The organisers of the Ledbury Poetry Festival had to adapt to overcome the challenges of covid.

Despite large amounts of the festival’s activities moving online festival manager Phillippa Slinger believes the event was a great success.

She said: “The Ledbury Poetry Festival was a true celebration of poetry.

“Festival goers loved it and we reached a new global audience.”

Workshops, translation events, talks, a digital poetry trail, the first ever online slam and livestreamed performances were among the many events that took place between July 2 and 11.

The festival, celebrating it’s twenty-fifth anniversary, was opened via an online stream by author of The Handsmaid’s Tale Margaret Atwood.

Ms Slinger added: “It was fitting that our quarter century was marked by innovation and our trademark variety.

“The Festival found new ways to deliver events, finding outdoor spaces that were secluded and peaceful settings that are sure to be used in future years.”

Beth Calverey brought her exhibit, The Poetry Machine, to this year’s festival which allows passers-by to interact using magnets to tailor make a truly unique poem.

She said: “The whole day has stuck to me - a magnetic memory.

“Thank you to the amazing team behind this truly unique poetry festival. I was nervous to share poetry live again, but then I remembered how faces smiling back from a crowd can catch us in both hands.”

Unfortunately for some, covid-19 had severe implications for their experience.

Poet Cheryl Moskowitz was scheduled to take part in the annual poetry showcase, alongside Isabelle Baafi and Susannah Hart hosted by Jonathan Edwards, but had to isolate after testing positive.

She said: “I was so looking forward to this event, to spending a few days at Ledbury Poetry Festival and taking the opportunity to spend some time camping in the beautiful surrounding Herefordshire countryside.

“I'm now going to close my eyes and dream, from my kitchen, that I am there in the church courtyard with Isabelle, Susannah and Jonathan soaking up the wonderful poetry atmosphere. Covid, can't at least, take away our ability to dream.”