This Summer, Seamus Heaney HomePlace will continue to play host to a wide variety of artists and authors in the 191 capacity space, The Helicon.

World renowned pianist, Barry Douglas opens the new summer programme in May at HomePlace as he performs a selection of pieces from Schubert, whose work featured in Seamus Heaney’s choices for Desert Island Discs.

The Ulster Orchestra makes a very welcome return to The Helicon alongside a wide variety of musical performers including the legendary Kieran Goss, the father and daughter duo Eliza and Martin Carthy and soulful Declan O’Rourke.

Opening June with a more literary focus, Crime writer and former tabloid reporter Val McDermid will be in conversation with Declan Burke and later in the programme Emily Wilson will be in conversation with Dr Martine Cuypers to discuss her critically acclaimed version of The Odyssey, a poem about violence and the aftermath of war.

Debuting at HomePlace will be Andrew Motion, distinguished former poet laureate, as he discusses his new collection Essex Clay. The three new fellows from the Seamus Heaney Centre for Poetry at Queen’s will also make their first visit to HomePlace – Peter Wilson (who performs as Duke Special), Jo Baker and Doireann Ní Ghríofa.

This programme not only reflects on local born talent but also reaches a national and international dimension with a group of Santa Barbara’s Poets Laureate visiting in July, while the amazing Indian poet, journalist and dancer, Tishani Doshi, will be performing in June.

Coming to the end of this season’s programme, visitors will experience ‘About The Place’ – a series of events inspired by the work of Seamus Heaney and WB Yeats, combining music, conversation, books and theatre. An opportunity for a unique poetry experience will be available at the “Poetry Brunch”. The audience will be transported to a secret location in the landscape surrounding HomePlace for a special afternoon of poetry readings and music.

Tickets are now available for the summer programme at www.seamusheaneyhome.com or call the box office on 02879387444.