Celebrate poetry all summer long at Stratford festival

Celebrating its diamond anniversary, the event, which takes place at venues around the town from Sunday (June 30) until August 4, will also include readings by Vanessa Redgrave, David Bradley, Sam West, Wendy Cope, Harriet Walter and Simon Russell Beale - who was the winner of this year’s Pragnell Prize for services to Shakespeare.

As well as intimate recitals and events for larger audiences, there will be live music, workshops for all levels of writing and open mic events.

Highlights include a workshop run by Wendy Cope, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s writer in residence for 2013, an event with Carol Ann Duffy and the band LiTTLe MACHiNe, performances by Sam West with the UtterJazz musical ensemble, winning poem entries from a local schools, a workshop for young adults and a ‘Poetry Sunday’ with a free recital by Jane Lapotaire and teddy bears’ picnic for children.

The grand finale, The Directors’ Cut, takes place on Sunday August 4, with readings by Vanessa Redgrave and Simon Russell Beale from the work of poets who have appeared in the festival over its 60-year history.

Ticket prices range from free of charge to £12. There is also a special diamond festival pass, which costs £60 and includes entry to all events except the Wendy Cope or Philip Monk’s workshops.

Anyone with a festival ticket can also attend Steiney’s Blues poetry party, a farewell performance by popular jazz and blues combo, free of charge.

For booking information and full details of the events, visit www.shakespeare.org.uk or book tickets from Shakespeare’s Birthplace reception or Nash’s House ticket desk.