It’s National Poetry Day tomorrow and there are a couple of (fairly) local events you can enjoy.

Poetry on the Platform – For the 13th Year running, Year 8 Boys from Bickley Park Prep School will read and recite poetry for the commuters as they congregate and pass along the platform, between 7.00 and 8.00am. An unusual but lovely start to the day for everyone.

Venue: Bickley Railway Station

Tickets: Free

Contact: Mr Patrick Gush
Telephone: 0208 467 2195
Email: pgush@bickleyparkschool.co.uk
Website: www.bickleyparkschool.co.uk

The School’s Poetry Competition – Students from across Kent have been writing poems on this year’s theme ‘Worth fighting for…?’ inspired by local performance poet Dan Simpson. Selected poems will be read during this prize giving event, published in this year’s anthology and on Stagecoach East Kent buses.

Venue: The Dominican Priory, Canterbury

Tickets: Free

Contact: Sarah Passfield
Telephone: 01227 452853
Email: info@canterburyfestival.co.uk
Website: http://www.canterburyfestival.co.uk/what’s-on/family/schools-poetry-competition.aspx

The Fifth Canterbury Festival Poet of the Year will be crowned tomorrow, National Poetry Day.  Everyone is invited, with shortlisted poets given the opportunity to read their successful poems during an exciting evening of literary and musical entertainment. Esteemed judges are the widely published poet, Maggie Harris, and Poet of the Year 2010, Moyra Tourlamain, who will also be reading. The winner and runners up of the Poet of the Year 2011 will be announced and there will be a prize for the poem that is deemed “Best Read” on the night. Musical entertainment will be by Richard Navarro, the very accomplished local pianist and vocalist.

Venue: Dominican Priory, St Peters Street, Canterbury

Tickets: £5 available on the door.

Contact: Laurie Porter
Telephone: 01227 452853
Email: laurie@canterburyfestival.co.uk
Website: http://www.canterburyfestival.co.uk/festival-friends/events.aspx

On the 29th October: CREATE Nose in a Book – An evening of Readings, Music, and Impro. Bring some food to share and something to drink and if you wish some books you enjoyed that you are willing to give away to someone else (possibly with a note saying why you enjoyed it) and have an evening of fun and entertainment. Tickets are by donation but need to be booked via Dave Prodrick.

Venue: 7.30pm St Barnabas School, Quarry Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Tickets: Donation

Contact: Dave Prodrick
Email: dave@camdenroad.org
Website: www.camdenroad.org

All being well, we’ll have similar events happening a little closer to home next year!