The programme for Poetry-next-the-Sea 2008 has now been finalised, and includes readings, workshops, our popular Schools Reading, and an open floor event at which the winner of our first Open Poetry Competition will be announced. We hope there is something for all ages and tastes, and look forward to seeing you in Wells-next-the-Sea in May.
Roger Lloyd Pack and Dame Gillian Beer
7.30 pm Friday 2 May The Maltings £9
Actor Roger Lloyd Pack chooses and reads the ten poems he'd take to console him on a desert island, and discusses his choices with Dame Gillian Beer.
The Helen Flanagan Event
9.30 am Saturday 3 May The Maltings
£2 or £5 for a family group of up to four
The meeting point of poetry and science has been the fascinating focus for students from the primary schools in Wells-next-the-Sea, Burnham Market, Hindringham, Walsingham, Langham and Blakeney, and year seven of Alderman Peel High School. Anne Osbourn, poet and microbiologist, has led workshops with students and staff. This morning she'll introduce our winning poets and present this year's Helen Flanagan Trophy. Don't miss this popular event, which will also feature music from Eileen Ashmead.
hosted by Graham Ashworth
1.00 pm Saturday 3 May The Maltings £5
Read your own work in a mutually supportive environment. All welcome, whatever your experience. Just put your name down when you come in if you want to read. The winner and runners-up of the 2008 Poetry-next-the-Sea Open Poetry Competition will also be announced at this event. Sandwich lunch included in the price.
The John Coleridge Event
7.00 pm Saturday 3 May The Maltings £9
Also features music from cellist Eileen Ashmead, our festival musician.
Jack Underwood, Sam Riviere, Nathan Hamilton, Agnes Lehoczky
9.30 pm Saturday 3 May Upstairs at The Golden Fleece, The Quay
FREE - no need to book
Martin Figura and Will Stone
11.00 am Sunday 4 May The Maltings, £6
Jo Kjaer, winner of the first Norwich CafeWriters Commission, and runners-up Rod Kerr and Gillian Daly, will also be featured.
Brunch snacks included in the price.
1.00 pm to 2.30 pm outside The Mermaid's Purse
FREE - no need to book
Explore the overlap between poetry and the visual in a free fringe event outside the Mermaid's Purse, devised by local sculptor Polly Ionides. Coffee and sandwiches will be available from the Mermaid's Purse. All welcome, whatever your age and experience.
Michael Laskey and André Mangeot
2.30 pm Sunday 4 May The Maltings £6
Michael Laskey, poet, publisher and co-founder of the Aldeburgh Festival, and Cambridge author André Mangeot will read, and then talk and answer questions about how to get your poetry into print.
Sponsored by ink-sweat-and-tears
Friends of Poetry-next-the-Sea Event
7.30 pm Sunday 4 May The Maltings £9
Sponsored by New Writing Partnership
10.30 to 12.30 Saturday 3 May 12/14 The High Street £15
10.30 to 12.30 Saturday 3 May The Maltings £15
A voice workshop for anyone who wants to explore their singing and speaking voice.
Saturday 5.00 to 6.00 pm and Sunday 12.30 to 1.30 pm The Maltings
£10 for a twenty-minute session.
Come and benefit from Michael's experience as a writer, mentor and publisher. Bring two poems and a pen or pencil.
Details to follow
Festival season ticket, for all events except workshops £36
Festival season ticket for Friends (if booked before Friday 18 April) £33