02/10/2007 03:41:22
This Thursday is the 14th National Poetry Day, and sees a major programme of literary events taking place across the UK with the theme of 'dreams'.
Among the more intriguing events is Poetry Bed, a performance given from the top of a four-poster bed at Heals department store in Manchester. Poetry slam champion Kei Miller will share his 'poetic dreams and nightmares' with Vampire Queen Rosie Lugosi at midday.
Elsewhere, Linton Kwesi Johnson brings his celebrated blend of politics, poetry and reggae to the Ilkley Literature Festival in Yorkshire, while the Scottish Poetry Library in Edinburgh plays host to four separate shows that include Poems Aloud.
Meanwhile, the 10th annual Foyle Young Poets of the Year will be announced at the Unicorn Theatre in London, and the event features readings by Juliet Stephenson and Roger Lloyd-Pack.
The National Poetry Day website allows visitors to browse events by region, and features a blog by poet-in-residence Ian McMillan, who is writing a dream-themed poem to be published on the day.