Monthly Archives: March 2012

The Cheltenham Poetry Festival Preview 18th- 22nd April 2012

Posted on March 31, 2012 by garylongden

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. The festival runs this April and … Continue reading →

Posted in Midlands Poetry What's On | 1 Comment

Much Wenlock Poetry Festival Preview, April 13 -15th , 2012

Posted on March 31, 2012 by garylongden

Anna Dreda, founder and Artistic Director is to be commended on a superb three day programme for this year’s festival with plenty of free events ramping up to a £75 a head workshop with David Whyte – which is sold … Continue reading →

Posted in Midlands Poetry What's On | Leave a comment

Poetry Bites with Ira Lightman, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Kings Heath

Posted on March 28, 2012 by garylongden

Poetry Bites has a deserved reputation for delivering high quality conventional poetry. It is to organiser Jacqui Rowe’s considerable credit that this time around she was prepared to take a chance with a more left-field choice of guest poet, which … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Leave a comment

Please Prove You Are Not a Robot

Posted on March 24, 2012 by garylongden

I make mistakes I rarely do as I am told I am unreliable Circuit training is done in the gym Not the workshop I need a mechanic for my car Not my body I hate repetitive tasks I only wear … Continue reading →

Posted in Poems | Leave a comment

Spoken Worlds, Old Cottage Tavern, Burton upon Trent

Posted on March 24, 2012 by garylongden

Regular poetry events are not easy to sustain. I organised my first event a few weeks ago and was educated in exactly how much hard work goes into making them happen. Those who organise them regularly are heroes, and that … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Leave a comment

“The Launderette” and “The Captain’s Column”

Posted on March 24, 2012 by garylongden

The Launderette Spinning ,whirring muck and grime Rotates in sequenced synchronised time Hypnotising and mesmerising Drum beat thud, falling rising Amidst a steamy warm fug Muttered murmuring momentarily rises Over the incessant hubbub drone From those from washing machine-less homes … Continue reading →

Posted in Poems | 3 Comments

Bilston Voices, Metro Cafe, Bilston

Posted on March 23, 2012 by garylongden

A heavyweight bill ,with four out of the five readers published poets, brought out another strong attendance, such that the start had to be delayed, a measure both of the success of the event, and the pulling power of poetry … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | 1 Comment

Shindig, Western PH, Leicester

Posted on March 20, 2012 by garylongden

Fresh from a hugely successful States of Independence publishing fayre event at De Montfort University , held annually, at the weekend, Shindig made its bi monthly appearance at the Western Public House. Another healthy audience comprised those for whom Saturday … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | 5 Comments

Big Irish Night, Old Crown, Digbeth

Posted on March 15, 2012 by garylongden

Held as part of the St Patricks festival celebrations, this was a night of poetry spoken word and song in a pub that has seen more St Patricks day celebrations than most. The Old Crown reputedly can trace its history … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | Leave a comment

Phenomenal Women, International Women’s Day, Birmingham Central Library Theatre

Posted on March 8, 2012 by garylongden

“It’s in the reach of my arms, the span of my hips, the stride of my step, the curl of my lips.I’m a woman, phenomenally .Phenomenal woman ,that’s me.” So quoted host Jan Watts, current Birmingham Poet Laureate, from acclaimed … Continue reading →

Posted in Behind the Arras Reviews | 1 Comment