National Poetry Day

National Poetry Day

06 October, 2009
by: Lowri

Poetry is brilliant. In recognition of this fact, there is a national day for it occurring this Thursday 8th October. It was established in 1909 - making this year the centenary. The theme is Heroes and Heroines. In honour of this day, indeed this very article, please do feel free to add a few rhymes to the comment box below. Anything will do - I'm not picky. But no unnecessary cursing obviously.

There are plenty of wonderful events in the capital to dose you up with words. Quite literally first up is the Poetry Breakfast with Canadian poet Polly Clark.

National Poetry Day Live occurs at the South Bank Centre, an event which features Britain's Poet Laureate Carol Anne Duffy reading her first National Poetry Day poem, plus heroic poets Roger McGough, Selima Hill and Dreadlock Alien. There will also be stunning archive footage shown of poet-heroes of old: Stevie Smith, Dylan Thomas and TS Elliot. It's also completely free.

Other events include Jazz Poetry Superjam at the 100 Club and Tongue Fu at Rich Mix with Dizraeli, Caroline Bird, Inua Ellams and 14 year old poet Malik Marland (aka Manik).

There are loads of other events and ways to get involved, which you can check out here.

To view all London poetry click here.
For things to do in London click here.

Lowri