CALLING ALL POETS
CALLING ALL POETS: Benjamin Zephaniah revealed as guest opener for Lichfield Cathedral’s first poetry competition and festival.
Lichfield Cathedral has launched its first poetry competition and is inviting people to write new poems inspired by the anniversary of the moon landing as part of a new festival of creativity this autumn.
Lichfield Cathedral is no newcomer to innovative exhibitions and successful art participation projects, but it is the first time it has held a poetry event, and hoping to announce some big names later this summer.
The Dean of Lichfield, the Very Revd Adrian Dorber, said: “This is an immensely exciting “first” for the cathedral.
“We have had a developing programme of exhibitions, cultural events, large-scale art projects and educational initiatives to grab people’s attention, fire their imagination and their spirit of wonder.”
“But this year, as the Cathedral stages its summer Great Exhibition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing, we want people to reflect on the origin of the universe, human care for our own “blue planet” and the sheer vastness and complexity of space, light and time through the medium of poetry.” he added.
There are entries for both primary and secondary pupils and packs inviting local schools to participate, as well as entries for two adult categories. All poems must be submitted before National Poetry Day on 3rd October.
Submission guidelines and information about the prizes available are here...
The poems will go on display in the nave and will feature in the poetry festival at the end of November when the winning poems will be announced.
They will remain on display throughout Advent and the Christmas.
An exciting line up for our first poetry festival will be announced later in summer! WATCH THIS SPACE!