Poetry lovers in Ripon can celebrate – following three successful events held last Thursday, on National Poetry Day.
The Ripon Poets committee – made up of Caroline Matusiak, Lotte Wilson, Maggie Cobbett and Nicky Hasson – held readings at the Workhouse Museum, the cathedral and Claro Lounge as part of National Poetry Day.
Caroline, who led each of the events, told Tim Flanagan of the Rejoicing in Ripon Blog: “Ripon Poets were thrilled to give a stage to more than 20 local poets on National Poetry Day. Our aim is to offer spoken word events to all who enjoy writing, performing and listening to poetry.
“Our follow-up is Seasons, a workshop with Open Mic, at Ripon Library on 12 November from 10am to 12noon. A Gothic session in the atmospheric Workhouse Museum is also planned.
Caroline added: “We look forward to working with Ripon Theatre Festival in 2027 to bring national poets and new ventures to the city while keeping opportunities for our talented local poets.”
National Poetry Day was established in 1994 by English poet, entrepreneur and philanthropist William Sieghart, in association with the charity The Forward Arts Foundation and is the UK’s largest mass participation event for established and budding poets.
The foundation has reported that poetry is experiencing a massive resurgence across the UK, with book sales topping £8 million (up 13.3% year-on-year) and youth readership reaching its highest point in 16 years.
Ripon Theatre Festival director Katie Scott said: “Our volunteers spent a great day with Ripon Poets on National Poetry Day, hearing a wonderful range of work in atmospheric Ripon venues.
“Our surveys gave those taking part the chance to tell us about authors and poets and the kind of events they’d like to see in Ripon. They told us about what was important to them as writers and audience members.
“The information will be useful to us as we plan future activities, helping ensure that poetry and the spoken word remain a part of Ripon’s cultural mix.”
Ripon BID manager Lilla Bathurst said: “It is clear from the previous Ripon Poetry Festival and the events staged to mark this year’s National Poetry Day, that the city has a deep pool of poetic talent.
“From schoolchildren trying their hands at verse for the first time to published authors, they are a tremendous asset for Ripon to have and it was great to see last week and during the Theatre Festival in July, how businesses and organisations across the city were happy to provide a platform for them to showcase their work.”
Further details about forthcoming poetry events can be found on the Ripon Poets Facebook page.