Where To Celebrate National Poetry Day Tomorrow

Laura Reynolds
By Laura Reynolds Last edited 113 months ago
Where To Celebrate National Poetry Day Tomorrow

Alan Bennett at National Theatre

Once a year, National Poetry Day rears its lovely head giving people a chance to bring all things lyrical into their lives through a series of special events. Don't forget that this year's over-arching theme is the keyword 'remember'. Here's our pick of what's on this Thursday:

Poetry Breakfast

The Bloomsbury Hotel is playing on its links to the Bloomsbury Set of yesteryear, and has roped in Poet-in-Residence Leontia Flynn to host a poetry breakfast. It's completely free, but you need to register here, then you can drop in at 8am and hear Flynn giving a reading while you tuck into your coffee and croissants.

Southbank Centre

As one would expect, Southbank Centre has a whole afternoon of free events lined up. Expect poetry readings and performances from some of the biggest names around, including Julia Donaldson (she of Gruffalo fame, who's taking part in a children's reading at 1pm), John Hegley, Daljit Nagra, Kei Miller and Jean 'Binta' Breeze. All events are free, 1pm-6pm

Alan Bennett

This writer and national treasure is the subject of a National Theatre Platform to mark National Poetry Day. He'll present his anthology, Six Poets: Hardy to Larkin, accompanied by his own commentary. £4/£3, prebook, 6pm

Playing Poetry

The Poetry Society hosts an evening of experimental poetry devised by singers, musicians, actors and poets. £4, prebook, 7.30pm

Poetry Weekend

ZSL London Zoo isn't doing anything on Thursday, but instead has a whole weekend of lyrical events lined up, exploring the power of nature and wildlife in poetry. Visitors to the Zoo can take part in a poetry trail, and there will be readings of William Blake’s The Tyger and Roald Dahl’s The Anteater. 4-5 October

Know of any other events going on around London to mark National Poetry Day? Let us know in the comments below.

Last Updated 01 October 2014