Kirkby Lonsdale Poetry Festival is a family-friendly literature festival taking place in Kirkby Lonsdale 12th-14th of August 2022. The line-up boasts both national and local talent with an eclectic mix of poetry based entertainment under the inclusive sections ‘Grassroots’ ‘Heritage’ and ‘Changemakers’. See the Poetry Festival map and programme here.
Organised by local poet Matt Sowerby and supported by The Christopher Robins Trust. The line-up.
What’s On
The programme includes slam poetry performances, an open mic, live music, plays, writing workshops, flashmobs, a competition and much more! The line-up features the likes of Barrow-based rapper-director duo Swerve and JD, Forward Prize winner Luke Kennard, the YouTube-famous Savannah Brown and disability rights activist Hannah Hodgson.
Find out more on the Poetry Festival website.
There are three sections to the Kirkby Lonsdale Poetry Festival:
Heritage
We believe that the best classical poetry is still relevant today, and that some of the best works written today engage with classical poetry. As a result, we’ve designed a vibrant programme to celebrate our collective literary heritage.
This section includes workshops, poetry readings, plays, flashmobs, and a historical trail with actors in costumes. All Heritage events are free.
Grassroots
Grassroots is at the heart and soul of our festival. These are volunteer-run events designed to bring poetry to life and support local and emerging talent.
This section includes our open mic, workshops, typewriter busking, our poetry competition, writing surgeries, a young poets showcase, a story vault, poetry with Kirkby’s elderly, and a line up of intimate readings by local poets in our bookshop. All Grassroots events are free.
Changemakers
Poetry today is as exciting as it has ever been. Through free and ticketed events, and a diverse and engaging lineup of nationally-acclaimed talent, we will be exploring the question of how poetry can make change in our society.
This section includes poetry readings and a panel discussion.
Find out more on the Kirkby Lonsdale Poetry Festival website.
Line-up
Ticketing
Most of our events are free, but there are six ticketed events. These include:
Kim Moore & Jasmine Gardosi £5
(Concession £4)
Savannah Brown & Syd Wilmot £5
(Concession £4)
Luke Kennard Vs Shakespeare £5
(Concession £4)
Katie Hale & Erin Bolens £5
(Concession £4)
Hannah Hodgson, Elliot Waloschek &
Matt Sowerby £5
(Concession £4)
Cumbria, Poetry & The Climate Crisis £5 (Concession £4)
Find out more on the Kirkby Lonsdale Poetry Festival website.
Booking
Festival Pass: £25 for all six events. (LIMITED AVAILABILITY – BOOK NOW)
General Admission: £5 per event
Concession: £4 per event. Available for carers, students, and under 18s. Be prepared to show evidence of applicability.
*Prices do not include fees charged by Eventbrite. Please bring a physical or digital copy of your ticket to the event.
Find out more on the Kirkby Lonsdale Poetry Festival website.
Kirkby Lonsdale Poetry Festival
Kirkby Lonsdale Poetry Festival is a community-run festival organised by local award-winning poet Matt Sowerby.
Matt was a 2018 National Youth Slam Champion and 2021 UniSlam Finalist. He has been published multiple times and performed in the Houses of Parliament and on BBC Radio 4. In 2020 he was the Poet in Residence at Church Action on Poverty. He has lived in Kirkby Lonsdale for 15 years.
Follow them on social media:
Instagram: @KirkbyPoetry
Twitter: @KirkbyPoetry
Facebook:@KirkbyPoetry
