Organisers are reflecting on a “tremendous” Ledbury Poetry Festival.

The renowned festival took place over 10 days in venues in and around the town.

It saw visits from award-winning poets including the Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, and more, while the days were rounded off with music, dance, poetry slams and bands.

Ledbury Reporter: Poet Laureate Simon Armitage playing with his band LYR at Ledbury Poetry Festival closing nightPoet Laureate Simon Armitage playing with his band LYR at Ledbury Poetry Festival closing night (Image: Ledbury Poetry Festival)

Director Chloe Garner said: “It has been a tremendous Ledbury Poetry Festival 2023, with packed, sell-out events, stunning performances, friendly, happy audiences – live and online to the world.

“Ledbury Poetry Festival is special because of the volunteers, who make everything possible – and it is delightful to welcome new, and especially young volunteers – and to see poetry happening everywhere in our community.”

Guest Curator Stephanie Sy-Quia said: “It's been such a joy to co-curate this year's festival.

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“I have been so impressed by the age-diverse audiences attending all the events, and their sense of adventure.

“They'll try anything once and I believe we would all do well to adopt that attitude in greater measure.

“Our exclusive dance commission from Oluwaseun Olayiwola, made in collaboration with poet Andrew McMillan, was a resounding success.

“Similarly, I saw for myself how Alycia Pirmohamed and Nina Mingya Powles were approached by multiple people throughout Ledbury, complimenting them on their poetry and wild swim event.

“I was delighted that our event partnered with Hay Wines went so well, as this is exactly the kind of community partnership I am keen to foster. I would like to extend my extra special thanks to all of the volunteers, hosts, and interns, who have been an absolutely crack team. “

The festival saw a 35% increase in ticket sales this year.

Bestsellers of the festival were Michael Morpurgo’s new book My Heart was a Tree and Don Paterson’s new collection The Arctic.

Ledbury Poetry Festival will be back next summer from June 28 to July 7, 2024.

But Peter Arscott, chair of Ledbury Poetry Festival for the past 27 years, is handing over to new chair Peter Salt.

Mr Salt has been a Ledbury Poetry trustee for 12 years and is looking forward to the future.