Ó Bhéal’s 12th Winter Warmer Poetry Festival, a celebration of global voices and local talent
Ó Bhéal's 12th Winter Warmer Poetry Festival is a vibrant hybrid celebration of poetry, film, theatre, and music, taking place in Cork from Thursday, November 21st, to Sunday, November 24th. Bringing together over 50 poets from seven countries, the festival offers a rich mix of in-person and virtual events, showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of poetic expression. Most events will be held at the historic Nano Nagle Place, with a limited in-person audience capacity of 100. For those unable to attend in person, all events will also be streamed online via the festival's dedicated stage and social media channels, ensuring accessibility for a global audience.
The festival begins on Thursday evening with a Poetry-Film Workshop led by Colm Scully at Civic Trust House, setting the tone for an exciting lineup. On Friday morning, Anton Floyd will lead a haiku workshop at the same venue, followed in the afternoon by the launch of Southword Issues 46 and 47 at Nano Nagle Place. This event, featuring a wine reception and readings by celebrated poets, marks a highlight of the day. As the evening unfolds, audiences will be treated to engaging performances by renowned poets such as Paula Meehan, Louis de Paor, and Theo Dorgan, along with international voices like Maw Shein Win and Pedro Serrano, creating a rich tapestry of poetic talent.
Saturday opens with a screening of Irish poetry films, followed by Ó Bhéal's annual Closed Mic session, showcasing the talent of regular contributors. The afternoon spotlights the works of poets like Sébastien Revon, Jennifer Horgan, and John Wedgewood Clarke, while the evening features music and poetry fusions from artists such as Séamus Barra Ó Súilleabháin. Throughout the weekend, the festival’s 12th International Poetry-Film Competition will present shortlisted films chosen from 29 countries, offering a unique blend of poetic and visual storytelling.
On Sunday, November 24th, the festival will culminate in a day of rich and diverse events. The morning begins with two screenings of the International Poetry-Film Competition shortlist, highlighting innovative visual and poetic creations. In the afternoon, celebrated poets David McLoghlin and Afric McGlinchey will share their lyrical and thematic depth in a reading session. The highlight of the day is the experimental theatre performance Goll by Strive Theatre and MacBóchra, a dynamic fusion of drama, music, poetry, and dance that delves into Irish folklore.
As the festival draws to a close, the spotlight shifts to Cork’s vibrant open-mic scene. Showcases from groups such as DeBarra’s Spoken Word, The Underground Loft, Ubuntu Sessions, Litreacha, and Sling Slang will feature a range of voices, styles, and themes, reflecting the community spirit and creative energy that define Ó Bhéal’s Winter Warmer Festival. This inspiring finale ensures the event ends on a high note, celebrating emerging talents alongside established voices in a shared space of artistic expression.