"The 7th Bailieborough Poetry Festival will take place this year from 3rd to 5th October. Building on  previous years’ events we have a refreshing group  of poets, artists, readers and musicians.

 

In keeping with past festivals, the festival will open with an art exhibition by Cavan-based artist, Jim McPartlin on the Thursday of the weekend in the arts space of Bailieborough Library. This will be followed by LitLab readings. Over the course of the weekend there will be poetry workshops by visiting poets aimed at participants at all levels of writing experience, interviews, open mic events, the presentation of the Bailieborough Poetry prize and a walking tour of local literary places of interest.

 

 

This year’s festival welcomes recently appointed  Writer-in-Residence, Anthony J Quinn, who has  already become involved in numerous projects in the county and across the pre-Brexit border. He hails from County Tyrone and is a crime novelist with 8 thrillers to his name. He also describes himself as a closet poet and will be reading his own work and providing writing and publishing advice for aspiring writers.

 

 

Visiting poets this year will include Pat Boran and Moya Cannon, members of Aosdana, both of whom will be conducting workshops on the Saturday  morning of the festival. Early booking is advised as the workshops are always oversubscribed. Cavan poet Kate Ennals will also feature this year. The weekend will be completed with a performance by Danny Forde, a singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with a strong stage presence.

 

 

All poets have a significant body of published work and we are delighted to have them grace the festival as guest readers. Watch our website for a list of readers for this event closer to the festival."

 

Click HERE to download this years programme