6. Worksheet - Bealtaine arts festival

Bealtaine is a month-long celebration of creativity in older age, held in May each year. It encourages older people to take part in the arts and aims to recognise the artistic achievements of older people. Bealtaine also promotes the right of older people to be able to take part in the arts.

Arts officers around the country, arts organisations, groups of older people, and other local organisations work together to make Bealtaine a big event. The name Bealtaine comes from an ancient May festival, which celebrated spring, renewal, and freshness.

Groups that take part in Bealtaine fund and arrange their own events. Events include drama activities, craft exhibitions, tours to the Irish Museum of Modern Art, and music activities.

Questions

Answer these questions, using a word processor or in your copy:

1. Explain these words used to describe Bealtaine: the arts; artistic achievement; renewal; fund.
2. What is Bealtaine?
3. What types of events are organised as part of Bealtaine?
4. Can you think of four other types of events that could be organised as part of Bealtaine?
5. Who funds each local event? How do you think the organisers raise the funds?
6. Imagine that you are the organiser of a local event for Bealtaine. Write a letter to your local newspaper to advertise the event, explaining what the event is, who is organising it, where and when it is on, and who is invited to attend.
7. Find out what Bealtaine events are organised in your local area this year. In May, ask for information in your local library. If you can, attend one such event and report back to the class.