Winter/Spring 2026 Events Programme Launched
Seamus Heaney HomePlace is welcoming in the new year with the launch of its 2026 Winter/Spring Events Programme, an especially meaningful moment as 2026 marks the beginning of our tenth year in Bellaghy.
To celebrate a decade of creativity, community and culture, we are delighted to be inviting back many cherished friends of HomePlace, along with exciting new voices making their debut on the Helicon stage.
On Saturday 7th March, Poet Laureate Simon Armitage returns to HomePlace for a captivating evening of readings from his two new collections, Dwell and New Cemetery.
On 17th April, we are honoured to welcome back Sinéad Morrissey, who, alongside Michael Longley, was the very first poet to read in the Helicon ten years ago. Her long-awaited return will focus on her distinguished literary career and her new memoir to be published by Carcanet in March 2026.
Two powerful film screenings feature in this year’s programme. The season opens on Thursday 29th January with A Want In Her, Myrid Carten’s moving documentary exploring 30 years of her relationship with a mother struggling with addition. Later, on Sunday 8th March, we present Patrick Kavanagh – No Man’s Fool, Sé Merry Doyle’s award-winning film marking the 90th anniversary of The Ploughman and Other Poems.
A series of exceptional musicians will take to the Helicon stage in 2026. On 14th February, acclaimed singer Sinéad Willox will perform with some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians to celebrate the launch of her new album Seoda Uladh (Jewels of Ulster).
Audiences can enjoy ‘Art Forms Colliding’ with Duke Special on Friday 10th April, an intimate concert weaving together songs inspired by visual art and literature.
Our final concert of the season on Friday 24th April features the extraordinary uilleann piper Conor Mallon, joined by Jack Warnock (guitar/vocals), Paul Starett (electric guitar) and Colm Phelan (bodhrán).
This season also brings an impressive line-up of writers, journalists and authors. On Wednesday 11th February, Dr Marie Cassidy will be in conversation with Hugh Odling-Smee, discussing her remarkable journey from Ireland’s State Pathologist to acclaimed novelist.
Stuart Bailie joins Stephen McCauley on Thursday 19th February to discuss The Song Is Nearly Over, a witty collection of stories spanning 40 years of music-world insight, featuring encounters with U2, Oasis, Radiohead and Sinéad O’Connor.
On Saturday 28th February, Nicholas Allen visits HomePlace to celebrate his new book Late Heaney, joined by writer Neil Hegarty and internationally renowned sean-nós singer Iarla Ó Lionáird, known for his work with The Gloaming.
Award-winning screenwriter and Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce will be in conversation with Martin Melarkey on Saturday 21st March, discussing his celebrated career across children’s literature, film and television.
Saturday 28th March sees twice Booker-nominated writer Pat McCabe present an evening of readings from Heaney and Durcan, reflections on his writing life and even a few songs on the guitar, including a touch of Elvis.
Celebrated artist Colin Davidson and journalist Mark Carruthers join Sarah Travers on Sunday 29th March to discuss Twelve Paintings, their powerful memoir and artistic manifesto exploring the creativity and the stories behind Davidson’s internationally acclaimed portraits.
Long-time HomePlace contributor Jan Carson returns in her own right on Saturday 25th April to discuss her new book Few and Far Between, a bold reimagining of Northern Ireland’s recent history.
For history enthusiasts, the programme offers powerful true stories brought to life through theatre and expert insight. On Tuesday 17th March, Aidan Dooley presents his award-winning one-man play about Tom Crean, the intrepid Antarctic explorer and unsung Irish hero who served with both Scott and Shackelton and survived.
A special historical event takes place on Thursday 12th February to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Reverend Dr David Latimer and Courtney McKinney-Whittaker explore the remarkable life of Charles Thomson, the Maghera-born founding father and co-signatory of the original Declaration. The talk is followed by a screening of The Man Who Told The Truth by Imagine Media, with selected PRONI items on display.
The programme also includes a dynamic mix of workshops with poets Niamh McNally and Elaine Gaston, artists Enda Kenny and Ruth Osbourne and author Sharon Jones, offering opportunities to explore poetry, develop writing skills and ignite creativity.
We look forward to welcoming audiences to another vibrant, wide-ranging season at HomePlace, one filled with conversations, performances and experiences to inspire every visitor.
Tickets for the Winter/Spring 2026 Events Programme are now on sale. To book your tickets, visit our website or call our box office on 028 7938 7444.
Click here to view the full programme.
