What’s On

Upcoming events and activities at Ledbury Poetry.

Ledbury Poetry Player

Many events at the annual festival are recorded and available here for you to listen to.
Ledbury Poetry Critics

Ledbury Poetry Critics

Our mentorship programme has been increasing the visibility of poets and critics of colour since 2017.

Opportunities

Opportunities, training, volunteering, internships, jobs and other ways to take part.

Ledbury Poetry runs programmes throughout the year. From salons held in Ledbury to monthly online international reading groups and from weekly evening events to fabulous all-day workshops in the school holidays, Ledbury Poetry encourages creativity and the exploration of language in all its forms, for all ages, and for everyone.

Ledbury Poetry Critics programme now includes over 30 poets and poetry critics of colour. The impact of this programme can be felt on the stages of Festivals nationwide and in print in the commission of these poets as critics. At LPF 2022, 2023 and 2024 Ledbury Poetry Critics hosted and chaired events and were invited as Guest Curators for the Festival programme. With thanks for support from The Hawthornden Foundation.

There are long and deep associations with poets and poetry who have lived in and around Ledbury from William Langland to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, John Masefield, W.H. Auden, the Dymock Poets: Lascelles Abercrombie, Rupert Brooke, John Drinkwater, Robert Frost, Wilfrid Gibbon and Edward Thomas. Ledbury is a lively market town with a wealth of independent shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes serving delicious local produce. Visit us in our new permanent home, Ledbury Poetry House, under the Clock Tower on the main road. A warm welcome awaits at all the weekly events held here and there is a shop to browse in too – with cards, beautiful stationary and wonderful books.

Thank you to all the trustees, friends, funders, partners, sponsors and volunteers who support the year-round programmes especially Arts Council England

Ledbury Poetry Festival 27th June – 6th July 2025

The biggest poetry festival in the UK features poets from all over the world. Inspiring, inclusive and international in its programme, everyone is welcome to this celebration of poetry. The line-up includes live readings and conversations, workshops, music, exhibitions and films. There is lots on for the whole family too including children’s writers and events for schools and colleges. Round-off your day with fabulous music and poetry slams. The full programme is here: What’s On – Ledbury Poetry