Celebrating the life and works of the now late Seamus Heaney, On Home Ground returns for its second year - the first since Mr Heaney's passing - programmed by guest curator, Marie-Louise Muir, presenter of BBC Radio Ulster's Arts Extra.
From 11 to 14 September, more than 30 events will be held in the picturesque setting of Laurel Villa, Magherafelt – a designated UK Poetry Society Landmark and a major tourist attraction for Seamus Heaney devotees – and surrounding locations, famed for inspiring much of Heaney’s work.
Organised by the Verbal Arts Centre in partnership with Laurel Villa’s husband and wife team, Eugene and Gerardine Kielt and supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Magherafelt District Council and Northern Ireland Tourist Board, On Home Ground will host readings from some of Ireland’s finest writers and poets, exhibitions by leading visual artists and the screening of archive films made for the BBC and presented by Seamus.
Music fans will be treated to the sound of Liam O’Flynn who will be joined on stage by Neil Martin, Rod McVeigh and actor Brid Brennan, and Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody will give an intimate performance entitled The Invisible Tribe, his tribute to a man that inspired him in his own career.
A full programme of events is available from onhomegroundfestival.com and bookings can be made in person at The Bridewell Tourist Information Centre or by telephone on ++44 (0) 28 79631510
