A celebration of Sylvia Plath’s “outstanding contribution to literature” is being staged tonight in Belfast at the University of Ulster, to mark the 50th anniversary of her death. Plath killed herself at her London home on 11 February 1963, shortly after separating from Ted Hughes. Her grave is at Hepstonstall churchyard in West Yorkshire. There is a moving account of Sylvia Plath's last days here.

On 10 February, at 4.30pm, BBC Radio 4’s Poetry Please marked 1963’s long, hard winter of snow and cold during which Plath died with listeners' requests for her work, and readings from their own work by poets Paul Farley, Eavan Boland, Jacob Polley and MR Peacocke. In the Guardian writers and poets have reflected on what Plath’s work means to them. A 24-minute film, Lady Lazarus, includes recordings of Plath's voice. 

Tonight’s free university event at Conor lecture theatre, York Street campus, from 7.30pm to 10pm, is organised by the school of English, and will include talks from academics, poetry readings, sound clips, a Plath studies book display, plus a slide show of achival material, rare photographs and artwork. Fore more information contact obrien-m9@email.ulster.ac.uk.