Seamus Heaney HomePlace announces new ‘virtual’ performance programme

Among the cream of home-grown talent to feature are renowned author, Glenn Patterson, singer-songwriter Anthony Toner, award-winning poets Maureen Boyle and Stephen Sexton and the short story writer and playwright, Rosemary Jenkinson.

The ‘Keeping Going’ series of readings and performances, named to recall Seamus Heaney’s poem dedicated to the perseverance and stamina of his brother Hugh- a regular attendee in The Helicon, will be aired via the HomePlace YouTube channel, beginning with Glenn Patterson on April 29.

Councillor Martin Kearney, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council which owns and operates Seamus Heaney HomePlace, said: “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.

“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.

“Nothing beats the atmosphere of a live experience, but these online performances are the next best thing and I have no doubt we’ll have a ‘virtual full-house’.

Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy recently reached it 130,000th visitor milestone, and although it is currently not open to the public, the team are committed to keeping their visitors entertained through Covid-19 restrictions.

The online programme will be available by visiting SeamusHeaneyHome.com/Keeping-Going or search: Seamus Heaney HomePlace on YouTube and enjoy the wonderful literary offerings from the talented artists.