Internationally-famous children’s writer Michael Rosen, who helped to launch the first Ripon Poetry Festival in 2017, is returning to the city to take part in this year’s event.
The author, whose works include We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, features in a packed programme that also includes theatre legend Barrie Rutter, the actor and director who founded Northern Broadsides to champion acting talent from the north.
The festival, which will run from September 21 until October 1, is the biggest of its kind in Yorkshire and will also see performances from poets Hadley-James Hoyles, Alison Carr, Robert Powell and Sarah Wimbush.
In addition to workshops for children and adults and an open mic evening organised by Write-on Ripon and Ripon Writers Group, Tim Harrison, former director of music at Middlesbrough Cathedral is joining forces with author, poet and festival curator Andy Croft for the world premiere of a chamber oratorio.
At the heart of the festival is a competition for poets of all ages who are being invited to submit their creative work for consideration by an independent panel of judges.
Entries are now open for three categories — under-11s, 12 to 18 year-olds and adults.
Those judged to be the best will be published in anthologies covering each of the three age ranges. More details about the festival and how to enter can be found by clicking here.
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Write-on Ripon open mic evening returns on Thursday
Prolific Ripon author, poet and creative writer Maggie Cobbett will be among those in attendance when the Write-On Ripon open mic event returns on Thursday evening after a short break.
Maggie, one of the city’s best-known authors, told the Stray Ferret:
“Our ‘cavern of creativity’ as we call the cellar area at Curzon Cinema, is proving a great meeting place for all kinds of writers.
“The open mic evenings staged so far have attracted a broad base of talent, from first-time novelists to people seeking a platform to read out work jotted down in a notepad.”
Event organiser, creative writer and the founder of Ripon Spookers, Dion Child, said:
“It’s marvellous to have experienced and published authors like Maggie at our open mic evenings.
“I’m sure that those who are new to writing benefit from her friendly advice, while enjoying listening to her reading out poems and extracts from her books.
“We took a break in June because of the platinum jubilee and I suspect that the sights and sounds of that wonderful four days of celebration in the city will be reflected in some of the pieces that we hear on Thursday.”
The event, at Curzon Cinema on North Street, free to attend and runs from 7.30pm until 10pm
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Two free events for Ripon literary lovers on Thursday evening
Writers and poetry fans have a choice of two free events to attend in Ripon on Thursday at the library and Curzon Cinema.
At 7pm in the library, Rod Dimbleby from the Yorkshire Dialect Society, will speak about the life and work of John Hartley.
The prolific West Riding poet, author and performer, was born in Halifax in 1839 and was famous in Victorian England for his Yorkshire dialect poems.
After his work, Bite Bigger,was published by Alfred Wilson — a hatter by trade — Hartley’s career took off and was a sell-out hit that had to be re-printed because of demand.
Wilson, who became Hartley’s father-in-law when the poet married his daughter Sophia, published the Clock Almanack (named after the clock outside his hatter’s shop) and Hartley was the editor for more than 25 years.
Those wishing to attend Mr Dimbleby’s talk are asked to book tickets in advance
Write-on Ripon
Also on Thursday evening, with a start time of 7.30, Write-On Ripon is holding its third open mic evening at Curzon Cinema on North Street.
Dion Child, who launched the creative writing group last year, told the Stray Ferret:
“Our free-to-attend weekly meetings on Tuesday afternoons have attracted attendance from people ranging from published authors, such as Maggie Cobbett, to poets who enjoy playing with words.
“The open mic events, which began in February, are a natural extension of the writers’ group and provide a platform for writers to present their work to an audience of like-minded people.”
He added:
“I’m so pleased that they have taken off and we extend a welcoming hand to those among the ranks of Ripon writers, who want to come along.
“Curzon has kindly allowed us to use its facilities free of charge and the vaulted cellar under the cinema, where the acoustics and atmosphere are tremendous, has led us to give it the nickname of ‘the cavern of creativity’ in a nod to the Liverpool venue, from which the Fab Four found fame.”
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Write-On Ripon stages second open mic evening
Literature lovers are getting ready for the sequel to Write-On Ripon‘s first open mic evening in February.
The stylish brick-built basement under Curzon Cinema on North Street, will again be the venue for Monday night’s readings of poetry and prose..
Dion Child, who organises the writing group, told the Stray Ferret:
“The first event proved such a success, that we agreed on the night that we would come back for more.
“The 30 people who attended, were able to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, the great acoustics and the positive audience reaction, to an eclectic mixture of original works.”
Mr Child, himself a creative writer and poet, added:
“I am relatively new to Ripon and am absolutely knocked out by the depth of writing talent that I have seen from people of all ages in this magnificent and inspiring city.
“There is still room for more writers to join us on Monday and whether they want to read a short poem or story they have written, or simply listen to the words of others, all will be given a very warm welcome.”
Write-on Ripon Open Mic II begins at 7.30pm and entry is free. Further details are available here.
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