Antrim Library workshop explores an ancient Irish tradition of expressing grief

Antrim Library will host a creative workshop exploring how people once expressed grief through voice, sound and shared traditions, as part of Libraries NI's Let's Talk About… Death, Dying and Grief programme.

Taking place on Tuesday 17 November from 3pm to 4pm, The Art of Lament: Finding the Voice in Grief will introduce participants to the Irish tradition of caoineadh, or keening, and consider what this ancient form of mourning can teach us today.

In times past, grief was often expressed openly and communally, with voices coming together to mourn and remember those who had died. The workshop will explore how voice, breath, sound and repetition can help express feelings of loss when words alone may not be enough. No previous musical or singing experience is required, and participation in the vocal exercises is entirely optional.

The event is designed to offer a gentle, creative opportunity to explore the traditions of the past and reflect on the different ways people experience and express grief. It forms part of a wider Libraries NI programme taking place from 16 to 20 November, bringing together talks, workshops and storytelling events across Northern Ireland and online.

Chief Executive of Libraries NI Jim O'Hagan said: "Talking about death and grief isn't always easy and sometimes we simply don't know where to begin. Libraries are places where people can come together, listen, learn and have conversations about subjects that matter.

"What this programme does is approach death and grief from very different perspectives. Some events look at the traditions and stories that have shaped how we think about death, while others focus on grief as we experience it today. We hope that by opening up these conversations, we can make a difficult subject a little easier to talk about."

The Art of Lament: Finding the Voice in Grief takes place at Antrim Library on Tuesday 17 November, 3pm–4pm. The workshop is free, but booking is essential. Telephone 028 9446 1942 or email [email protected]. Further information is available at librariesni.org.uk