Lemn Sissay, Ben Mellor, Dominic Berry and Monkey Poet are among the headline poetry acts at Leigh and Wigan Words Together literary festival from 1-13 April, which announced its programme earlier this week.  In his programme foreword, chairman Michael Hunt said: “This year’s landmark 10th anniversary festival has a more grassroots, community focus with reduced resources and funding. This, though, has not affected the quality of events.” As part of the grassroots atmosphere, local creative writing groups have their own events, and there are new venues, such as the Cadence cafe in Tyldesley. Lemn Sissay will be appearing at the Mill at the Pier, the new Academy of Live and Recorded Arts venue that at one time, as Michael Hunt said, “seemed destined to close forever”. Full details 

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This year marks the centenary of the birth of Welsh poet RS Thomas. To celebrate his life and works, national and regional arts organisations in Wales are hosting a series of events and projects that begin this month, and run until 31 March 2014. More details 

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Wakefield’s mayor Elaine Blezard will be Destiny Poets' guest of honour at the official launch of Wakefield Wireless Mysteries, a radical reworking of Wakefield’s medieval mystery plays, at 12.30pm on Monday 25 March at Westgate rail station.   Producer Louis Kasatkin is looking for actors of all ability ranges to audition for this grassroots-based theatrical interpretation. The email contact address is wakefieldwireless.mysteries@gmail.com.

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A group raising funds for Beyond  Radio, a new community radio station in Lancaster, are  planning a fund-raising open mic event at the Gregson arts and community centre, Moor Lane, Lancaster, on 6 April. Anyone interested in performing should contact Paul Fisher at fishypaul1@btinternet.com