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St Patrick’s Gateway Centre is the place to be if you happen to find yourself in Waterford tomorrow, Thursday 26 October, when Waterford Writers Weekend gets underway. The venue will see the launch of author, poet and spoken-word artist, Wayne Power’s latest volume of poetry, Only When I’m Dancing Can I Feel This Free.

In this, his third publishing outing, Wayne Power is truly an author who is well into his groove at this stage in his career. With more than a nod and a wink to the Queen of Pop (and a debt of gratitude, perhaps), Wayne says of his latest offering:

“The lyrics from which this book is named after, I feel are fitting. They encapsulate joy and freedom: something I have struggled and fought for, for a long time and feel I have achieved through poetry and spoken word. I have found my voice and freedom through this beautiful art form that has ultimately changed my life.”

Wayne Power is a writer who “speaks for and to a lot of his generation” in the words of playwright, Jim Nolan. His third collection is, arguably, the strongest to date, which is no mean feat, coming on the back of Everyone’s a Star after Midnight, published in 2020 and Neon Hearts and the Angry Mob that followed in 2022), both of which were well received by audiences and critics alike.

Only When I’m Dancing Can I Feel This Free by Wayne Power is published under the imprint of The Manuscript Publisher. It will be formally launched by Tony Kelly, whose film The Hurler is currently showing in Irish cinemas. The launch takes place on Thursday, 26 October at St Patrick’s Gateway Centre, Waterford City starting 7pm.

Copies of the book can also be ordered online, along with previous volumes of poetry by Wayne Power.

Wayne Power is a writer, poet and spoken-word artist based in Waterford City. His work has come to prominence in recent years, both locally and nationally, through his performance art, three collections of poetry and some plays that he has written.