POET Laureate Carol Ann Duffy will be founding patron of a new festival that looks set to make Much Wenlock a national centre for contemporary poetry.
The Wenlock Poetry Festival, established by Anna Dreda of Wenlock Books in partnership with The Edge Arts Centre and the Arvon Foundation, will be held in April next year.
“Poetry festivals are the lifeblood of poetry in the UK – the magical, memorable, moving occasions when the young and old can hear the living voices of their poets,” says Carol Ann.
“Much Wenlock is the perfect place for a poetry festival, a friendly town in the heart of Housman country, with lovely pubs, fantastic walks, good accommodation and a marvellous independent bookshop.”
A number of the UK’s best known poets are already booked to appear, including Roger McGough, Daljit Nagra, Gillian Clarke, Menna Elfyn, Imtiaz Dharker, John Barnie, Paul Henry, Roz Goddard, childrens’ poet Andrew Fusek Peters and, of course, Carol Ann Duffy herself.
The three-day event will feature readings, workshops and gatherings plus creative writing workshops; a performance of a show fresh from the Edinburgh Festival; a setting of the Shropshire Lad to folk music and a full programme of activities for children.
“The Wenlock Poetry Festival will appeal to anyone with an interest in poetry – reading it, listening to it, having fun with it or even writing it,” said Anna Dreda.
Wenlock Books has recently held a series of highly successful poetry events for adults and children, attracting sell-out audiences.
“We’ve proven beyond doubt that there’s an enormous appetite for poetry in our area,” says Anna. “We’re confident Wenlock’s natural attractions as a tourist destination, coupled with our outstanding line-up of poets, will attract a national audience.”
Find out more about the Wenlock Poetry Festival at www.wenlockpoetryfestival.org, call Anna Dreda on 01952 727877or email info@wenlockpoetryfestival.org
