Nottingham Poetry Festival

Nottingham Poetry Festival

Returning for its fourth year, the 2019 Nottingham Poetry Festival will be bigger and better than ever before! From 26th April to 5th May, Nottingham will see over sixty poetry-inspired events pop up all over the city.

Overseen by new creative director Georgina Wilding, this year’s festival boasts a diverse programme, with plenty for both poetry enthusiasts and those brand new to the genre. Headline events include must-see poetry readings from poets such as Ian McMillan (Poet-in-Residence for Barnsley FC and, until recently, English National Opera), Caroline Bird (nominated for the 2017 TS Eliot Prize and The Ted Hughes Award, and one of five official poets for London’s 2012 Olympics) and one of Britain’s best-loved poets, Roger McGough.

If you’d rather a more practical experience, why not join one of the numerous writing workshops – perhaps Doodle Poetry, or Yoga and Poetry: Creativity in Motion? If you’re a writer looking for practical tips, join How To Get Your Poetry Published; or discover how poetry is influencing political issues of today, with sessions such as Poets Against Racism, Writing Proud, or Poetry as a Vehicle for Social Justice.

There’s plenty of opportunity to hear some of the city’s best up and coming artists, too – and even take to the open mic yourself; or, if you’d rather a more relaxed approach, get stuck in to the poetry-inspired games at the interactive poetry arcade! This year, the festival expands its technical horizons, too, by bringing a selection of Augmented Reality poetry, in collaboration with City Arts and Castle Rocks Brewery.

The Mercure Nottingham is located in the heart of the city centre, and so is situated just minutes away from many of the venues: it provides the perfect base from which to enjoy the festival.

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