Our Gala evening features one of the UK’s favourite poets, Carol Ann Duffy, in our relaxed garden setting. There’ll be time for drinks, exploring the garden, and book browsing, before the night closes with three stand-up poets with a mix of humour and heartfelt words.
Tickets for the evening are £25, and must be pre-purchased (see below for Bursary tickets). Click here to buy yours
Carol Ann Duffy
Carol Ann Duffy needs little introduction, but we think she deserves one anyway; Poet Laureate from 2009 to 2019, Carol Ann was the first woman, first Scot and first known LGBT poet to hold this position. The winner of countless awards, her poetry features on the syllabuses of the UK’s public examinations and is included in a multitude of anthologies. Wry, subtly eloquent, feminist, compassionate, her work has much to recommend it, and we feel incredibly privileged to have persuaded her to journey to Quinton to headline our poetry festival this year
Carol Ann will be reading a selection of her many poems from 6pm, but our event opens a little earlier to allow you time to buy drinks, browse the Waterstones book stall, and enjoy the garden before the poetry begins. After her hour long reading, Carol Ann will be signing books: Waterstones have a selection of her collections for sale on the day should you wish to buy one
Poets with Passion
Our Gala evening concludes with three stand-up poets ready to entertain, inspire and challenge, bringing events to a close at around 8.30pm.
Kezzabelle Ambler’s one woman show tours the country, sharing her mischief, wit and wisdom. She exudes passion and energy, and her love of people and words is boundless.
Korrin Smith Whitehouse created the Public Sector Poetry Project during the Covid-19 pandemic, a place for NHS workers and others to share their experiences. Korrin will be performing at the Latitude Festival this summer, but we’ve got her here first!
Ian McEwan's poems are sometimes wry, sometimes funny, always revealing his sharp observation of the world. His work is widely published, and his poems have been recognised in many competitions, including the Forward Prize. Ian isn't new to gardens, either - though a Bedford poet, he's been Writer in Residence for London Open Garden Squares Weekend.
Bar and Food
We’ll have a bar onsite all evening selling cocktails, fizz, wine, beer and soft drinks and light bites will be available to pre-order if all the poetry leaves you feeling peckish.
Poetry Open Mic
All ticket-holders for the Gala evening are warmly welcomed to attend or read at our Poetry Open Mic, taking place at 4.30pm. To read in the Open Mic, please pre-book your slot.
Bursary tickets
We have a number of free bursary tickets to this event available for people with low household incomes, who would otherwise be unable to attend the Midsummer Poetry Festival. Please email us to request a bursary ticket, these will be allocated on a first come-first served basis
All applications are considered in confidence. We don’t require proof of income; your word is good enough.