Teenagers across Mullingar and the wider Midlands are being invited to take part in a free spoken word and creative writing workshop as part of this year’s Mullingar Literary Festival.

Words on Fire, a special teen workshop led by poet, performer and spoken word host David Hynes, will take place on Saturday 4th July 2026, from 11.00am to 1.00pm at the Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar. Admission is free, but places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

The relaxed two-hour workshop is designed for teenagers who want to explore poetry, spoken word, performance and self-expression. Participants will be encouraged to create an original poem or spoken word piece based on subjects that matter to them, from music, friendship, identity and school life to wider issues they feel strongly about.

During the session, David Hynes will offer practical guidance on shaping ideas into strong, expressive writing, as well as tips on how to present work to an audience. Teenagers can choose to read from the page or perform from memory, depending on what feels most comfortable.

By the end of the workshop, each participant will have the chance to share their work in a friendly and supportive setting. No previous writing or performance experience is needed.

David Hynes is a poet, entertainer and lover of all things wordy. He is host of Spoken Word at The Word Tent in MindField and co-founder of The Poetry Kiln, The Rising Tide and A-musing. His work focuses on creating spaces where writers, performers and audiences can connect through language, rhythm, humour and live performance.

A spokesperson for Mullingar Literary Festival said:

“Words on Fire is about giving teenagers the confidence to speak, write and be heard. Spoken word is one of the most exciting creative forms today, and this workshop gives young people a chance to explore their own ideas in a welcoming, encouraging environment.”

Spoken word has become a powerful creative movement, appearing on festival stages, online platforms, in schools and in live venues around the world. The Mullingar Literary Festival hopes this workshop will inspire young people to see writing not just as something on a page, but as something alive, personal and powerful.

Words on Fire forms part of the Children and Young Adults programme at Mullingar Literary Festival, which runs from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th July 2026.

Booking is now open through the Mullingar Literary Festival website.