As part of the Bealtaine Festival, celebrating creativity in older age, The Arts Office of Laois County Council is hosting a three-week poetry writing course with Dr Arthur Broomfield at Laois Arthouse, Stradbally. The course runs for three Mondays in May; 13th, 20th, 27th May 2024 from 11:00am to 1:00pm and the opportunity to join in Bealtaine Festival poetry evening on Thursday 30^th May at 7.30pm as part of the Bealtaine Festival.

Bealtaine is Ireland’s national festival which celebrates the arts and creativity as we age.

Writing Workshops:

Writing Poetry: Now is the right time to start: You can do it!

Arthur’s workshops will deal with the basic elements of poetry writing i.e. reading the good poets; inspiration, what is it, how do I react to it: rhyme and rhythm : are they necessary ? Imagery and naming: authenticity and originality, don’t be afraid to speak in your own voice, and what is the creative process, do I have it? Arthur wants the workshops to be enjoyable and hopes to see you there in what should be work and fun. There will be the opportunity to be part of a Bealtiane Festival Poetry Evening also.

Monday, 13th, 20th, 27^th May 2024 11 – 1pm Course fee is €15 and in case of fee being a barrier to attending, there are some free places. Email artsoff@laoiscoco.ie to discuss.

The programme will conclude with a reading and refreshments for guests, family, and friends on Thursday 30^th May 2024 at 7.30pm at the Laois Arthouse.

Dr Arthur Broomfield is a poet, essayist, and short story writer. He has published nine books including six poetry collections. He holds workshops for poets, mentees, and writers in workshops and on-line. in 2021 Arthur was awarded Poetry Ireland’s Poet Laureate for Mountmellick Co Laois. Arthur presented Mountmellick’s Town Poem ‘The Spirit of Mountmellick Speaks’ at a special event in the town.

Booking Details:

Dates:                                                   Monday, 13th, 20th, 27th, 30th May 2024

Fee:                                                       €15 for 3 workshops plus poetry evening

Time:                                                    11-1pm

Venue:                                                 Laois Arthouse, Stradbally, Co Laois, R32 DT28

Fees to be paid in advance directly to Laois County Council Cash Office – 05786 74308

Opening Hours:                                 Monday to Friday 9.30am – 3.30pm

Please quote:                                    Arthur Broomfield Poetry workshop

For further information:               Email: artsoff@laoiscoco.ie