Image by Jade Hylton Winchester once again plays host to a celebration of poetry, when Winchester Poetry Day takes place on Saturday 5th October. This special day of poetry readings, performances, workshops and drop-in activities welcomes the well-versed and the poetry-curious in equal measure. Winchester Poetry Day concludes with...
Poetry
New ‘Kathryn Bevis Prize’ to celebrate the best poem from Hampshire entered into Winchester Poetry Prize 2024
In Winchester Poetry Prize’s ninth year, the ‘Kathryn Bevis Prize’ has been introduced to celebrate the best poem entered by a writer based in Hampshire. It will be judged by this year’s competition judge, Clare Shaw. The ‘Kathryn Bevis Prize’ winner will receive £150, plus three one-day poetry workshops...
Review: Be Bright Be Bold by Rich Lansley
By Anita Foxall. Be Bright Be Bold is Rich Lansley’s first poetry collection. To support his publication he has also compiled a performance show where he reads some of his poems, but also engages with the audience with his warmth and wit. Rich’s poetry has been described as charming...
Popular poetry event returns to Southampton’s Bookshop Alehouse in June
Wire Wool Events and Placeholder Poetry join forces once more for the third instalment of the hugely popular poetry evening held at The Bookshop Alehouse, Southampton. On Thursday 13th June three of the south coast’s most innovative poets will be sharing their work in the intimate basement of Portswood’s...
Los Angeles poet laureate Lynne Thompson, author talk and book signing in Southampton
You can join Lynne Thompson, Los Angeles poet laureate, for her author talk and book signing of Blue on a Blue Palette at Southampton’s radical independent bookstore October Books, on Wednesday 8th May. Blue on a Blue Palette reflects on the condition of women—their joys despite their histories, and...
New Forest poet Damian Kelly-Basher appointed Hampshire Poet Laureate
After a countywide search, the hunt for the Hampshire Poet is over. Damian Kelly-Basher from Brockenhurst was selected from a very strong field of writers from all over Hampshire who applied for the sought-after post. The appointment of the Hampshire Poet takes place every two years and is jointly...
Review: Big Special, The Joiners, Southampton
By Anita Foxall. Big Special are the result of a music/spoken word 17-year-old friendship. They claim ‘it’s not Big and it’s not Special’ but they came over to the Joiners on Sunday 7 April and showed us they actually are that big and that special of a band. Big...
Placeholder Poetry Southampton returns after a sold out debut event
After a sold out debut event in January, Wire Wool Events and Placeholder Poetry return for the second in their series of innovative poetry performances. Three brand new poets bring their distinct voices to The Bookshop Alehouse, Southampton on Thursday 28th March for a night to challenge and delight. Placeholder is home for poetry readings of the...
Book Review: Vague Wisdom by Will Vigar
By Anita Foxall Will Vigar’s new poetry collection, Vague Wisdom, should be top of your shopping list if you are looking for a good poetry book. It is rich in images and memories, some borrowed from art and cinema, some very personal. Poetry has always been present in his...
“Alas poor culture, I knew him well”
Reported by Charlie Hislop It is the last Friday in November, and off to the side of Guildhall Square, hidden away from the city’s Christmas attractions a small group of people are meeting in the cold evening. Sandwiched between the Arts Council funded MAST theatre, and the Arts Council...