Ledbury Poetry Festival

This is the  biggest poetry festival in the UK and features poets from all over the world. Inspiring, inclusive and international in its programme, everyone is welcome to this celebration of poetry. The line-up includes live readings and conversations, workshops, music, dance exhibitions and films. There is lots on for the whole family too including children’s writers and events for schools and colleges. Enjoy the Festival atmosphere with street performers and a whole day market celebration on the tenth and final day. Round-off your day with fabulous evening performances and slams. 

There is a packed programme of events  – many free – taking place in locations around the town in wonderful historic buildings, the walled garden and the churchyard. 

And it’s not just about sitting listening either, there are all sorts of ways of enjoying your poetry. We love the idea of the combined poetry reading and wild swim, and the poetry tasting at Hay Wines sounds pretty cool too. 

Notable speakers this year include poet laureate Simon Armitage and children’s laureate Joseph Coelho, Micheal Morpurgo, Monty Don, and archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.