Northern Ireland

Seamus Heaney HomePlace kicks off series of virtual performances

Singer-songwriter Anthony Toner
Singer-songwriter Anthony Toner Singer-songwriter Anthony Toner

THE first in a special series of virtual performances organised by a Co Derry arts centre dedicated to the work of Seamus Heaney took place last night.

While the shutters may be down at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy, a line-up of well-known writers and musicians are taking part in an online programme.

Author Glenn Patterson, singer-songwriter Anthony Toner, award-winning poets Maureen Boyle and Stephen Sexton and short story writer and playwright Rosemary Jenkinson are appearing over five weeks.

The ‘Keeping Going’ series of readings and performances is called after Heaney's poem of the same name, which was dedicated to the perseverance and stamina of his brother Hugh.

Author Glenn Patterson is kicking off the `Keeping Going' series of readings and performances on Wednesday April 29
Author Glenn Patterson is kicking off the `Keeping Going' series of readings and performances on Wednesday April 29 Author Glenn Patterson is kicking off the `Keeping Going' series of readings and performances on Wednesday April 29

Martin Kearney, chair of Mid Ulster District Council, which owns and operates Seamus Heaney HomePlace, said the series will showcase the best of local talent.

“While the physical space may be temporarily closed, there’s no end to the creative ways in which the team at HomePlace has been continuing to engage with customers and audiences since the impact of the pandemic began,” he said.

“This aptly named performance programme will showcase some of the best of the local literary and musical talent directly to everyone’s own home place.

'Keeping Going' kicked off this week with Glenn Patterson and will continue every Wednesday at 7pm.

The series is being aired on the HomePlace YouTube channel and the programme is available by visiting SeamusHeaneyHome.com/Keeping-Going