Festival celebrates Essex poetry

Poets Innua Ellams, John Hartley-Williams and Kathryn Simmonds

Some of the best poets from Essex and beyond will showcase their talents and help encourage newcomers during the 2009 Essex Poetry Festival.

The festival comprises 18 events, including workshops, readings and open mic sessions for all ages.

They will take place at various venues and libraries between Friday, 25 September to Thursday, 22 October.

The centre-piece of the month is the 'Big Day of Poetry' at Chelmsford's Cramphorn Theatre on 10, October.

"Part of our mission is to bring the best contemporary exponents of poetry and spoken word to Essex in order to inspire others," said Derek Adams, from festival organisers 'Poetry in Practice'.

He added that whilst poetry in the county was particularly vibrant, with numerous clubs and societies, the festival was an opportunity to spread the word further.

"Hopefully it will get people who may not be involved in the groups along and interested to find out more," he added.

Readings and workshops for novice and aspiring poets will be taking place across Essex, with many of the county's libraries providing the venues for the events.

It doesn't matter if it's 'performancy' and funny, or something serious or emotional - the audience will give you a chance Essex poet Derek Adams on open mic sessions

The 'Big Day of Poetry', will feature some of the counties and the country's most highly respected poets as well as give aspiring artists the chance to shine.

One of the highlights of the afternoon will be an open mic session on the stage at the Cramphorn Theatre.

Organiser Derek Adams, himself a poet who will be performing at Rochford Library on 2, October, explained the open mic events are not as daunting as they first sound.

"The audience are all mostly poets themselves, they're quite an appreciative audience who will sit and listen," he said.

"It doesn't matter if it's 'performancy' and funny, or something serious or emotional - the audience will give you a chance."

The 'Big Day of Poetry' will also see appearances by a number of established performers from Essex and further afield, including Jeremy Over, Joanna Ezekiel, Sally Festing, Inua Ellams, Kathryn Simmonds and John Hartley-Williams.

For more information on all of the events taking place, visit the Essex Poetry Festival website.