A reading from the NHS anthology These Are the Hands will be one of the highlights of Kendal poetry festival, taking place online from 19-28 February. The anthology published by Fair Acre Press features poems from people working in the NHS, from the student nurse at the start of their career to the heart surgeon on the eve of retirement. The festival event will feature guest readings from contributors Sam Guglani and Lorna Faye Dunsire, and editors Deborah Alma and Katie Amiel.

Other highlights include Moniza Alvi and Roger Robinson, Jackie Hagan, Fiona Benson and Jay Bernard, Romalyn Ante and Carolyn Forche, Hannah Hodgson and Andrew McMillan, Vicki Feaver and David Morley, plus Neil Astley talking about his Staying Human anthology with Clare Shaw. Some of the online workshops are already sold out. More details