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Birmingham

6-29 October 2009

Various locations

Now in its tenth year, the Birmigham Book Festival invites poets, performers and many others to share their love of words. Includes the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 4 Poetry Slam Final at the Birmingham Conservatoire, Paradise Place, Fletchers Walk, Birmingham B3 3HG on 6 October and the inaugural reading of Birmingham's new Poet Laureate at the Library Theatre, Birmingham Central Library, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3HQ on 9 October.

Adrian Johnson's City Tales

8 October 2009

Birmingham City Centre, various locations

Birmingham-based poet and storyteller Adrian Johnson marks National Poetry Day by telling short stories and poetry at five public locations in Birmingham at 12-2pm and 4-6pm.

Chelmsford

25 September-22 October 2009

The Cramphorn Theatre, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1JG

A programme of spoken word performances, writing workshops and open mic nights in venues around Chelmsford, kicking off on Friday 25 September with a Howl Poetry Link event hosted by Mr Gee, presenter of Radio 4's Bespoken Word.

Chester

3-18 October 2009

Various venues

A two-week programme celebrating the worlds of novels, biography, poetry and more, with a range of invited writers and poets. Includes free lunchtime poetry sessions, kicking off on 15 October at Oddfellows, 20 Lower Bridge St, Chester CH1 1RS with a Chester Oyez! talk on how to get your poems published by HappenStance Press' Helena Nelson at Bishop Lloyd's Palace, 51-53 Watergate Row, Chester CH1 2LE on 10 October.

Glasgow

Mitchell Library, North Street, Glasgow G3 7DN

Scottish poet Hamish Whyte, reads and discusses poems from the anthology Kin: Scottish Poems About Families.

London

8 October 2009

Clore Ballroom, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London

A free event marking the Poetry Society's centenary, National Poetry Day and ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Poetry Season, featuring readings, recordings and performances by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, Roger McGough, John Hegley and Dreadlock Alien.

More about Carol Ann Duffy
More about Roger McGough
Watch Dreadlock Alien's guide to performing poems in public

8 October 2009

The 100 Club, 100 Oxford Street, London

A poetry jam featuring featuring Gwyneth Herbert, Adam Horovitz and more.

8 October 2009

Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, London WC1H

Readings for National Poetry Day and a display of postcard poems at Camden Town Hall with the Mayor of Camden and special guest poet Alan Brownjohn.

Powys

8 October 2009

Wyeside Arts Centre, Castle Street, Builth Wells, Powys LD2 3BN

Best-selling poet Wendy Cope hosts afternoon tea and reads from her work.

More about Wendy Cope

Winchester

8 October 2009

Winchester Discovery Centre, Jewry Street, Winchester SO23 8SB

Britain's first female Poet Laurete reads from her extensive collection of writing, followed by an interview with Prof Christopher Mulvey of the University of Winchester.

More about Carol Ann Duffy