The Good Relations team at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council were pleased to support Communities Causeway with their ‘Poets of Place’ event at Waterstones in Coleraine last week, celebrating World Poetry Day, Ireland 2026.
Council’s Good Relations Officers, Sara Glendinning and Andy Chapman attended the event, organised by Helena and Angela of Communities Causeway, along with over forty audience members.
Readers, three of whom were local published poets, showcased original works as well as existing modern and ancient literature. The theme for the event was ‘Home’ and featured narration in 11 different languages inclusive of Gaeilge na hÉireann, Doric, Bengali, Afrikaans, Mandarin and more.
Council Good Relations Officer Andy Chapman said: “The poetry on display from across the world was incredible. It highlighted that many themes that tie in with the goals of community cohesion work.
“One thing that stood out for me was hearing the same types of emotions around what ‘home’ means to people; a sharing of the same passion for life and dreams for our families.
“The event highlighted what really binds us all as human beings, rather than what separates us by borders on a map.”
Sara Glendinning, Council's Good Relations Officer, who recited a piece called 'Refugees' by renowned poet Brian Bilston at the event, added: “To hear so many languages spoken in Coleraine was uplifting, it provided an insight into our common human experience across cultures and borders.
“The Connecting Communities team hosted a fantastic event which celebrated the existing and increasing diversity in our town and showcased a range of original and existing literature."