‘The most beautiful light’: poets say sad goodbye to John Foggin
A much-loved and admired poet from Yorkshire who gained a significant circle of friends in the wider poetry world because of his enthusiasm and passion for his craft, has died at the age of 80 after a long illness. His family announced his death via social media thus: “It is with great sadness that Joan (Flo) and family share this news. Our beloved John passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday ...
20th July 2023
Definitely not Auden! Archives reveal why some leading names were ruled out for poet laureate
Some top poetry names of the 20th century were ruled out by Downing Street as candidates for poet laureate, including WH Auden, Philip Larkin and Robert Graves, newly released government files reveal, according to the BBC. The role of poet laureate dates back to the 17th century, and has been held i...
20th July 2023
True north: Simon Armitage goes to Arctic research station
Poet laureate Simon Armitage has travelled to the UK Arctic Research Station, pictured, where he will create new works inspired by the visit. The UK Arctic Research Station is managed and operated by ...
17th July 2023
Spoken word, out loud! Forward prizes announce first performance poetry shortlist
The Forward prizes has announced the shortlist for its new category of best single performance poem. The contenders are Zena Edwards (‘Human. This Embodied Knowledge’); Michael Pedersen, pictured (‘Th...
8th July 2023
Ukrainian poet and novelist dies from injuries after missile attack
The award-winning Ukrainian novelist and poet Victoria Amelina has died from injuries received in a Russian missile attack on a restaurant in Ukraine last week.
PEN Ukraine announced she had died ...
4th July 2023
Poet's plea for boat refugees quoted on BBC's Question Time
A line from a poem by Somali-British poet Warsan Shire was quoted on BBC’s Question Time on Thursday night as a panellist replied to an audience member who asked: “Is it time to give up on the Rwanda ...
1st July 2023
