Resort's festival set to bring poetry to life

Armitage, Huddersfield-born and a former probation officer and supermarket shelf-stacker, said he had fond memories of childhood holidays in the resort and was looking forward to his return.

The three-day festival is at Sewerby Hall and Gardens and features readings, workshops and special sessions for children.

Festival director John Wedgwood Clarke said: "I think that everyone loves being read to, it's something that we all enjoy as children.

"When we create the time as adults to listen to someone speaking to us without selling something or trying to persuade us to behave in a certain way the pleasure can still be immense.

"I think it's important to get the balance right between giving people access to the very best in poetry and creating opportunities for them to find out for themselves the pleasure of the adventure of language that poetry is."

Other highlights include three "poetry doubles" events, in which a major poet reads with his or her own choice of another poet at first-collection stage.

Portfolio holder for cultural services at East Riding Council Coun Jane Evison said: "I believe the festival will be a great success and would encourage anyone passionate about creative writing and reading to come along and support the event, which features some of the most well-known names in poetry.

"Sewerby Hall is a wonderful setting for the festival, which will include various activities staged around the house, gardens and the zoo for adults and children alike." For more details visit www.bridlington-poetry-festival.com or call 01482 392699.