POETRY is “having its moment” this year, according to Ledbury Poetry Festival director, Chloe Garner, and the evidence is the increasing number of events that are already sold out.

And the increasing important of social media to spread the news about performers, famous or otherwise, may be an important factor.

Ms Garner said: “This is turning into a bumper year for ticket sales with an ever-growing list of sold-out events including Roger McGough, Alexei Sayle and many more.

“However there are still tickets for lots of brilliant events, including Margaret Atwood presenting a selection of her favourite poems, Owen Sheers, Ali Smith sharing her ‘desert island poems’. The Free Family Events in the Walled garden include a Poetry Circus with Dan the Hat and Hi Summer! with Mike Barfield.”

“Expect lots of silliness, fun and poetification!”

Ms Garner added: “I think poetry is definitely having a moment, so this is a chance for people to find out what all the fuss is about. Exciting newcomers who are appearing at the Festival include Jay Bernard, Ilya Kaminsky, Ishion Hutchinson and Phoebe Power.

“Many people credit Twitter and Instagram poets with this revival of interest in poetry – and the Festival will feature two of the most famous poets using these genres to reach out to hundreds of thousands of followers. Brian Bilston is hilarious and his new book, Diary of a Somebody, mixes poems to celebrate Star Wars Day with diary entries. His followers include JK Rowling and Ian Rankin.”

And a number of event break boundaries when it comes to appeal.

Ms Garner said: “Paradise Rocks will be a highlight of the Festival and the one event that I would suggest to anyone.”,