News In The Hebden Bridge List

Ted Hughes Festival Opens 22nd October

Some of the top names in poetry will descend on Mytholmroyd this month, to take part in a seven day long festival celebrating the life and legacy of former poet laureate, Ted Hughes. Born in Mytholmroyd in 1930 Ted Hughes later became regarded as one of the leading poets of his generation. A blue heritage plaque was recently placed at the house of his birth at 1 Aspinal Street, to commemorate his time in the village.

Speaking at the time of the poet’s death local novelist and poet Glyn Hughes said: “The image of Ted that people have is of a rather dour man that wrote gloomy poems full of violence but a better word would be energy. What people generally don’t know from his reputation is what a warm-hearted, convivial, vivacious life-living man he was.”

This year will mark the 10th anniversary of the poet’s death, and famous names in poetry from around the world are taking part in this year’s festival including our current poet laureate, Andrew Motion, and American lyric poet Anne Stevenson.

The winners of the first ever Ted Hughes Young Poet Awards will be announced by Andrew Motion at the festival launch event on Wednesday 22nd October, and the Elmet Poetry Award will also be announced two days later by Frieda Hughes, Ted Hughes’ daughter. Other highlights include the premier of Dreaming of Foxes, a new play written by Aelish Michael about Hughes’ boyhood. And for those wishing to get closer to the landscape which inspired the poet, there will also be a four hour walk from his birthplace to the moorland he explored as a boy.

Tickest for the events will be available Monday 6th October from Milly’s Cafe (9 til 3, Mon-Fri, and 10-12 on Sat) and at the Erringden Rooms at St. Michael’s Church (4 til 7, Mon-Fri).

Telephone bookings can also be made on 07592 577842.

Click here for event details