The number of years Seamus Heaney lived in Ashford. Locals have organised Féile Heaney - a celebration of the man and his work.

EVENING OF MUSIC AND POETRY IN ASHFORD

THE LIFE and times of Seamus Heaney will be marked with an evening of poetry and music in Ashford, the village from where he sought so much of his inspiration.

The anniversary of his birth falls on the 13 April and April 12 has been chosen to inaugurate the Féile Heaney - a celebration of the man and his work.

Mr. Heaney lived in Glanmore, Ashford for five years with his wife Marie from 1972 until 1977. During that time Marie also worked as a teacher in the old Ashford National School.

The Heaney’s still maintained close ties to Ashford and purchased Glanmore Cottage again in 1988, dividing their time between Dublin and Wicklow.

Upon hearing about the event organised in honour of Seamus, Marie commented, ‘I am delighted that Seamus is being celebrated in Ashford, a place where he found peace, happiness and inspiration over many years, a place that he really loved.’

The first Féile Heaney takes place at Nun’s Cross, Church, Ashford at 8 p.m. on April 12 and will include poetry and music from artists who knew and worked with Seamus. There will be readings in Irish and English by award-winning writers Gabriel Rosenstock , Hans- Christian Oeser and Catríona O'Reilly.

The event has been organised by Alchemy Concert Series run by Ashford-based musicians Rachel Factor, Eamon Sweeney and Cormac Breatnach. It’s also supported by The Arts Council, Poetry Ireland and Wicklow County Council.

There will be music for harpsichord, whistles, baroque guitar, viola da gamba and voice. Musicians performing on the night will include Elaine Agnew (composer); Cormac Breatnach (whistles); Rachel Factor (harpsichord/piano); Lucy Robinson (viola da gamba); Eamon Sweeney (guitars); Toni Walsh (soprano).

The evening will also feature the premiere of new works inspired by the poetry of Mr. Heaney, including a creation by the children of the Holy Rosary National School with the assistance of composers Elaine Agnew and Gabriel Rosenstock. The Holy Rosary is also the primary school attended by the Heaney children in their youth.

Oisín Peelo-Walsh will present new musical settings based on the works of the highly regarded poet.

Tickets are priced at €15 and €12 with a special family ticket for two adults and two children available for €30. They are available on the door and at Martsworth in Ashford and Bridge Street Books in Wicklow town. You can also email to alchemyconcerts@gmail.com.