Forget sweaty, overpriced music festivals – poetry festivals are where it’s at right now. Poet in The City’s annual celebration is not one to miss – the national arts charity has pulled out all the stops to produce a programme of classic and contemporary spoken word performances. This year’s theme is ‘Legacy and Subculture’: cue the likes of Radio 6 presenter Cerys Matthews, Savages frontwoman Jehnny Beth, Anthony Joseph and Richard Scott at the two-dayer at Kings Place. A new addition is the late-night programming of boundary-pushing sets to create an eclectic party vibe that pays tribute to the capital’s nightlife: expect critically acclaimed band Benin City with their new album and The College Dropout R.A.P party, a hip-hop fuelled rhythm and poetry party curated by acclaimed poets Inua Ellams and Theresa Lola, featuring 13 brand new commissions inspired by Kanye West’s iconic album The College Dropout.
By Megan Carnegie
