By Anita Foxall. Southampton is a city of culture, regardless of any formal titles, that is incontestable. As host of Write a Note, I have the privilege of welcoming poets and writers to share their work on a monthly basis, but I also attend and take part in other...
Poetry
Winchester Poetry Day draws crowds of poetry lovers
Winchester Poetry Day drew crowds of poetry lovers to The ARC. Almost 300 tickets were sold for the day which aimed to celebrate poetry in its many forms. This year the well-versed and the poetry-curious travelled to Winchester from all over the UK, and from all over the world...
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...
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”
Art, Local News, Music, Poetry
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...
Avant-garde poetry performances come to Southampton
A series of avant-garde poetry performances is being brought to Southampton by Wire Wool Events and Placeholder Poetry, beginning this month. The first event takes place on Thursday 25th January and will see the basement room of The Bookshop Alehouse, Southampton transformed into a world of words. Three outstanding...