Away with the birds is a family friendly afternoon of spoken poetry, a glorious celebration of the birds of the west midlands and beyond.
The event will be hosted by Offa’s press, four local poets will read their poems that feature some of our resident feathered friends, from birds in gardens and urban spaces to fields and woods.
Meet some of the poets:
Simon Fletcher is widely published and has performed across Britain and in Pakistan & Norway. He’s read his poetry on BBC Radio Shropshire & the BBC Asian Network. He runs poetry writing workshops in green spaces/ places and MCs monthly live literature events in Ironbridge and Wolverhampton. He has been a ‘Poet on Loan’ in West Midlands libraries. He’s had 7 collections published to date including Wild Orchids, 2023, that contains work ‘commended’ in the Michael Marks Environmental Poet of the Year Awards, 2022. Nominated for the Forward Prize, 2024. www.simonfletcherwriter.com
Kuli Kohli is poet laureate of Wolverhampton and an enthusiastic member of the RSPB. She has battled with mild cerebral palsy and achieved a great deal in her life as council worker, mother and writer. Her appearances on BBC’s ‘Sunday Live’ and ‘Poetry, Please!’ drew national attention. Her Patchwork and A Wonder Woman are both published by Offa’s Press. She was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Wolverhampton in 2022 and this March a photograph of her was acquired by the National Portrait Gallery. www.kulikohli.co.uk
📷 Andy Purcell