Drumgoon Hill Old Graveyard group shortlisted for the 2021 Creative Lives Awards

A total of 31 creative groups have been shortlisted, including Drumgoon Hill Old Graveyard – ‘Hooley in the House’

One of the few positives to come out of the Covid-19 pandemic has been the uptake in creative activity that helped people through the pressures of lockdown.

With venues closed, creative groups who used to meet regularly were forced to find new and innovative ways to stay connected, at a time when the need for people to feel supported and have fun was greater than ever. Creative Lives is now celebrating those groups through its annual awards.

A total of 31 creative groups have been shortlisted for the 2021 Creative Lives Awards, including Drumgoon Hill Old Graveyard – ‘Hooley in the House’. One of two chosen from the Rep of Ireland. A winner will be chosen from England, Ireland/N.Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and all groups are looking for the public to vote for them to win the People’s Choice Award.

Drumgoon Hill Old Graveyard committee was set up five years ago, when the local community in County Cavan wanted the overgrown site to be cleaned and maintained. With a newly adapted space and plenty of enthusiasm, several creative projects followed. During the pandemic, the group embarked on some unusual activities, including ‘Hooley in the House’ which was held as part of Culture Night festivities in September 2020. Using recorded footage, the group and other volunteers of all ages created a night of music, singing, storytelling and creativity for the whole community. The event enabled them to reach new people, develop a range of new skills among the group, and experience the sheer joy of working creatively together despite all the restrictions – which provided a major boost for all involved.

Voting is now open for the People’s Choice Award. Members of the public can visit www.creative-lives.org to read about the shortlisted projects and choose their favourite between now and January 31.

Winners will be announced at the Creative Lives Awards ceremony in Coventry in early March 2022, as part of the city’s UK City of Culture celebrations. Winners will receive an award, framed certificate, cash prize and free access to all of Creative Lives’ future ‘Creative Learning’ online training sessions.