Nottingham Poetry Festival Set To Take Over City

Nottingham Poetry Festival is returning with a nature-led programme taking over the city for 10 days (4 June-14 June).

placeholder image — Brian Bilston | Supplied

Brian Bilston, John Hegley, Yomi Sode, Henry Normal, Vanessa Kisuule and Nottingham’s own Nature Poet Laureate Cara Thompson headline.

This year will see the first mini children poetry festival, nature-themed workshops, a new filmed poetry commission, the popular Henry Normal library tour, a poetry slam, refugee storytelling and a young carers’ poetry project.

Cara Thompson, Nottingham's Nature Poet Laureate | Supplied

Nottingham’s thriving poetry community has welcomed the return of the full festival with open arms, thanks to the Arts Council England funding being secured for 2026 following a decision not to fund the festival last year.

Festival director Alma Solarte-Tobon said: “Nottingham Poetry Festival plays a vital role in celebrating creativity, amplifying diverse voices, and connecting communities through the transformative power of poetry. We aim to grow every year and this year is no exception.”

Nottingham Poetry Festival brings together partners including ChalleNGe, Nottingham City Of Literature, Writing East Midlands, BBC Upload, libraries, cultural organisations and local poets to deliver the citywide programme, supported by public funding from Arts Council England and sponsors Castle Rock Brewery.

For more information on the programme and to buy tickets for headline shows, go to www.nottinghampoetryfestival.com and follow the socials.