Launch: IRON Book New Humorous Verse

Contact: Tickets: 0191 2326030

One of Tyneside's biggest ever poetry events. This international anthology highlights the growth in performance poetry and more than thirty of its 62 poets will be there to read their contributions to the book.

Middlesbrough to Morpeth, Wylam to Whitley Bay, local poets, including Amanda Baker, Andy Croft, Linda France, Joan Johnston, Valerie Laws, Pauline Plummer and Jeff Price are flying in from every corner of our region, while Julie Kane, a Professor of English from Louisiana, USA is travelling a mere 4,000 miles and another long-distance traveller is Mo Ryan from Galway in Ireland.

An impressive cohort venturing up from the capital includes the amazing John Hegley; Steve Tasane (former poet in residence at Battersea Dogs’ Home); radio presenter Murray Shelmerdine and the multi-talented Edinburgh Fringe poetry award winner, Nandita Ghose. Cumbrian artist/Glastonbury Festival performer Gill Hands, and David Bateman (Liverpool Poetry Slam Champion 2007) are among those riding in from the Wild West and the anthology’s battery of Yorkshire based talent will be well represented by poet and musician Christine Bousfield, and seasoned Edinburgh performer Helen Burke.

Peter Mortimer, IRON Press's silver-tongued, silver-haired and silver-trousered editor, will be there to MC the event and enforce a light hearted, celebratory and supportive atmosphere for all, including less experienced poetry performers. As ever, he’ll overcome his Notts County roots, allegiance and diction to extend a warm Tyneside welcome to visitors from near and distant parts (and Sunderland).

With live music support from The Creels.

Entry: £5 including buffet

Time: 7:30pm