A ONE-DAY festival will mark the centenary of the death of one of Hampshire's best-known poets, Edward Thomas.

A series of events in Steep near Petersfield is to be held on Sunday April 9 on the anniversary of the death of Thomas at the Battle of Arras on the Western Front.

From 10-11.30 there will be a series of readings at the Poet’s Stone on the Shoulder of Mutton Hill.

Between 2-5pm a workshop Poet and Soldier, led by Denise Bennett will be in the Village Hall. Tickets are £15 or £7.50 for those in full time education or claiming a means tested benefit.

Singing in the Spirit of Edward Thomas – with Rebecca Askew will be held between 2-5pm. Participants meet in the Village Hall, but it will mostly be outside, walking and singing around the village.

Thomas edited The Pocket Book of Poems and Songs for the Open Air and would, organisers believe, have approved of al fresco community singing. No qualification or previous experience is necessary. Tickets £10, under 18s £5.

In the evening between 7-9pm An Evening of Commemoration will be held at All Saints Parish Church. It is organised with the charity, The Friends Of Steep Church, who contribute to the upkeep of the building. All the money raised will go to the Friends. Tickets are £7 and includes a glass of wine or fruit juice, served during the interval.

Further details and on-line ticket sales at www.ticketsource.co.uk/southdownspoetryfestival

This event is made possible by support from the Arts Council and sponsor, Martin Critchley Architects.

Festival Director Tim Dawes said: “I think its really important that we mark this the centenary of Thomas’ death in Steep, the village in which he lived, wrote and loved. We especially want to make this a celebration that everyone can join in with.”