Ledbury Poetry Festival

Ledbury Poetry Festival's Aims and Priorities

The Ledbury Poetry Festival's mission is to promote the enjoyment of poetry and the use of language, and since the first Festival in 1997 the Trustees have continued to make it as accessible as possible by promoting a programme of broad appeal that not only includes readings and performances, but also links poetry to other art forms, thus encouraging new audiences.  As well a s the annual summer festival with music, dance, drama, cabaret, food and drink, exhibitions, tours and walks together with the inclusion of different types of free events  that attract those unaccustomed to poetry, it also includes a year round programme of literature development in the community, an annual poet in residence, an annual international poetry  competition and educational projects in the local community for adults, for young people, for the elderly and for those in mental de=distress, as well as for anybody seeking cultural enjoyment.

We want to encourage the development of creative writing skills and self expression through workshops and mentoring, and also to make poetry and Ledbury synonymous, help develop the cultural attractions of the market town of Ledbury in Herefordshire and increase the number of visitors to the Festival and the town, with benefits for local traders and the community throughout the year.