Novelist Louis de Bernières will be launching the 17th StAnza poetry festival, one of the top poetry festivals in the UK, at St Andrews from 4-9 March by reading from his debut collection of poetry, Imagining Alexandria. One of the festival’s themes is A Common Wealth of Poetry, reflecting Glasgow’s hosting of the Commonwealth Games in the summer, and welcoming poets from India, South Africa, Botswana, Jamaica and Canada. A second theme, Words Under Fire, marks the centenary of the first world war. Headline poets include Carol Ann Duffy, Paul Muldoon, and John Burnside. There are also workshops, talks, exhibitions, cross-media performances, and a slam hosted by Edinburgh slamming duo Rally & Broad. More details 

The Poetry Proms, offering many opportunities for poets to read or perform their poetry, return to New Brighton this summer on Sunday 6 July, during Wirral Festival of Firsts. Now is the time to sign up, to be sure of a slot. Email info@festivaloffirsts.com.Other poetic highlights at the festival include Ian McMillan, and a poetry trail and competition. More details

 

FEBRUARY

Southwark libraries poetry festival, 1-15 February

Bishop’s Castle arts festival, Shropshire,  20-23 February

 

MARCH

Stanza poetry festival, St Andrews, 4-9 March

York literature festival, 20-31 March 

Cheltenham poetry festival, 28 March - 4 April 

 

APRIL

Cheltenham poetry festival, until 4 April 

Dorothy Wordsworth festival of women's poetry, Grasmere, 11-13 April 

Wenlock poetry festival, Shropshire, 25-27 April

 

MAY

Strokestown poetry festival, Co Roscommon,  2-4 May 

 

JULY

Wirral Festival of Firsts,  5-13 July