Events

The Carnduff Society* presents a new open mic poetry event on the first Monday of each month at EastSide Visitor Centre.

Format of event
- Participants can register their interest when doors open at 7.30pm
- Participant names will be drawn from a hat & will be invited to read for 5 minutes (depending on number of participants)

BYO

*The Carnduff Society has been established to honour the life and work of Thomas Carnduff. The aim is to bring to a new audience the legacy of Carnduff’s exceptional writing on the social history of the under-privileged and working classes. The society’s aims and principles are to encourage and promote literary merit among all classes and creeds. As part of this vision the society is organising the ‘Yard Sessions’ open mic poetry nights to allow poetry and prose of all styles to be performed by all.

The Carnduff Society is a not for profit group. Membership is open to all who have an interest in the life-work and legacy of the ‘shipyard poet’.

This short, one-day symposium will seek to open up conversations around the contemporary Protestant imagination and how it has been shaped and influenced by industry, religion, politics and the legacy of creativity established by past Protestant writers, thinkers and artists. The sessions will be loosely tied to the research presented by Philip Orr in his recent book, Down by Avalon: Reflections on East Belfast.  The day will conclude with dinner and a number of short performances in acclaimed local restaurant, Freight.

The Literary Fairy has all the best stories in her magic library, and because Christmas is coming, she has an extra-special story to tell you. Who doesn’t love a fantastic Christmas story? The evil Snow Queen doesn’t, that’s who. She has been up to her nasty mischief, and is planning on ruining Christmas for everybody! Can you help the Literary Fairy, her friend The Faun, and the Very Interesting Creatures sort out this terrible mess and foil the Snow Queen’s rotten plans? Bring your imagination and your favourite, loveliest words, and join our characters on their quest to save Christmas. You may even get to meet Santa if your mission is successful! Grown-ups can come too if they promise to behave.

Children and childlike imagination were a major influence on C.S. Lewis's literary work. In this presentation by Lewis expert, Eve Williams, we will learn about Lewis's childhood in Belfast, look at his childhood imaginings from Animal-Land to Narnia and find out about his perceptions of childhood when he became a stepfather for the first time in his 60's. With interviews from Lewis's stepson Douglas Gresham as well as the voice of the man himself, this talk will give an insight into the work and character of one of the greatest children's writers of the twentieth century.

Private Peaceful relives the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn. During the night, he looks back at his short but joyful past growing up in rural Devon: his exciting first days at school; the accident in the forest that killed his father; his adventures with Molly, the love of his life; and the battles and injustices of war that brought him to the front line.

No age restrictions - depictions of war and gun fire throughout

Jack’s Journey is a whimsical re-imagining of the childhood journeys of C.S. Lewis as he ‘stops’ along the way to his eventual career as the writer of the Narnian Chronicles. 
The story is told through music memories and significant episodes from his school days, up to his entry into Oxford. Living almost entirely in his imagination as a small boy, the seeds of the Narnian world are already beginning to grow in his writing and drawings. Jack’s Journey concludes with a celebratory anthem that heralds the arrival of the great hero of the first of the Narnian Chronicles. 
C.S Lewis (Jack) attended Campbell College in east Belfast and this tribute to his childhood journey is written by Adeline Dinsmore and David Catherwood and performed by pupils from Campbell College, St. Joseph’s and Strandtown Primary Schools, with members of the Ulster Orchestra.

The Literary Fairy has all the best stories in her magic library, and because Christmas is coming, she has an extra-special story to tell you. Who doesn’t love a fantastic Christmas story? The evil Snow Queen doesn’t, that’s who. She has been up to her nasty mischief, and is planning on ruining Christmas for everybody! Can you help the Literary Fairy, her friend The Faun, and the Very Interesting Creatures sort out this terrible mess and foil the Snow Queen’s rotten plans? Bring your imagination and your favourite, loveliest words, and join our characters on their quest to save Christmas. You may even get to meet Santa if your mission is successful! Grown-ups can come too if they promise to behave.

Join award-winning children’s and YA authors Myra Zepf and Kelly McCaughrain, plus Grainne Clear of Walker Books as they give honest advice and insight into the world of children’s and YA publishing and answer all your questions about writing and publishing books for young people.

In celebration of the incredible imagination of the late, great Roald Dahl, storyteller Stephen Beggs will perform a reading before the film and host the workshop afterwards.  - Snow White, Red Riding Hood, Three Little Pigs, Jack & The Beanstalk and Cinderella are all mixed together and served with a twist. From the creators of The Gruffalo, with Roald Dahl’s playful language intact.

Join Women Aloud NI as our writers take you on a journey beyond the wardrobe. In this showcase of Children and Young Adult writers you will be treated to readings from books and/or works in progress, highlighting the diversity of contemporary female voices within this genre. The readers will take you into other worlds of the sub-genres and beyond, before bringing you back through the wardrobe. Everyone is welcome because, let’s face it, you’re never too old for a good story!

Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison was a writer with exceptional imagination and insight. Her novels engaged creatively and powerfully with questions of race and class in twentieth century America. Her recent death highlighted just how much her work has impacted and shaped both readers and writers. Join us for an informal discussion of her incredible, prize-winning novel, Beloved. Please read the book prior to the discussion.

"....In your mind, you can find, a whole world of pure imagination... Let’s go somewhere today." 
To the beach! Perhaps, if the sun shines. Maybe a woodland walk or a trip to the movies. Who knows where we’ll go! Through music, story and song we’ll travel to a place of our own making. This mini adventure is perfect for curious souls, big and small.

Suitable for age 4-7 and their grown-ups

*Ticket price is per child, adults tickets are free

Chasing Aslan is a special C.S Lewis themed service for all the family. Join us as our Kids and Youth Teams explore the exciting writings of C.S. Lewis and what they mean for us today.

Join us for a free Narnia themed treasure hunt and super fun craft activity, write your own story with children’s author Myra Zepf and explore C.S. Lewis Square. Drop in any time!

Age: Up to 10 years old

"Have you ever been to the Mallow Races?

It takes some doing as they don’t exist."

Matthew Sweeney

This workshop, facilitated by award-winning poet Stephen Sexton, will explore approaches to imaginative and non-realist themes in poems. We’ll consider a number of examples from contemporary poetry and discuss the ways in which our own writing might be invigorated with a little imagination.

Join us for this immersive screening in Park Avenue’s Grand Ballroom…  We’ll have mask-making workshops before the film, a chocolate mice hunt and perhaps even some real witches!  Celebrating Roald Dahl - A young boy stumbles into a Witches Convention and must stop them, even after he has been turned into a mouse!  

This special service will celebrate the life and witness of C.S. Lewis, whose writings capture people’s imagination across the generations. Using the imagery contained in The Chronicles of Narnia along with the prophetic writings of the Scriptures we will be drawn closer to the God whom C.S. Lewis called his Saviour.

Tenx9 is a storytelling event where nine people have up to ten minutes each to tell a true story from their own life. Founded in Belfast in 2011 by Paul Doran and Pádraig Ó Tuama, Tenx9 is a firm favourite on the Belfast arts scene. In keeping with the festival theme of “through the wardrobe” we are looking for stories on the theme “Closets”. Got a story? Get in touch at tenx9.com/submissions.

This talk begins with Lewis’s own comment that his friendship with Tolkien challenged two of his learned prejudices, firstly against ‘papists’ and secondly against philologists. (The latter was not totally serious!) After looking at Lewis’s family background in early 20th century Belfast and the attitudes of that era, Lewis expert Rev. Mercia Flannagan will consider how Lewis’s later Christianity was broadened by his friendship with Tolkien. 

Join us as we gather together to openly discuss 'The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe.' More than just an in-depth analysis of the novel, there will also be an opportunity for readers to share their own personal insights and experiences of Lewis's most-loved work.  Hosted by Richard Ryan, owner of The Book Well bookshop on Belmont Road. This event is open to all ages, and preferably to those who have read the novel.

Searchlight Theatre Company’s award-winning production based on the brilliantly funny, classic apologist book by Lewis, this dazzling production gives a witty insight into the frailties of human nature with a telling accuracy. Screwtape’s aim is to mentor his junior devil Wormwood into tempting their “subject” into a secure damnation. “The devil’s greatest weapon is that we do not exist.” A huge sell-out success in 2017 and back by popular demand, don’t miss this sparkling adaptation full of perception, mockery and truth. Adapted for the stage by Nigel Forde.

In this illustrated talk, Ian Sansom shares the work and ideas of some of his imagination heroes. Prepare to discover the work of pioneering origamists, boundary-pushing body-benders, and the young - and old - musicians and artists working at the very extremes of what is possible. Unsuitable for children.

Belfast Stories “exhibits the extraordinary strength and breadth of writing emanating from Northern Ireland. It encompasses a wide array of talent and stylistic approaches…” The Irish Times.  Rosemary Jenkinson, Wendy Erskine and Michael Nolan read from this acclaimed anthology from Doire Press, with music by talented Belfast duo Marble Index.

With Special Guest Anthony Toner

Acclaimed singer songwriter Eilidh Patterson makes her EastSide debut with a concert at EastSide Visitor Centre on Friday November 29, hot on the heels of her latest release, Journey Maker.

Eilidh (pronounced ‘I-Lee’) is a warm, engaging performer of startling clarity. With songs that cut straight to the heart, delightfully accurate guitar playing and crystal clear vocals, she has made an immediate connection with audiences across the world.

In recent years, she has performed at music festivals in the United States and throughout the UK. Eilidh's relaxed stage presence invites the listener to sit back and enjoy her unique take on life and love. As legendary songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman said: "Eilidh Patterson's voice is velvet and air. The richness of her songs and her sound is something beautiful to behold.”

Earlier this year, Eilidh released her fourth studio album, Journey Maker, a collection that has attracted strong reviews and airplay. For this solo performance, she will be joined as special guest by songwriter/guitarist Anthony Toner – Anthony will introduce Eilidh and conduct a short relaxed interview – and join her for a few songs during the set.

"Eilidh shows a real talent for capturing a hook and melody to match her beautiful vocals and engaging words.”- Lonesome Highway

Find out more about Eilidh at her website: www.eilidhpatterson.com