10 am – 12 noon | Max 16 | £16.50

Getting Started: A Writing Workshop                                   

The blank page is a field of possibilities. But, let’s face it, it’s intimidating. How do we put those first lines down, in order to have something to work with? How can we banish the internal censor that limits subject matter and language, that dictates what is, and is not, “poetic”? How can we bring the particulars of our lives to the page in ways that will speak to readers?

This session will involve an exercise of six simple prompts that address these questions in unexpected ways in order to counter the inertia and frustration of the encounter with the blank page. Bring pen and paper, your imagination, and your sense of humour. If you choose, there will be an opportunity to share, and have others respond to your work with the exercise. In addition to one strategy for getting started, this workshop will suggest possibilities for future work.  And you might discover in this writing the seed of a poem. 

Welcome to Kendal Poetry Festival. This year, the 3-day festival in our beautiful South Lakes town has become a 9-day immersive online experience, bringing together poets, audiences and organisers from across the UK. Tickets range from £0 to £5 for readings and £16.50 to £45 for workshops. We also have a limited number of £60 festival passes, giving access to all events (excluding workshops). This is a huge saving of £40 if you bought each ticket individually.  All audience members will be issued with invitations to two free half-hour sessions: “Zoom for Beginners”: Thursday 4th February, 19.00; and “How to make the Most of Your Online Festival Experience”: Thursday 11th February, 19.00.

The first 200 people to buy a ticket will receive an exclusive Festival Survival Kit  contains a limited edition Kendal Poetry Festival badge, surprise gifts from a couple of our local sponsors, and an exclusive pamphlet – featuring work from Dove Cottage Young Poets; visual art from our Young Artist in Residence; and work from local poet and artist Alan Forsyth.

With our trademark emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility, we continue to offer free tickets to young people and people with disabilities. We have extended our offer to include all local care home staff and residents.  These are difficult, distant times, but poetry brings us together. Whether it’s your first time at our festival or whether you’ve been before, whether you’re in Kendal or Canada, Windermere or Wisconsin, we’re happy to have you with us.