Poet Laureate programme of events during March 2026
Poet Laureate Simon Armitage is set to visit Newcastle Library, County Down this March as part of the next leg of his UK-wide Laureate’s Library Tour, with Libraries NI delighted to welcome one of the country’s most celebrated poets to the local community.
Simon Armitage will visit Newcastle Library on Friday 6 March from 7:00pm [THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED], marking the library’s selection as one of the stops on his ten-year tour of libraries across the UK. The tour celebrates libraries as vital cultural spaces, taking poetry out of traditional venues and into the heart of communities.
Newcastle Library has been chosen to represent the letter ‘N’ on the 2026 UK tour. Set against the dramatic coastal landscape of the Mourne Mountains, the library provides a fitting backdrop for an evening of poetry in a place long associated with storytelling, creativity and inspiration.
In the days leading up to the visit, Newcastle Library will host a series of supporting events from Monday 2 March to Thursday 5 March, inviting people to explore creativity, heritage and storytelling in different ways. The wider programme below features a range of creative workshops and talks, led by local artists and facilitators.
Events
| Event Name | Event Details | Start Date and Time | End Date and Time | Library | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poet Laureate event with Artist Karen Blasko |
Join us to create your own Mournes landscape using pyrography (wood burning)! This hands-on workshop, guided by artist Karen Blasko, offers a unique opportunity to learn how to draw and write with a heated tool! |
02/03/2026 11:00am | 02/03/2026 1:00pm | Newcastle Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Poet Laureate event with Kieron Black |
Does the thought of creative writing spark excitement or a little bit of nerves? Join Kieron Black for a supportive workshop designed to help you move your ideas from your head onto the paper. No prior experience is necessary—this is a safe, welcoming space to explore your thoughts and voice for the first time.
Booking essential. |
02/03/2026 2:00pm | 02/03/2026 4:00pm | Newcastle Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Poet Laureate event with Rebecca Brownlie |
Uncover the hidden histories of Northern Ireland’s derelict spaces with Rebecca Brownlie, the acclaimed photographer behind Abandoned NI. In this workshop, you’ll journey through forgotten landmarks like the 18th-century Mount Panther, exploring the haunting beauty and preserved stories found within their crumbling walls. Booking essential. |
03/03/2026 6:00pm | 03/03/2026 7:45pm | Newcastle Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Poet Laureate event with Craig Fyfe |
Join artist Craig Fyfe to capture Newcastle’s spirit. In this drop-in workshop, you'll learn to draw, add colour to Newcastle-inspired postcard illustrations and personalise your work. Optionally, try simple screen printing or turn your unique artwork into a badge to take home! Why not call in!
Drop-in between 1:30pm and 4:30pm |
04/03/2026 1:30pm | 04/03/2026 4:30pm | Newcastle Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Poet Laureate events with Dr Ian Malcolm |
Ever wondered about the story behind your townland address? Join our workshop to uncover the hidden meaning of our local townland names. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned local historian, you’ll enjoy exploring the fascinating origins and heritage of the names that define our landscape.
Booking essential. |
05/03/2026 2:00pm | 05/03/2026 3:30pm | Newcastle Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |
| Poet Laureate event with Simon Armitage |
Please note this event is now fully booked.
Poet Laureate Simon Armitage is coming to Newcastle Library for a special evening of live poetry. This event will be for audience aged 11 and over.
|
06/03/2026 7:00pm | 06/03/2026 8:00pm | Newcastle Library | See event details to check if booking is essential (phone/email). Otherwise, if the event is not virtual (via Zoom) then simply call into the library at the time of the event. |