Ledbury Poetry Festival

POETRY NEWS from LEDBURY POETRY FESTIVAL

complimentary lunch. For other volunteering roles, see the website – we are always keen to see new faces, and there are so many ways you can join in.

Liz Berry

There is great excitement in the Festival Office as we confirm poets and performers appearing at this year’s Festival. Make sure you subscribe to the Festival newsletter www.poetryfestival.co.ukfor regular updates.

Poetry Competition The Festival’s 2020 Poetry Competition is open for entries and carries a £1000 prize! The judge is Black Country poet Liz Berry. We are particularly encouraging local schoolchildren and young people to enter. Schools are welcome to submit class entries - see website for details.

Volunteers There are still places left on the Event Managers’ Refresher Day on Wednesday 18 March. Learn how to become an event manager and meet other volunteers. The event is free and includes

Festival Interns Meet famous poets, celebrities and performers! Learn skills in event managing, hospitality, arts administration, journalism and so much more! The Festival is looking for interns who can take up this challenging and rewarding role. Also needed are Grips to set up Festival venues and events.

“I can’t remember the last time I was so tired, but neither can I remember the last time I was so inspired and part of such a great team!” Deadline for applications 17 April.

CommunityWorkshops The next “Segments” workshop, led by Sara Jane Arbury, is on at The Burgage Hall, Wednesday 18 March, 10am – 12pm. Be inspired by heritage items from Ledbury’s Butcher Row Museum, try your hand at poetry in a fun and welcoming atmosphere, meet new people – no experience necessary, and they’re FREE! “Fantastic! I never knew I could write poetry!” said a first-timer. The Festival also runs free drop-in workshops at Herefordshire Mind.

Poet ofthe Woods Following the hugely successful poetry audio trail at Queenswood near Leominster, the Festival is pleased to announce Mandy Ross, “the Tree Whisperer”, will

lead poetry workshops for adults and children in this beautiful woodland setting.

Stay tuned to the Festival’s facebook page and www.poetryfestival.co.uk for many more poetry activities. WATCH THIS SPACE for performer confirmations! The Festival welcomes sponsorship and support. Please contact the Manager to talk through an attractive range of options. Call 01531 634156 or manager@ poetry-festival.co.uk for enquiries on any of the above.