A poetry festival planned later this year is offering grassroots poets the chance to take part alongside headline stars. Dr John Cooper Clarke, Lemn Sissay, Henry Normal, and Joelle Taylor have already been confirmed, but Matt Panesh, organiser of Morecambe poetry festival taking place from 16-18 September, wants grassroots poetry nights to be represented on an adjacent Alt Stage as well. Among events promised is the Morecambe Poetry Marathon - 24 hours of non-stop poetry.

Matt, pictured below, explained the thinking behind his invitation to spoken word nights: “When I was artistic director of pbh spoken word [at the Edinburgh Fringe], I was blown away by the camaraderie and community of the poets, and the Banshee Labyrinth became our home. Fifty to 80 poets doing 50-80 shows across a thousand or so performance slots. It was a magical shared experience.

“This is my attempt to recapture not only that camaraderie but a snapshot of the UK’s poetry scene, so the audience can see what's happening from Lands End to John O’Groats. I also want the festival to be of value to poets, so they can really mingle. Like Edinburgh, I want them to want to be there.  Same as publishers, large and small, and of course, the poetry fan or non-poetry fan. Some acts have been chosen because of their wider appeal.”

How should people get in touch to express interest in taking part? Matt said: “If you’re a poetry night promoter or a publisher, large or small, get in touch now. If you’re a poet, get in touch around about 15 May. There'll be plenty of space for those that want to perform.”

Anyone interested should contact Matt at mpanesh@gmail.com