New poetry and music festival to give voice to ‘Young Tongues of Cork’

Young poets and musicians of Cork will get an opportunity to perform their material at a new festival taking place this weekend at the appropriately named Test Site at Kyrl’s Quay in the city.

‘Young Tongues of Cork’ is being curated by Joanna Dukkipati, who has organised the ‘Many Tongues of Cork’ event which was held over the past number of years. The event, which gets underway at 2pm at the partially outdoor site on the banks of the Lee, will feature some of the most creative young people in the city.

For Ms Dukkipati, the motivation to organise this festival, along with other events, is to ‘amplify unheard voices’.

“We all know youth are the future,” she told The Echo. “They are also the present.

“It is our responsibility to build the platforms they need to express themselves today.

“The more we listen, the more we learn how to build the collective future we want.”

One of the participating poets is Lavie Olupona, who described ‘Young Tongues of Cork’ as giving young people the opportunity to share their stories and ideas about the future through the medium of the arts. “It’s a beautiful way of connecting us to one another,” said Ms Olupona.

Young poets face challenges in getting their work heard by an audience and this weekend’s festival is a perfect opportunity to change that narrative.

“How can you ever prove that your art is worthy of an audience if no one gives you the chance to show it?” she said.

“That’s what the ‘Young Tongues of Cork’ does — it gives young artists the opportunity to share, to connect with an audience and other artists, and affirm that their voices are worth listening to.”

Other poets and musicians who will be performing on Saturday afternoon include Tomiwa Morris, Morgan Lyons, Sloane Quirke, Adam Tang, Ophelia and Kac.

According to Tomiwa, Saturday’s festival should contribute to a ‘beautiful memory’ of all those who participate and attend.

“Youth is a one-time experience that should be looked back at fondly,” she said.

The event is open to all aged 18 and over and tickets are €10 only on the Good Day Cork website. Among the expected guests at the event, , is the Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Dan Boyle.