Another first for Waterford Libraries, as Waterford Libraries Bealtaine Choir has been chosen as the Bealtaine Flagship Choir for a packed programme of Dawn / Dusk Chorus events in 2023.

Established in 1995, Bealtaine is one of Ireland’s largest co-operative festival and the world’s first national celebration of creativity in older age. Bealtaine takes place each May for the entire month. The ancient festival of Bealtaine or Beltane (held on May 1), marked the midway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, and heralded the start of summer.

The Festival brings together people from all over Ireland to foster and inspire creativity among older people and to promote the skills, experiences and exposure that can lead to a rich creative life for all older people.

The Dawn Chorus is a nationwide choral event in which older people come together with a choir in their locality and sing at dawn to welcome the day and the season. The Bealtaine Flagship Choir for 2023 is Waterford Libraries Bealtaine Choir, led by Anne Woodworth, who will sing in the beautiful surrounds of the Dunmore East Library at Fisherman’s hall (overlooking the harbour) on  Sunday 7th May at 8:00am.

The Bealtaine Choir will also perform a Dusk Chorus in the sensory garden of Carrickphierish Library. The garden opened in September 2022 and is an accessible space that is sensory rich, welcoming and engaging for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy with their families and friends. The dusk chorus will take place in Carrichphierish Library on Thursday 25th May at 6:00pm.

All are welcome to join in these free events. Livestream also available on the Bealtaine Facebook page. In partnership with Sing Ireland and Waterford City And County Council.

The event links are here:

Dawn Chorus: https://bealtaine.ie/bealtaine-event/dawn-chorus/
Dusk Chorus: https://bealtaine.ie/bealtaine-event/dusk-chorus/