City Library to host East-West Poetry Fest this weekend

The East-West Poetry Fest starting this Saturday is expected to be the largest gathering of poets in Manawatu.

Over 60 poets and supporters have registered to attend, with most coming from the five targeted regions: Manawatu, Hawke’s Bay, Horowhenua, Whanganui and Wairarapa. Several other poets from the Wellington and Gisborne regions are attending.

“The steering committee started work nine months ago, so we could be sure of having enough support to make the Fest viable, says Poetry Fest organiser, poet and former Hawke’s Bay MP Bill Sutton. “More recently, as word spread, we’ve had to consider turning some people away.”

The majority of the Poetry Fest’s programme is devoted to live poetry readings. Three poets from Manawatu, six from Horowhenua, twelve from Hawke’s Bay, one each from Wairarapa, Gisborne and Wairoa, four from Wellington and two from Whanganui will each present 10 minutes of their poems and ideas. Other features include chaired group discussions on three current poetry issues, and a social event with live music from the Sue Pugmire Jazz Band.

The East-West Poetry Fest, starts 10am Saturday 12 November. A brief opening ceremony will be followed by 30 minutes of poetry and comments from Auckland-based New Zealand Poet Laureate, Professor Emeritus C.K. Stead from Auckland.

All the poetry readings and discussions will be held on the 2nd floor of the Palmerston North City Library. Coinciding with the Fest hours, a special Poetry Bookstall, featuring 21 books written by the Fest participants, will be opened at Bruce McKenzie Booksellers, next to the Library entrance in George Street.

Registrations for the event can still be made on the day at the event reception desk on the 2nd floor.

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