Nottingham Poetry Festival kicks off tomorrow with a 10 day city takeover. Catch shows from Brian Bilston, John Hegley, Yomi Sode, Henry Normal, Vanessa Kisuule and Nottingham’s own Nature Poet Laureate Cara Thompson. It’s a packed programme, so here's some top picks from their co-founder Henry Normal, director Tommy Rosley, and creative director Alma Solarte-Tobon...
Co-founder Henry Normal's top picks
Brian Bilston: 6 June, Metronome
Having toured with Brian for the last two years doing over 50 gigs together I can’t recommend this poet highly enough. He has set the poetry world alight recently with a succession of best selling books. Inventive, intelligent and engaging - His new live show is a must see. 14th June
Vanessa Kisuule and Cara Thompson: 14 June, Poppy and Pint
A brilliant double bill. I saw Cara last autumn wow the packed Nottingham Playhouse audience at NPF’s 10th anniversary. I’ve not seen Vanessa live before but she has a fantastic reputation and I loved the poem she wrote called ‘Hollow’ about the toppling of the Edward Colston statue. The festival has always been about seeing something new and different so this one for me.
John Hegley: 12 June, The Canalhouse
John is a legend and the funniest poet I’ve ever seen. His stage shows are funny, wistful, moving and memorable. John appeals to all ages and is constantly re-inventing his shows.
Poets Against Racism: 14 June, The Malt Cross
Celebrating their 10th year at the festival. It’s a free event. I remember seeing the great Manjit Sahota at the very first Nottingham Poetry Festival and have enjoyed watching him go from strength to strength over the years. There are many thriving Nottingham based poetry groups and several are doing shows at the festival. I’m going to try to get to as many as I can.
Henry Normal
Henry Normal and Pete Ramskill: 10 June, Nottingham Central Library
Ok I’ve not so subtly slipped in this bit of self promotion. This is part of my free tour of eleven Nottingham Libraries each with a different local poet as my special guest. For the Central Library, it’s Pete who is a painter/sculpture/ graphic designer and published poet living in West Bridgford. We are going to have a lot of fun. Each of the library shows will be unique so do come to as many as you like.
Festival Director Tommy Rosley's top picks
Poetraits, by Lux Gagos: 6 June, Fisher Gate Point
Lux Gagos is returning to shoot professional headshots for those in need. Lux is a fantastic photographer who captures really interesting shots and moods that represent the poets really well. You can book your slot via the NPF website.
Yomi Sode and Rewyld: 11 June, Lakeside Arts.
Goodness me. This one is my top top pick. Yomi is reading from the third section of his award-winning book, Manorism. Last time he was in Notts he did a couple of poems from this section to a full house in the Concert hall and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. This time, he is collaborating with the fantastic Notts DJ and producer, Rewyld who is providing a live soundscape. It may be the first day of the World Cup but please remember there are 103 other matches, and only one Yomi show. Get down to Lakeside, it will be worth it.
BBC Upload x NPF featuring Mr Shay: 12 June, Rough Trade
We've been working with a few of our favourite Notts poets to create videos that will be released via us and the BBC throughout the festival. This show features those poets, and will be headlined by Leicester's poet laureate Mr Shay.
Poets off the Endz: 13 June, New Art Exchange
Jah Digga's Poets Off The Endz are such a brilliant collective. Dynamic, fresh and they're an awesome bunch of humans. I cannot wait to see what they have in store for us at their new show. . Keep an eye on them; later this year, they'll be presenting a new stage show. Last time was EPIC. (here's the LeftLion review)
Henry Normal Library Tour
You can't miss the opportunity to see Henry. This guy wrote some of the best TV comedies ever written. All of his shows as a part of the festival are free, as he tours Nottingham Libraries. Do not miss.
Yomi Sode
Creative director Alma Solarte-Tobon Top Picks
Rooted in Nottingham Poem: Broadway Cinema
Cara Thompson, Nottingham’s Nature poet laureate, has written a beautiful poem for our festival. Keep an eye out for the short film shown at most film screenings between 2 - 14 June
Youth panel: Taking root: 6 June, The Carousel
This panel will be a perfect opportunity to hear how young writers establish themselves in Nottingham, find opportunities and build lasting connections.
Meanderers & Green Hustle Poetry Walk: 9 June, start at Nottingham Castle
A nature-inspired walk through the city with an opportunity to see work by poet/artist Robert Montgomery at Nottingham Castle. This will have an optional dinner and sharing event at the end at The Foragers’ Kitchen.
Elements of Nature – Children’s Poetry Festival: 7 June, Lakeside Arts
Free drop-in festival workshops exploring the four elements: earth, water, air, fire. This will be a great treat for families and children (ages 5+)
Kavya Rang: 8 June, Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham
A traditional Indian poetry recital from the multilingual poetry collective. Always a joyful occasion and is well worth attending.
Cara Thompson
John Hegley’s family show, 13 June, The Carousel
This year we have the pleasure of hosting two shows with John Hegley. One for adults, supported by our local poet Georgina Wilding and the other for families with his incredible children's show I AM A POETato.
Vanessa Kisuule and Cara Thomspon with GOBS collective: 14 June, The Poppy and Pint
Vanessa is a multi-award-winning poet from Bristol, and she will be joined by our first Nottingham headline poet, Cara Thompson. This will be a perfect celebration of poetry with support from the GOBS Collective.
For more information on the programme and to buy tickets for headline shows, go to www.nottinghampoetryfestival.com and follow the socials.
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