Simon Armitage brings 10-year UK library tour to The Hive in Worcester

Simon Armitage will visit on the evening of Saturday, March 9, as he goes library to library across bustling cities and remote rural communities in a mission to celebrate the community spaces.

The poet laureate said: "I want to celebrate the physical space of libraries and take my work back into places that have given me so much."

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Besides being an Ivor Novello Award winner and a Bafta recipient, Mr Armitage’s contribution to literature has also included penning verses for numerous notable occasions, such as the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, for which he wrote a poem titled Floral Tribute.

Audiences can look forward to a dynamic performance as the poet laureate is set to share the stage with the county's Young Poet Laureate 2023, Amelie Simon.

Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member for communities, at Worcestershire County Council welcomed the announcement, saying: "I am delighted to welcome Simon Armitage to The Hive.

"Amelie Simon, our current Young Poet Laureate, will join him on stage, adding a wonderful local touch to the event.

"This promises to be a captivating celebration of literature."

The event's will begin at 7.30pm at The Hive Library.

Bookings for the anticipated poetry night are crucial as demand is expected to be high.

Tickets, limited to two per booking, will be available from 10am on Saturday, January 27 via the Worcestershire Libraries Eventbrite page (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/simon-armitage-laureates-library-tour-tickets-791188444937?aff=oddtdtcreator).

All ages are welcome, though parental discretion is encouraged as some poetry may contain strong language.

As an additional attraction for budding poets, a few tickets will be reserved randomly for entrants to the 2024 Worcestershire Young Poet Laureate competition by Friday, February 23.

Learn more about the Laureate’s Library Tour on www.simonarmitage.com.