SOUTHAMPTON's Poet laureate Matthew West is helping the city celebrate National Poetry Day on Thursday October 8.

Matt will be hosting a poetry and open mic night in conjunction with Southampton Libraries and Artful Scribe

This is an opportunity for the region's budding poets to present their work. There is an Open Mic sign-up from 7.00pm with a limited number of four-minute slots available on a ‘first-come first-served’ basis.

Matt told the Daily Echo he is particularly thrilled that one of the bright lights of spoken word Luke Wright will headline the event with his award-winning show Stay-at-home-dandy.

In it Luke explores fatherhood and the responsibilities of having a child, while at the same time as working as a poet and spending life flouncing and looking fabulous!

He promises 'comedy on the school run, tragedy in the offy and hearts breaking behind tasteful curtains!' Luke presents captivating stories of ordinary people having extraordinary moments with poems that take the audience on an incredible emotional journey.

Luke wowed audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe this year, receiving a 4 star review for Stay-at-home-dandy and his live shows are enjoyed by thousands of people across the world every year. Alongside his own shows, Luke is the support act for renowned punk poet John Cooper Clarke on his latest tour.

The Independent called Luke:

‘One of the funniest, most brilliant poets of his generation’, adding,'Stay-at-home-dandy is an hour of finely crafted and outrageous poetry.’

Matt said:

"We are really excited to be hosting the poet Luke Wright who is one of the most exciting young poets in the country.

He shows how we can use poetry to engage with all manner of subjects .When he came to Southampton in 2013 for the Ejector Seat Festival he was really something to see. He has great charisma and really draws people to him."

Also confirmed is a performance by Winchester poet Rosemary Brook-Hart an ex St Peter Symonds pupil who is just starting university. Matt said:

"I was involved with the Winchester Poetry festival last year and hosted a post-show course and she was one of the poets that shone. She has also performed at Winchester Hat Fair and at The TeaPoet Collective in Romsey.

I'm looking forward to hosting the event: it's a great opportunity for people to get involved and see how poetry is relevant today."

Event details

7:30 – 9:30pm, Thursday October 8, Northguild Lecture Theatre, Central Library, Civic Centre, Commercial Road, SO14 7LW

Tickets are £7 (Concessions available) + booking fee

Tickets also available from Southampton Guildhall Box Office.

Tel: 023 8063 2601

or visit: www.o2guildhallsouthampton.co.uk/