Events

I ran Welshpool Poetry Festival for ten years, finishing in 2025. I am incredibly proud to have brought some of the best contemporary poets to our rural market town, and to have given people the chance to read in the free open mic. The festival competition was judged by a range of amazing poets and attracted some great writing. Huge thanks to everyone who supported us over the years – sponsors, attendees, guests, tech experts, local businesses – it was a fantastic decade.

As an alternative I have experimented in 2026 with my Summer Series, three events held on Sundays in each of June, July and August. The model has been to make each session self-funding in order to avoid the tiresome and increasingly difficult job of seeking finance. It seems to have been a big hit, with people enjoying a two-hour workshop, a lovely buffet lunch, a reading from a guest poet followed by a Q&A at the amazing Andrew Logan Museum in Berriew, Powys. This year our wonderful poets have been Casey Bailey, Rosie Garland and Jonathan Edwards. Watch out for another Summer Series in 2027.

Verbatim

I passionately believe in opportunities for poets at every level to be able to share and test out their poetry in front of an audience. The open mic is at the heart of giving poets a chance to gain experience in presenting their work and to learn from others. I host Verbatim at the Poetry Pharmacy in Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire, usually from 7.30 until 9.30 on the last Wednesday of every other month starting in January. There is always a guest poet, open mic, lovely refreshments, and plenty of poetry chat and friendship. There is a charge of £5, and readers sign up on the night. Audience members are also welcome. 

Touch Paper

I have learned a lot over the years and absolutely love sharing this with others at my monthly poetry workshops. These are usually on the last Sunday of the month from 12.30 until 2.30 at the Poetry Pharmacy. Each month there is a theme in order to focus the mind, and I produce a useful booklet containing an overview of the theme, exemplar poems and stimulating prompts. The group gets plenty of writing time as well as a break for refreshments and the chance to read out work and get feedback, although there is no obligation to do this if you don’t want to. It really is a bargain at just £10 a session, no need to book, just turn up. 

Readings

I love the privilege of reading to audiences and I have been invited to some really special events.

Voicebox Wrexham

Shrewsbury Poetry

Words in Wem

Wirral Poetry Festival

Buzzwords Cheltenham

Cheltenham Poetry Festival – I read alongside Lucy Heuschen and Ruth Padel

Bristol