POETS from all around the world will descend on Ledbury this month for the town’s 15th annual poetry festival.

The event has risen to become Britain’s most eminent celebration of poetry since its creation in 1997, boasting a world-class reputation and routinely attracting a plethora of renowned poets.

This year the festival is celebrating the Olympics alongside the best of international poetry, a combination which is certain to see thousands of visitors pouring into the small market town from Friday, June 29, to Sunday, July 8.

Festival organisers are encouraging poetry buffs and newcomers alike to attend the week’s events.

Victoria Patch, festival manager, said: “If you think you know what poetry is, come along and we’ll surprise you. A feast of poetry, performances and puddings mark this year’s programme as one of the most diverse but accessible yet.

“Tickets are selling like hot cakes, so book quickly if you want to see one of the stars.”

Owen Sheers, poet, novelist and broadcaster will kick off the festival, paving the way for a fun-filled week featuring more than 100 events including readings, poetry breakfasts and walks, performances, workshops, talks, films, open mic events and a poetry slam.

Big names appearing at the festival include former Poet Laureate Andrew Motion, Pulitzer prize winner Kay Ryan, Bill Manhire, Ledbury’s poet in residence this year, Jane Hirshfield and Simon Armitage.

Poets from North and South Korea, Afghanistan and Columbia will also be in attendance.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will be celebrated through poems about the kings and queens of England by Sir Roy Strong and Sian Phillips.

Throughout the festival attendees will be able to participate in a variety of workshops, ranging from sessions with Bill Manhire, to ‘Page to Stage’, a high energy workshop on performance poetry styles and techniques.

Re-launching this year will be the festival’s poetry competition, which offers a £1,000 prize and a residential course at Ty Newydd, The National Writing Centre for Wales, to the winner. Ian Duhig will Judge the competition.

For the full programme and tickets, go to poetry-festival.com or call the box office on 0845 4581743.