The High Wolds Poetry Festival, to be held on Saturday 26 September in Bishop Burton, has reached out to residents of all ages, from school children to care home residents.
Hoping to inspire poets of all ages, Festival Director Sarah Mills and East Riding of Yorkshire Council Community Engagement Manager Caroline Coath ran an immersive poetry workshop at Nafferton Primary School involving 90 children from Years 3 and 4.As well as younger poets, Festival submissions have been received from poets of all ages, including a self-described ‘octogenarian’ who posted a handwritten submission.
To further support the Festival’s aims, there are plans underway to deliver a workshop to care home residents in Stamford Bridge, drawing on the area’s connection to the Bayeux Tapestry’s arrival in the UK and its association with East Yorkshire.
Organisers have chosen the theme ‘Weaving Words, Harnessing History’ to reflect the importance of the 900-year-old tapestry, its 10-month installation at London’s British Museum and local heritage connections. While this theme reflects the importance of the Norman Conquest, submissions are welcome based on any subject, from anyone with any level of experience. The Festival aims to encourage entries from across the East Yorkshire Wolds and beyond.
As well as submissions and the chance to be published in the Festival book, aspiring poets are invited to attend workshops and read their poetry on stage at the event.
Councillor Nick Coultish, East Riding of Yorkshire Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism said: “It’s fantastic to see residents of all ages get involved in this unique Festival, which is a landmark cultural event for our region. It’s great to bring poetry to the heart of our communities, and we encourage residents to get involved.”Sarah Mills, High Wolds Poetry Festival Director said: “We’re delighted to support residents of all ages to engage with poetry, no matter their experience. We highly encourage everyone to find out more and get involved.”
Toni Schultz, Nafferton School teacher said: “Sarah Mills and her colleague Caroline delivered an incredibly stimulating and engaging session for 90 children. They all thoroughly enjoyed trying different poetic techniques and contributing a line to a group poem. The children were chattering about the workshop for the next couple of days which is always a good sign.”
The Festival, supported by East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the Arts Council England will be held at Bishop Burton Village Hall on Saturday 26 September, from 10am to 5pm. The event is free to attend and all ages and abilities are welcome.
To submit a poem, or find out more, please email highwoldspoetry@gmail.com
