Verse festival to take place in Stamford

It'll see poetry and spoken word performances at Stamford Arts Centre

Poetry book
Author: Andy MarshPublished 23rd Aug 2021

It's been confirmed Stamford Arts Centre's festival of poetry and spoken word will return this year.

It'll be the fifth time it's been held.

Verse Festival will take place on September the 3rd and 4th.

They'll be a range of poets both national names and locals too.

They'll also be a special walk at the end of September Sighs and Secrets Tour where local poets will give a guided tour bringing the town's history to life.

That will take place on Saturday 25th at 11am.

South Kesteven District Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy, Cllr Rosemary Trollope-Bellew, said: “Stamford punches well above its weight in the poetry world and we are pleased and proud to be able to bring the brilliant Hollie McNish as our headline act for the Saturday night.

She is the recipient of the Ted Hughes award and a huge star on the spoken word scene.

“All of our headliners are being supported by local poets so it’s the perfect opportunity to come along and hear the wide range of talent we have in and around our district.

Poetry Festival proceedings begin with the chance to explore Iberian Poetry with Phil Dunkerley whilst trying some tasty tapas in the Gallery bar on Friday 3 September at 6pm.

Then irrepressible Luke Wright will perform his new show Luke Wright Come! Come On! Meet Me! as he emerges from his enforced retirement with an infectious thirst for life (Friday 3 September, 8pm).

UK poetry favourite and Peterborough boy Mark Grist brings his children’s show Down with the Poetry King on Saturday 4 September at 11am.

Featuring odes to stinky pirates, deadly mouthwash and some very silly sheep, the show is jam-packed full of rhymes, games and audience interaction – with a narrative shaped by the audience.

The afternoon tea (3pm) session that day is from Wendy Cope with a seriously good ironic moan about life’s little irritations.

Georgie Jones opens in the theatre from 6pm for her show ‘ish’.

Laced with warmth and hilarity, it is part party, part epic poem, with spoken word, stand up and storytelling set to a soundtrack of nostalgic 90s bangers.

Tickets and more information on all the events are available from Stamford Arts Centre Box Office: 01780 763203 and https://www.stamfordartscentre.com/whats-on/live-shows/poetry