THE border town of Presteigne was the location for a new autumn festival for the Marches, when Gillian Clarke, National Poet of Wales headed an inspirational line-up of poets for the first Poetry in Presteigne Festival in October. An impressive gathering of over 20 poets, musicians and artists from Wales and the Marches, including Samantha Wynne-Rhydderch, Paul Henry, Susan Richardson, John Barnie, Nicky Arscott and Frank Olding delighted audiences in the town’s Assembly Rooms with performances that were diverse and original as well as thought provoking and thrilling.

It is hoped that this new Poetry in Presteigne Festival will be the first of many.