Ledbury Poetry

Ledbury Poetry The UK’s biggest poetry festival, set over 10 days every summer amidst the beautiful and historic backdrop of ancient market town and rolling hills.

The UK's longest and largest poetry festival with ten days packed with poetry readings, slams, family activities, poetry workshops, conversations, events and celebrations. Ledbury is a market town in rural Herefordshire, nestling under the Malvern ridge in some of England's finest countryside. Our 2020 summer festival has sadly been cancelled, but you can still take part online in our poetry readings, salons and workshops and archive audio recordings. We're looking forward to seeing you all in 2021 for our 25th anniversary celebrations! Beyond the festival, our work throughout the year includes:

› Ledbury Poetry Competition
› Ledbury Emerging Poetry Critics Scheme
› Ledbury Poetry Salons
› Community & Schools Programme
› Voice Coaching for New and Emerging Writers

Your Life in Poetry “If you could choose one poem to describe your childhood, what would it be?”Perhaps it takes you bac...
10/09/2026

Your Life in Poetry “If you could choose one poem to describe your childhood, what would it be?”

Perhaps it takes you back to a particular place, captures a feeling you remember, or simply has words that feel like home.

We’d love to know yours.

What does poetry mean to us?A voice.A connection.A different way of seeing the world.It can challenge. Comfort. Surprise...
08/09/2026

What does poetry mean to us?

A voice.
A connection.
A different way of seeing the world.
It can challenge. Comfort. Surprise. Unite.

It gives words to feelings, tells stories that need to be heard and connects us in unexpected ways.

That’s what poetry means to us. What does it mean to you?

Tell us below.

Love poetry? Be part of it.From just £30 a year, Ledbury Poetry Membership brings you closer to the poetry, poets and ev...
06/09/2026

Love poetry? Be part of it.

From just £30 a year, Ledbury Poetry Membership brings you closer to the poetry, poets and events you love, while helping us make a real difference.

Your support helps us champion poets, inspire new audiences and keep poetry thriving.

Join our poetry community and make a difference.

Find out more here- https://ledburypoetry.org.uk/

September is here. But how would you describe it? Here’s the challenge: describe September without using the words autum...
04/09/2026

September is here. But how would you describe it?

Here’s the challenge: describe September without using the words autumn, leaves, orange or cold.

One line. A few words. A tiny poem. It’s entirely up to you.

Ready? Drop yours in the comments.

With schools heading back next week, we're reminded of one of the most inspiring moments from this year's festival…Schoo...
28/08/2026

With schools heading back next week, we're reminded of one of the most inspiring moments from this year's festival…

School Slam with Spoz was a celebration of confidence, creativity and finding your voice.

Watching young people take to the microphone, share their words and perform with such courage was a powerful reminder that poetry isn't just something you study, it's something you experience, perform and make your own.

A huge thank you to Spoz for bringing so much energy and encouragement, and to every young person who stepped up and gave it their all. We hope the confidence, creativity and joy they found on stage stays with them long after they've headed back to the classroom.

Poetry changes lives. You can help make it happen by getting involved and supporting what we do! Behind every festival, ...
25/08/2026

Poetry changes lives. You can help make it happen by getting involved and supporting what we do!

Behind every festival, workshop and community event is a network of people who believe in the power of poetry.

Whether you become a Friend of Ledbury Poetry, make a donation or choose to leave a legacy, your support helps us champion creativity, amplify voices and create opportunities for people of all ages.

Help us write the next chapter and visit ➡️ https://ledburypoetry.org.uk/ to find out more.

Did you catch one of the most moving moments of this year’s festival?Aspire Drama: The Phoenix reminded us of the power ...
21/08/2026

Did you catch one of the most moving moments of this year’s festival?

Aspire Drama: The Phoenix reminded us of the power of performance to connect, challenge and inspire.

Directed by Toni Cook , Aspire Drama, a theatre company of neurodiverse adults and people with learning disabilities, used music, movement and narration to tell a powerful story of belonging, difference and acceptance.

It was heartfelt, thought-provoking and met with warm appreciation from everyone gathered in St Katherine’s Square.

Thank you to the incredible Aspire Drama cast for sharing your creativity, courage and joy with us. You left a lasting impression.

19/08/2026

For showing up. For listening. For sharing words, ideas and moments with us.

Because poetry does something rather special, it brings people together.

Different voices. Different stories. One incredible community.

Every day at Ledbury Poetry Festival had its own rhythm.Some moments made us laugh. Others made us think. Some introduce...
17/08/2026

Every day at Ledbury Poetry Festival had its own rhythm.

Some moments made us laugh. Others made us think. Some introduced us to new voices, while others reunited us with poets we've admired for years.

Every reading, conversation and performance added another layer to ten unforgettable days, bringing people together through a shared love of words.

Looking back, it's the atmosphere as much as the programme that stays with us. Here's to the conversations between events, the standing ovations, the chance encounters, and the joy of discovering something new.

VERVE Sunday brought a whole new energy to the festival.From open mic debuts and exciting new voices to boundary-pushing...
06/08/2026

VERVE Sunday brought a whole new energy to the festival.

From open mic debuts and exciting new voices to boundary-pushing performances, fearless conversations and a Dice Slam like no other, VERVE transformed the festival for a day packed with contemporary poetry at its boldest.

A huge thank you to the Verve Poetry & Spoken Word Festival team and every poet who took to the stage. You brought fresh perspectives, unforgettable performances and a brilliant buzz that lingered long after the final applause.

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Ledbury
Ledbury
HR82DX

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