Big names set for festival

Big names from the literary world including a former Poet Laureate and a poet voted among the nation's favourites will be among the highlights at Southwell Library Poetry Festival.

The festival, which has been held in the town for ten years, will take place from Tuesday, July 13 to Sunday, July 18.

Among those appearing is former Poet Laureate Sir Andrew Motion, who will be introducing new work at a reading at the Minster School, Southwell.

Also attending this year's festival is children's author Michael Rosen, the fifth poet to hold the post of Britain’s Children’s Laureate from 2007 to 2009. He will be holding sessions school children at Southwell Minster.

Jenny Joseph author of the poem Warning, voted the nation’s favourite post-war poem in a BBC poll, will host afternoon tea and sign copies of her new book, Nothing Like Love.

Poets Jo Shapcott and Don Paterson will appear together at the festival to promote modern British poetry.

Bookings can be made at the library, on 01636 812148 or by e-mailing southwell.library@nottscc.gov.uk.