A host of top poets are turning out tonight for a benefit night organised by the poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, in support of the Poetry Book Society on Friday 3 June. The PBS provides information, guidance and discounts on the best contemporary poetry, and is the biggest dedicated poetry bookseller in the UK. It recently heard that its funding is to be withdrawn entirely by Arts Council England.

Duffy said: "At the time of the ACE cuts to the PBS and to several much-loved festivals and important publishers of poetry, many poets and readers felt a sense of anger and grief. This event is intended to put a spotlight on the passionate support there is in the UK for our poetry institutions and to share, through poetry and audience, our love for our national art."

Top poets appearing at Poetry Cuts at the Logan Hall,  Institute of Education, University of London, 20 Bedford Way, London, include Elaine Feinstein, David Harsent, George Szirtes, Gillian Clarke, Imtiaz Dharker, Daljit Nagra, Rosie Bailey reading for U A Fanthorpe, Ruth Fainlight, Clare Shaw, Carol Rumens, Patience Agbabi, Annie Freud, Christopher Reid, Mimi Khalvati, Fiona Sampson, Caroline Bird, Nii Ayikwei Parkes, Ann Gray, Jane Draycott, John Agard, Michael Symmons Roberts, Jacob Sam La-Rose, Luke Wright, Pascale Petit, Penelope Shuttle, Fleur Adcock and Jane Duran.

It starts at 7 pm. Minimum donation of £10 at the door (cash or cheques if possible please). Map
 
Organised by the Institute of English Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London, and the Poetry Book Society. Any queries to: info@poetrybooks.co.uk