Poetry, Writing, Music

The idea for hosting these events began when chatting to other writers, at the Coquetdale University of the 3rd Age (U3A). It was felt that a venue, a space, for sharing finished work, a place for the celebration of writing, would be a very good asset in Rothbury.

I hosted the first ever Rothbury Poetry, and Writing Event (no music at the start) in 2015. The first event was held at Thomlinsons Café (which, sadly, no longer exists) and it was incredibly well attended. I realised that this was something which we need, here in Rothbury.

Very fortuitously for me, the amazing Sheila Wakefield of Red Squirrel Press attended. She suggested that, in the future, we have a guest poet each month. As she had published a great many local poets, this was an excellent idea. She generously introduced me to lots of terrific and talented poets, who performed for us.

This is now the established format of the monthly events.

We open with a half hour performance from a published writer/poet, then the floor is open for audience contributions. After a break, we start the second half with a half hour set by a musician, or musicians. The rest of the evening is again, audience contributions of music, writing, or poetry.

A fabulous format which works really well.