Cheltenham Poetry Festival Preview

Spring in Cheltenham means we can soon look forward to another excellent Cheltenham Poetry Festival. Organised by a team of plucky volunteers, led by the indomitable Anna Saunders, every year they do their magic to create a line-up that's full of surprises and delights, working with little money and lots of enthusiasm.

Image from johnhegley.co.uk

To get the ball rolling for the Festival proper, this year features a preview weekend (7/8 March) that has something for everyone. The Playhouse Theatre Cheltenham is hosting the two-day event (full details on p. 6 of their current brochure) and you can book tickets directly from them. Highlights include the surreal poetry and song of John Hegley, the excellent Ann Drysdale and Philip Rush, and the Festival Music Hall. Also, Jennie Farley's all-female Picaresque poetry troupe will be presenting their own work at 11.00 on Saturday at the Wilson Art Gallery, responding to pieces from the collections (Call 01242 237431 to book).