A virtual “Poets’ Walk” call for poets
This is a callout for locally-based poets who would like to respond to themes inspired by Alfred, Lord Tennyson and Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s associations with Clevedon. The curated poems will be used to build a located audio walk accessed through the smartphone for the upcoming LitFest. The walk will be triggered on location on a route( to be decided) in Clevedon, but certainly involving the existing Poets’ Walk.

The themes we wish to explore are:
1 Themes of loss as explored in Tennyson’s poem In Memorium for his friend Hallam, who is buried in St Andrew’s churchyard.
2 Themes of the music of nature as explored in much of Coleridge’s work and – specifically– in his conversation poem The Aeolian Harp written in the early days of his marriage to Sara when they were living in Clevedon.

From these two great poets’ historical associations with the town, we wish to create poetic dialogues on the theme of the poems most associated with the place. Poets may approach either or both of these themes with reference to the body of each poet’s work or the history of their time, or the locations the walk touches, see map on Discover Clevedon website (Poets walk - downloadable pdf). We are looking for lively and interesting contemporary work that is based on the poet’s real experience and works well as audio (SFX and music may be added).

Timeline -
April 2nd 2024: Call for work
April 30th 2024: Deadline for first drafts
May 14th /May 21st 2024: Online workshopping of chosen poems
June Festival 2024: Demonstration of app and Exhibition of poems
September 2024: Launch of final working app

Expressions of interest and poems to : martin.rieser@gmail.com

In conversation with: Julia Bradbury (5 June 2024)

Join us at the Curzon for a fantastic opening event of the 2024 Summer Festival.

We are delighted to welcome Julia Bradbury to Clevedon, as she joins Pauline Cox (nutritionist, author and co-owner of Sow & Arrow) for an evening of conversation.

A charismatic speaker, Julia will be discussing the topics addressed in her Sunday Times Bestseller 'Walk Yourself Happy: Find your path to health and healing in nature'.

Julia knows first-hand the profound impact that nature can have in helping us to withstand the difficulties that life can throw at us; it balances the soul and acts as a confidante and therapist. Discussing the elemental link between our own health - both physical and mental - and the natural works; through science-backed informed, practical tips and Julia's own story, we explore how nature can soothe anxiety and stress, how a mountain or a tree can keep you company in times of grief, and the importance of building nature into your everyday life, so you eat well, sleep better and move more.

Don't miss this informative and entertaining evening.

Tickets (£15) are available direct from the Curzon and Julia's book, 'Walk Yourself Happy' can be added at the online checkout when you buy your ticket, and both Julia and Pauline will be available to sign books on the evening.

 

Hare-raising antics in Alexandra Gardens (30 March 2024)

Michael Loader and Tom Veck entertained a crowd of children and adults with their words and music in Alexandra Park, and even the sun managed to put in an appearance.  A delightful re-telling of a Brer Rabbit (or is it hare?) story had everyone engaged, with plenty of opportunities for the children to join in the fun!  This is the second outing for an Easter storytelling event and it is fast turning into an annual fixture in the LitFest calender.

 

 

 

 

 

The Four Reasons - Spring Awakening (21 March 2024)

The first of our seasonal offerings at Theatre Shop popped up just like  many of the spring flowers, the audience were wowed by poems from Tennyson to Plath and stories to stir us all from our winter sleep...'great evening, enjoyed the mix, the tales, the poems and the music'.