insights gained from the poetry workshops and the creative process involved.
Booking here
home and belonging in the works of macneice and beyond
The Carrickfergus Town Hall
Saturday 19th October
Chaired by local author, historian and playwright Philip Orr, we have invited a range of experts to discuss the themes of home and belonging in the works of MacNeice and how this has influenced their own work. We will be joined by Professor Emerita Edna Longley, Dr Angeline King and Dr Michael Kinsella.
This will be a lovely relaxed evening with stimulating chat, so bring your questions and a bottle of wine or a cup of tea and settle in to hearing about Carrickfergus’s special connection with MacNeice.
Tickets available here.
Sunday 20th october
Disc of Dreams - creative writing workshop
Carrickfergus Town Hall
Sunday 20th – 10am-12pm
Young writers – come be inspired by the poetical writings of local poet, Louis MacNeice. Join local writer and storyteller Vicky McFarland for a practical creative writing workshop in which we will take inspiration from MacNeice and create our own stories or poems based on his work.
+ Be inspired by MacNeice’s poetry
+ Create your own ideas, stories or poems
+ Engage in practical creative writing games and activities
Suitable for ages 9-12
Book here
MacNeice's carrick - walking tour
Carrickfergus – Departing from Mill Ponds
Sunday 20th – 1pm
Much of MacNeice’s themes evolved from his childhood in Carrickfergus. Join us on a walking tour of some of the key locations, which will capture aspects of his poetry and its connection to the town. The tour will finish with a visit to St Nicholas church.
Sensible shoes and a coat recommended!
Book here
