Poetry International Festival
Our longest running festival; a bold and inspiring showcase of poetry and spoken word
Founded by Ted Hughes, former Poet Laureate, in 1967, Poetry International was initially conceived as a response to the global polarisation of east and west during the Cold War.
In his introduction to the brochure that year, Hughes wrote: ‘The idea of global unity is not new, but the absolute necessity of it has only just arrived, like a sudden radical alteration of the sun.’
The festival has continued to this day, usually biennially, featuring performances, panel discussions, readings and workshops, and occasionally incorporating wider poetry award ceremonies.
Filter events in this group
Tuesday 15 September
Gift to the Future
Wednesday 16 September
Gift to the Future
Thursday 17 September
Gift to the Future
Friday 18 September
Gift to the Future
Saturday 19 September
Gift to the Future
Sunday 20 September
Gift to the Future
Monday 21 September
Gift to the Future
Tuesday 22 September
Gift to the Future
Wednesday 23 September
Gift to the Future
Thursday 24 September
Gift to the Future
Friday 25 September
Gift to the Future
Saturday 26 September
Gift to the Future
Sunday 27 September
Gift to the Future
While you're with us
Thinking
Fountains
Water cascades and spouts over Klaus Weber’s bronze figures.
Modified Social Benches
Benches that challenge the space and distance we place between one another.
William Pye's Zemran
Pye’s beautiful stainless steel sculpture sits overlooking the Thames.