Top poets to star at Welshpool Poetry Festival

This year's Welshpool Poetry Festival has attracted a host of names, including Sophie McKeand, Young People's Laureate for Wales, who will be getting things off to a start with her visit to Ysgol Maesydre on June 9.

Then later on in the evening, she's on the bill for a night of poetry with award winning poets James Sheard and Deborah Alma, starting at 7.30pm at Welshpool Library.

There are various workshops on the following day – June 10, and the Emergency Poet will be prescribing poetic healing from her vintage ambulance from 1pm at the Church House.

The free Open Mic event takes place from 4 to 6pm at the Church House on Church Bank.

The Festival concludes at 7.30pm in the Church House, when Luke Kennard and Helen Mort, two of the most current and sought after poets around, will entertain.

The winners of the open poetry competition will also be announced.

This year's events are sponsored by Arts Council Wales and the Rotary Club of Oswestry through their Mary Hignett Bequest Fund.

It will be the third year the event has taken place.

Organiser Pat Edwards said: "Thanks to the Arts Council Wales and Rotary Club of Oswestry, we are able to bring the best of relevant and contemporary poetry to this our third festival. Even if you're not sure poetry is for you, this is a chance to give it a try."

Full details and links to ticket sales can be found at www.welshpoolpoetryfestival.org.uk. Tickets can also be purchased on the door.

Tickets cost £7.50 and include a free glass of wine or soft drink.