FUNERAL SERVICES NORTHERN IRELAND LAUNCHES THIRD ANNUAL POETRY COMPETITION

Funeral Services Northern Ireland have launched their 2014 Poetry competition.

FUNERAL SERVICES NORTHERN IRELAND LAUNCHES THIRD ANNUAL POETRY COMPETITION

Friday 21 March 2014 is a day of celebrating poetry across the world and, to mark the occasion, Funeral Services Northern Ireland has launched its third annual National Poetry Competition.

Open to anyone over 18 who has an interest in poetry and resides in Northern Ireland, the premise of this year’s competition is ‘Remember’, linking to the theme chosen for National Poetry Day.

Beverley Brown, General Manager, Funeral Services Northern Ireland, said:  “It really is a pleasure for me to be launching our third national poetry competition on World Poetry Day.  When I think of the talent that we have seen in the competition over the past two years I am really looking forward to receiving entries for this year’s competition.

“The competition has enabled us to meet so many wonderful people with a passion for poetry and to listen to them recite their work is truly touching.  As caring is at the heart of Funeral Services Northern Ireland, our national poetry competition allows us to give a voice to people who want to honour those they care about in a positive outlet and express their grief during what can be a very difficult time.”

National Poetry Day was founded by William Sieghart in 1994 and has engaged millions since.  Anyone in need of inspiration ahead of putting pen to paper or finger to the keyboard can take inspiration from anything that invites them to ‘remember’.  An occasion, a question, a prayer, a cry of glee, a lament, a milestone or maybe even the memory of the first poem they ever heard recited.

Recitals will be held in Funeral Services Northern Ireland homes across Northern Ireland in the coming months and the closing date for entry is 12 noon on Friday 19 September.  An awards recital to celebrate the creativity of those entering the competition will be held at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, on National Poetry Day, Thursday 2 October.  A cash prize of £500 will be presented to the overall Funeral Services Northern Ireland National Poetry Competition winner. Full details of how to enter, together with the terms and conditions, can be found at www.fsni-nationalpoetrycomp.co.uk