ONE of the most successful and joyous poetry events on the continent, the McGregor Poetry Festival, did not happen in August this year, which would have been the ninth event of this popular gathering of lovers of the written word. Instead, a celebration will take place from November 6 – 8, 2020.
One of the highlights of the event is the launch of the annual Poetry in McGregor Anthology. It consists of poems that were written and/or read at the festival of the previous year. Good news is that the 2019 anthology will be introduced to poetry lovers at an event on November 7. A wide range of poets featured have been invited to read their poems.
Billy Kennedy, founder of the McGregor Poetry Festival, says: “Our relaxed gathering next month will not only be a mark of our persevering and enthusiastic spirit but also an expression of our hope that next year we will be proceeding with yet another successful festival. Come and listen how poetry will shape how later generations come to feel and know us as we were this year: what it was like, how it felt, how we knew ourselves again in this unknown future, finding ourselves in all that’s left: you, me, all of us, here, now.”
On Friday evening, November 6, the Wahnfried Theatre in Bree Street will be showing one of the great classic films of all time, The Night of the Iguana by Tennessee Williams, which stars Richard Burton, Ava Gardner and Deborah Kerr. Pure poetry! And a great way to start a weekend. Book at: [email protected]
On Saturday, November 7, finalists of the Love in the time of Covid poetry writing competition will be reading their poems at Wahnfried at 10am. The winners will also be announced at this event. The poetry team was delighted to receive many entries for the annual poetry competition. The launch of the Poetry in McGregor Anthology will follow at 11.30am. If you’re keen to attend one or more of these poetry events, email [email protected] before October 28. Bookings are essential as Covid-regulations require careful planning of seating.
Also happening on Saturday, November 7 – Tebaldi’s Restaurant in McGregor will be hosting an Italian buffet lunch on the lawns of Tebaldi’s so poets and poetry lovers may enjoy one another’s company in the beautiful relaxed gardens of Temenos. Should you wish to join in this convivial celebration of poetry and life, reserve a table at [email protected]
On Sunday, November 8, a wide range of Mc Gregor artists will be displaying their work on the lawns of Temenos in a shared celebration of the arts. Come and enjoy Art in The Park and meet the local talent.
Mc Gregor is a great place to visit especially in the early weeks of November. There are a wide range of accommodation options (contact McGregor Tourism). There will also be a popular early Saturday morning village market, a new cocktail wine bar at Tebaldi’s to enjoy, and other pubs and restaurants to visit.
The readings and the lunch are open to all lovers of poetry. It is essential for social distancing purposes that you reserve your seats before October 28.
For more information, click here or here.
PHOTO CREDIT: DANI’S PHOTOS ©
