Author Archives: garylongden

Fading spring light still clung to the evening hour through the haze of light drizzle as April’s instalment of Bilston Voices commenced . The usual, strong , crowd assembled early for coffee and cake before sampling the main course of … Continue reading →

Poetry readings abound in the Midlands at the moment. Men and women are seen entering a rich variety of bars, pubs, meeting rooms and libraries clutching notepads and books. Tonight they converged on Bloxwich, an ideal venue with sound system … Continue reading →

Organised by host Gary Carr, this monthly spoken word event continues to provide a solid platform for experienced, and less experienced ,writers alike to trial their work in a supportive atmosphere. Trusty troubadours arrive from as far away as Buxton, … Continue reading →

Erdington Library has been hosting a week long series of poetry workshops curated by Jan Watts, Birmingham Poet Laureate. This night was a showcase for those who had worked for four days to develop, and hone, their poetic skills. Reprising … Continue reading →

When Cheltenham Poetry Festival launched in 2011 it was described as ‘a triumph’ by poet Alison Brackenbury, now in its second year ,it has returned bigger and better with 95 performers over 5 days, overseen by Chief Executive Director Anna … Continue reading →

The Boars Head is a proper old fashioned pub, full of doors and nooks and crannies. It has also become a cultural hub in Kidderminster. When it first opened in 1888, Oscar Wilde, W.B. Yeats and Tennyson were alive and … Continue reading →