Anthology announced as part of Morecambe Poetry Festival

Wednesday, 30 August 2023 10:48

Matt Panesh (Photo credit: Richard Davis)

A special book has been published to coincide with next month’s Morecambe Poetry Festival.

Henry Normal, Brian Bilston, Lemn Sissay, Jackie Kay, and Roger McCough are just some of the poets featured in the Morecambe Poetry Festival (Volume 1) book, which will be available during the event, which runs from September 22-24.

All profits from the book are going towards next year’s event.

The 180 page book promises to be a who’s who of the spoken word scene in the UK alongside fledgling poets seeing their work published for the very first time.

Festival organiser Matt Panesh, who edited the anthology, said: ”It’s a true reflection of the ethos of the festival which is very democratic in giving a platform to the new and untested along with a host of world class names.

‘’We always wanted the festival to inspire the budding writers in the local community, so we’re delighted to showcase that in this book.”

Above: Lemn Sissay & Henry Normal (Credit: Richard Davis)

Eden Project Communities is a supporter of the book which features reflections on nature, sustainability and biodiversity.

Tracey Robbins, Eden Project Communities, said: “Famous poets and those who are taking their tentative first steps are joined by audiences who are drawn together to share through the rhythm of words – expressions, feelings and ideas.

‘’This anthology of Morecambe Poetry Festival contributors is a collection of memories, experiences, interpretations charged with emotion that convey an incredible sense of connection between people and planet.”

Wordsworth Grasmere is also a supporter of the book and festival.

A spokesperson added: “Nature, sustainability, biodiversity - all themes very much at the heart of the Festival, key to its home in Morecambe and central to the lives & work of William & Dorothy Wordsworth, to the landscapes, natural habitats, people and wildlife of the north-west where they lived two hundred years ago.

“We are very happy to support the opportunities the festival provides for new and established writers to share their work with each other and with everyone who gets involved. It is a real pleasure to see so many writers contributing to this anthology and to hear so many different voices.”

A host of world class names have been announced for Morecambe Poetry Festival back for a second year after winning plaudits from poets and audiences alike for its inaugural event.

Taking place at Morecambe Winter Gardens across three days, the festival features a packed bill of acclaimed poets including Carol Ann Duffy, Roger McGough, Jackie Kay, Brian Bilston, Henry Normal, Attila the Stockbroker and John Hegley.

More details can be found here