Culture and Craic at Charlie Donnelly Weekend
Publish Date: Tuesday, 13 February 2007
Music, film, lively debates and creativity are set to be the core elements of The 5th Charlie Donnelly Winter School which will be held in CRAIC Arts Theatre, Coalisland from Thursday 22nd - Saturday 24th February. Highlights this year include a discussion with invited guests including MP/MLAs Martin McGuinness and Peter Robinson on 'Flight of the Earls - an Opportunity?' and the ever popular creative writing competition, both which take place on Friday 23rd February from 7pm.
The highly successful event, which is open to members of the public, is held annually as a celebration of the life of Dungannon war poet, Charlie Donnelly, who was killed in the Spanish Civil war in Jarama in 1927. This year's event marks the 70th anniversary of his untimely death, aged just 22, and to mark the occasion, 93 year old Bob Doyle, the last surviving Irish member of the International Brigade will be in attendance.
The winter school programme commences on Thursday 22nd February with the screening of Ken Loach's 1995 critically acclaimed film 'Land and Freedom' at CRAIC Theatre in Coalisland. The Mayor of Dungannon and South Tyrone Cllr Jim Hamilton will officially open the event on Friday 23rd with readings of Charlie Donnelly's poetry and the official launch of the creative writing competition followed by the panel debate.
An evening of musical entertainment with a Poets and Pints session will conclude the programme on Saturday evening at 8pm.
The Charlie Donnelly Winter School offers a cultural experience and a night out with a difference with poetry, debates and musical entertainment - something for everyone.
This event is supported by the Return of the Earls initiative and is part of the Dungannon 2007 - Be Part of It. For further information on the programme contact the Marketing and Events Officer at Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council on 877 20342 or Craic Theatre on 877 41100.
