Poetry-packed festival offers something to suit all ages

The festival, organised and delivered by Inspire on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council, takes place between July 14 – 17.

A cornerstone of the cultural calendar, the programme is packed with readings, performances and workshops to inspire the county with poetry.

Friday night’s headliner is charismatic poet, playwright, broadcaster and blogger Lemn Sissay, and on Saturday evening Forward prize-winning Daljit Nagra will take to the stage. On Sunday, the popular Afternoon Tea event returns, hosted by the ever-witty stand-up poet Kate Fox, promising an afternoon of warmth, wit and cake.

There will also be talks and workshops, including a chance for writers to hone their performance skills with inspirational Mansfield-born poet and playwright Kevin Fegan, and a drop-in poetry surgery with Writing East Midlands.

A celebration of the region’s prolific small presses takes place on Saturday, with a panel event featuring representatives from respected local independent publishers.

For details of the full programme at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/southwellpoetryfestival