CELEBRATIONS for the 20th anniversary of Ledbury’s landmark poetry festival will see the town transformed into a ‘paradise garden’.
The ten-day extravaganza starts today (Friday) with a number of events marking the town’s proud link to poetry.
‘Hwaet. Listen Here’ is the title of a book marking 20 Years of Ledbury Poetry Festival Anthology which features 192 poets from all over the world who have performed in the town since the event first started. It will be officially launched to mark this year’s festival.
The festival, one of the biggest in Ledbury’s annual calendar, launches with an anthology reading featuring poets Ruth Padel, Daljit Nagra, Fleur Adcock, Jacob Polley and many more, followed by a birthday party at The Feathers Hotel with everyone invited to buy tickets to both events.
Carol Ann Duffy, the current poet laureate of the United Kingdom, is also set to make an appearance.
A number of events including workshops and guest speakers will take place in and around the town up to July 10.
And more than 30 businesses in Ledbury have embraced the poetry spirit by backing the popular Shop Window Display competition.
Spearheaded by a dedicated team of volunteers, this year’s window display competition has proved to be a big hit and is part of the festival’s ‘Wrap the town in poetry’ campaign.
The windows will be judged by acclaimed artist Charles MacCarthy with the winner announced at the launch of the festival on Friday.
Festival manager Phillipa Slinger said: “The creativity and ingenuity shops are coming up with is immense. It’s incredible the range of inspiration people have taken and the shop windows are a joy to behold.
“It’s wonderful how much the festival becomes the life-blood of the town and just like John Burnside says, the town becomes a paradise garden.
“We are truly fortunate to have such a wonderful and supportive community in Ledbury and to have this festival which can involve everyone whatever their age or income.
“I urge everyone to come to Ledbury to see what the fuss is about.”
Tickets are available from the box office on 01531 636232 or by visiting www.poetry-festival.co.uk.
