By Mark McGoldrick
RENOWNED poet, author and creative writing tutor Denise Blake has been announced as the judge of this year’s Allingham Poetry Competition.
Literary enthusiasts across Fermanagh and the North West are looking forward to the return of the Allingham Festival, which takes place in Ballyshannon from November 4 to 8.
Denise Blake (pictured) will judge the entries in the Allingham Poetry Competition, replacing poet and publisher Kate Newmann, who is unable to attend the festival’s Awards Ceremony on November 7.
The Allingham Poetry and Flash Fiction Competitions are now open for entries, with the closing date set for September 27.
Denise is a well-known figure in Irish literary circles and has published several collections of poetry. She is also an experienced creative writing tutor, making her a fitting choice to judge this year’s competition.
The Allingham Festival will once again bring together writers, poets, musicians and film-makers for five days of events in Ballyshannon.
This year’s headline guests include acclaimed writers Elaine Feeney, Michael Harding and Paul Howard, best known for his Ross O’Carroll-Kelly series. Alongside the literary programme, the festival will feature music, films, workshops and a range of events celebrating the arts and culture of the North West.
The Allingham Festival Committee is encouraging local writers and poets to enter this
year’s competitions before the September 27 deadline.
Poet Denise Bradley will take centre stage at the Allingham Festival in Ballyshannon.