A poetry anthology about Leeds was launched at Leeds Minster on Wednesday as one of a lively list of poetry events during Leeds Lit Fest, from 4-8 March. The anthology, And The Stones Fell Open, published by Yorkshire-based Yaffle Press, is said to express Leeds communities’ “hopes for the future, their fears for the present, and gives a space in which to listen to voices of protest in a time of environmental crisis and political upheaval”.

Now in its second year, Leeds LIt Fest has grown out of a thriving independent literature and spoken word scene. Poet and editor Ian Harker said: "Leeds is home to a thriving independent spoken word scene that's inspiring people to start magazines, publishers, writing groups and societies. The grassroots, day-to-day lived culture of reading, listening, writing, and performing is at the heart of Leeds Lit Fest and is giving this city a base as it builds on its history and approaches its future with a sense of our national and global place."

Also on the festival bill is Glasgow spoken word artist Kevin P Gilday, the Otley Run Poetry Walk with Joe Williams, performance poet Claire Wigzell at Leeds Art Gallery, poetry and organ music at Leeds Minster , a poetry walk around Roundhay Park in Leeds, and Helen Mort topping the bill at an evening of poetry at Leeds University. More details