A lunchtime reading by the poet Ciaran Carson at the Ulster Hall (Group Space) in Belfast on Wednesday at 1pm. Tickets cost £5 and can be booked at 028-90334455. (Replace 028 with 048 from the Republic.)

The deadline for the Poetry Ireland Introductions series, which showcases the work of emerging poets. Each year the scheme offers a paid public reading to poets writing in Irish or English who have had individual poems published but who are still working towards a first collection.

This year Doghouse Books in Co Kerry has agreed to read (without commitment) the work of those shortlisted for the readings, with a view to publishing one full collection.

To apply for the 2013 Introductions series, send no more than 10 pages of poems and a biographical note, with publication credits, to: Introductions, Poetry Ireland, 32 Kildare Street, Dublin 2. The closing date for entries is Monday, January 7th.