Ledbury Poetry Festival is set to get even bigger and better thanks to increased funding from Arts Council England.

Ledbury Poetry, the organisation that runs the festival, has had a 100% increase in Arts Council funding and had its National Portfolio status renewed for another three years.

The funding boost will help Ledbury Poetry to develop what is already the UK’s biggest poetry festival and to continue its year-round work in the town, which includes the development of the Barrett Browning Institute and a county-wide volunteering scheme.

READ MORE: Funding boost to kickstart restoration work on historic Ledbury building

Peter Knott, area director for Arts Council England, said: "For more than 25 years, Ledbury Poetry Festival has been hosting events from live readings to performances, workshops to exhibitions and we're delighted to be increasing our investment in them over the next three years.

“It will be great to see them continue to grow their audiences and inspire poets and literature-enthusiasts alike."

Chloe Garner, director of Ledbury Poetry, said: “This is delightful and encouraging news.

'The home of poetry in the UK'

“Thanks to Ledbury Poetry’s supporters and volunteers, whose invaluable contributions enable Ledbury Poetry to deliver its stellar festival and year-round programme of work for new writers, in schools and in our community locally, nationally and internationally.”

Peter Arscott, chairman of Ledbury Poetry, said: “This investment not only offers a measure of security in challenging times, it enables Ledbury Poetry to continue to develop its vision for Ledbury as the home of poetry in the UK.”

This year’s Ledbury Poetry Festival was hailed as one of the biggest and best ever, with star names including Michael Rosen, Simon Armitage and Alistair McGowan performing in the town.

READ MORE: Ledbury Poetry launches county-wide volunteering scheme

Live readings, workshops, open mic events, exhibitions, films and a poetry slam all formed part of the first full schedule since before the pandemic.

Ledbury Poetry has also been busy this year securing funds to kickstart the process of renovating the Barrett Browning Institute, which is now home to Ledbury Poetry House.

And last month, Ledbury Poetry launched the Creative Pathways scheme to match wannabe volunteers with opportunities in the arts, culture and heritage sectors around Herefordshire.