Ledbury Poetry

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Ledbury Poetry

The UK’s biggest poetry festival, set over 10 days every summer amidst the beautiful and historic backdrop of ancient market town and rolling hills.

The UK's longest and largest poetry festival with ten days packed with poetry readings, slams, family activities, poetry workshops, conversations, events and celebrations. Ledbury is a market town in rural Herefordshire, nestling under the Malvern ridge in some of England's finest countryside. Our 2020 summer festival has sadly been cancelled, but you can still take part online in our poetry readi

ngs, salons and workshops and archive audio recordings. We're looking forward to seeing you all in 2021 for our 25th anniversary celebrations! Beyond the festival, our work throughout the year includes:

› Ledbury Poetry Competition
› Ledbury Emerging Poetry Critics Scheme
› Ledbury Poetry Salons
› Community & Schools Programme
› Voice Coaching for New and Emerging Writers

28/08/2026

With schools heading back next week, we're reminded of one of the most inspiring moments from this year's festival…

School Slam with Spoz was a celebration of confidence, creativity and finding your voice.

Watching young people take to the microphone, share their words and perform with such courage was a powerful reminder that poetry isn't just something you study, it's something you experience, perform and make your own.

A huge thank you to Spoz for bringing so much energy and encouragement, and to every young person who stepped up and gave it their all. We hope the confidence, creativity and joy they found on stage stays with them long after they've headed back to the classroom.

25/08/2026

Poetry changes lives. You can help make it happen by getting involved and supporting what we do!

Behind every festival, workshop and community event is a network of people who believe in the power of poetry.

Whether you become a Friend of Ledbury Poetry, make a donation or choose to leave a legacy, your support helps us champion creativity, amplify voices and create opportunities for people of all ages.

Help us write the next chapter and visit ➡️ https://ledburypoetry.org.uk/ to find out more.

21/08/2026

Did you catch one of the most moving moments of this year’s festival?

Aspire Drama: The Phoenix reminded us of the power of performance to connect, challenge and inspire.

Directed by Toni Cook , Aspire Drama, a theatre company of neurodiverse adults and people with learning disabilities, used music, movement and narration to tell a powerful story of belonging, difference and acceptance.

It was heartfelt, thought-provoking and met with warm appreciation from everyone gathered in St Katherine’s Square.

Thank you to the incredible Aspire Drama cast for sharing your creativity, courage and joy with us. You left a lasting impression.

19/08/2026

For showing up. For listening. For sharing words, ideas and moments with us.

Because poetry does something rather special, it brings people together.

Different voices. Different stories. One incredible community.

17/08/2026

Every day at Ledbury Poetry Festival had its own rhythm.

Some moments made us laugh. Others made us think. Some introduced us to new voices, while others reunited us with poets we've admired for years.

Every reading, conversation and performance added another layer to ten unforgettable days, bringing people together through a shared love of words.

Looking back, it's the atmosphere as much as the programme that stays with us. Here's to the conversations between events, the standing ovations, the chance encounters, and the joy of discovering something new.

06/08/2026

VERVE Sunday brought a whole new energy to the festival.

From open mic debuts and exciting new voices to boundary-pushing performances, fearless conversations and a Dice Slam like no other, VERVE transformed the festival for a day packed with contemporary poetry at its boldest.

A huge thank you to the Verve Poetry & Spoken Word Festival team and every poet who took to the stage. You brought fresh perspectives, unforgettable performances and a brilliant buzz that lingered long after the final applause.

04/08/2026

When poets turn to prose... what changes?

One of the hidden gems of this year's festival was Poets Prosing, where Stephanie Sy-Quia and Kimberly Campanello explored what happens when poetry spills onto the page in a different form.

Identity, inheritance, language and storytelling took centre stage in a fascinating conversation about what is gained, transformed, or even lost when poets step beyond verse into prose.

A thoughtful, inspiring event that reminded us there's more than one way to tell a powerful story.

Were you there? We'd love to hear what stayed with you.

29/07/2026

We’re Hiring and the deadline to apply is this Friday, 31st July, 5pm.

Could you be our next Development Manager?
We’re looking for an ambitious and creative Development Manager to help shape the future of Ledbury Poetry. You’ll lead our fundraising, strengthen our long-term financial sustainability, and help turn bold artistic ambitions into reality.

For more info and to apply click here 👉https://ledburypoetry.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Recruitment-Pack-Development-Manager.pdf

27/07/2026

What an opening night.

Summer called... and Versopolis answered.

Our 2026 festival began by welcoming two exceptional international poets to Ledbury: Claire Lajus (France) and Nisrine Mbarki Ben Ayad (The Netherlands). Through our partnership with Versopolis, their words carried us across languages, cultures and continents, reminding us that poetry has no borders.

We then immersed ourselves in the world of Sylvia Plath, hearing fresh insights from leading Plath scholars in a truly special event. Amanda Golden, co-editor of the new landmark edition of Plath’s poetry, joined Jo Gill and poet Stephanie Sy-Quia.

And what better way to round off the evening than with George Szirtes in conversation with Peter Florence? A King's Gold Medal, T. S. Eliot Prize and Man Booker International Prize-winning poet reflecting on memory, migration, identity and belonging.

One unforgettable evening. Three remarkable events. The perfect start to 10 glorious days of poetry in Ledbury.

23/07/2026

Join us at the Ledbury Poetry Monthly Book Club as we explore the work of one of Ireland's most celebrated contemporary poets, Annemarie Ní Churreáin.

Originally from the Donegal Gaeltacht, Annemarie's latest collection, Hymn to All the Restless Girls, was named among The Irish Times' Best Poetry of 2025 and RTÉ Culture's Best Irish Books of the Year. Her powerful, lyrical writing has earned her some of Ireland's most prestigious literary awards and now it's your turn to discover it.

Mews Bouche, Ledbury
Wednesday 29th July
6:30–7:30pm

New to poetry? Perfect.
No pressure to read beforehand.
Just bring your curiosity.

If you'd like to dip in before you come, choose from Bloodroot, The Poison Glen or Hymn to All the Restless Girls, or experience the poems for the first time with the rest of the group.

Come along, meet fellow poetry lovers and discover why poetry is best shared.

Address

Ledbury
Ledbury
HR82DX

Website

http://www.ledburypoetry.org.uk/

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