PICTURES: Young Laois songwriters get creative in Castletown

Aspiring musicians got the chance to work on their songwriting skills at a special workshop held in Castletown as part of the Isle of Song music project. Farah Elle, the Libyan-Irish singer-songwriter hosted the workshop organised by Music Generation Laois. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

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Isle of Song is a collaboration between Music Generation Laois and the Nerve Centre in Derry which brings together children and young people aged 10–18 from Laois, Offaly, and across Northern Ireland. The project began in March and will conclude in October 2025. During this time the young musicians involved get the chance to form and play in a band, collaborate with peers to write original songs, receive guidance from experienced mentors as well as performing at The Fort in Portlaoise and the Stendall Festival in Limavady, County Derry.

The project culminates with showcase events in September and October 2025, held at Nerve Centre in Derry and Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise.

Rosa Flannery, Music Development Officer with Music Generation Laois, stated: "Isle of Song will unite 50 young musicians from across Ireland, fostering creativity, collaboration, and the development of original music. We believe this project will have a profound impact on participants, enabling them to meet like-minded individuals, explore new places, perform at festivals and professional venues, and even record and release new music."