9th Festival of Suffolk Poetry

The 9th Festival of Suffolk Poetry will take place over two days in May 2023, with the first day being online, and the second day live.

Friday, 12 May 2023 – online

Friday, 12 May brings three events. Firstly, a workshop with Jo Bell, ‘Accentuate the Negative’.

This is followed by ‘Under the Influence’, in which a selection of poets discuss a poem by another writer that has influenced their own work. They read both the original and influenced work. This will be hosted by Caroline Gay Way.

Finally, we have an Open Mic, hosted by Sue Foster. In previous years, this has welcomed poets from around the globe.

Saturday, 13 May 2023 –live!

Saturday, 13 May sees the festival come to life at the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts, Church Walk, Stowmarket, IP14 1ET.

The day opens with workshops from Martin Figura and Helen Ivory in the morning.

The afternoon gives Suffolk’s poetry cafés an opportunity to express themselves, as well as some storytelling from Dave Tonge, close readings, and Mina Gorgi headlining with a reading.

The evening kicks off with two SPS members, Sue Mobbs and Roger West.

Our oldest member, Dr Ronald Blythe CBE, turned 100 on 6 November 2022, but passed away on 15 January 2023. We will remember him with a presentation from Colin Whyles.

The day concludes with a joint reading from Helen Ivory and Martin Figura.

Tickets

Tickets are available in our shop. Click the links to go to the tickets.

On the Saturday, there are tickets for the two workshops, the afternoon and evening. However, if you buy an afternoon ticket, you can add a discounted ticket for the evening (and vice versa).