We are excited to announce the programme for the McLellan Poetry Fringe Festival 2023.
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Read on to find out what the exciting programme for 2023 has in store and details about how to book!
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As part of the McLellan Festival we also run the McLellan Poetry Competition - read about it here.
Poetry events at the McLellan Arts Festival 2023
Friday 25th August: Celebrating Robert McLellan
A two part evening of drama, poetry and film. The first part around the wonderful Scottish prose and poetry of Robert McLellan with our kenspeckle local talent John Sillars, Sheila Gilmore, Annie McKelvie and Harry Gilmore.
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The second part will be announcement of the McLellan Scottish Poetry Award with Hugh McMillan, the judge of this year’s contest. Our judge will announce and present the winning and commended entries in this year’s McLellan Scots Poetry competition. Those who are able to attend will be reading their winning entries in person, and Hugh will read the poems of those who are unable to attend; and will then entertain us with some of his own work and poems.
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A rare chance to see and hear the talents of John Sillars and Sheila Gilmore and be richly entertained by their bringing to life both at times funny and beautiful Scots language of Robert McLellan as well as being regaled by Hugh McMillan , very amusing and pithy Scottish poet.
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Corrie Hall 7.30pm: £12. Under 18s free.
Saturday 26th August: Children at McLellan - Poetry and Puppets
A celebration and performance of children’s poetry writing, the presentation of the prizes for the McLellan Children’s Poetry Competition and a performance of “Festival”, a delightful puppet show about a Chinese Circus in miniature with acclaimed puppeteer, Mark Whitaker.
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Prizes will be presented by the poet, Simon Lamb.
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Ormidale Pavilion 12.30pm: Free Event - no need to book
Saturday 26th August: Poetry Workshop with Hugh McMillan
Poetry Workshop with Scots Poetry judge, Hugh McMillan.
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Stonewater House 3pm: £15. Limited to 10 places. Queries to arranpoetry@gmail.com
Sunday 27th August: Poetry and Music at Corrie Hall
Join us for an entertaining and fun-packed evening of music and poetry from Arran musicians and poets and a host of poets from further afield.
Featuring:
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Music and poetry by Arran’s own Tim Pomeroy
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Guitar music from the talented Arran musician Steve Agnew
Poetry from local poets:
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Cicely Gill
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Nix Moretta
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Stephen Sparshott
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Eildhr How (Helen Carraigmhor)
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Isla Blair
And a host of gorgeous readings from our fantastic visiting poets:
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Lydia McMillan
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Jasmine McMillan
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our second prize-winner in this years’ Scots poetry competition Finola Scott
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our Scots poetry judge Hugh McMillan
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and the talented poet Simon Lamb (who will also be presenting the prizes at the Childrens’ Poetry Competition on Saturday in Brodick)
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Simon Lamb is a poet, performer and storyteller on a passionate mission to entertain, ignite and inspire audiences of all ages. Simon is writer-in-residence at the Robert Burns birthplace and will be reading from his dazzling debut poetry collection "A Passing on of Shells", featuring fifty luminous poems, each written in exactly fifty words and illustrated by the much-loved former Children's Laureate, Chris Riddell.
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Corrie Hall 7.30pm: Entry by voluntary donation.
McLellan Poetry Fringe Festival 2023 Opening Night: Thursday 11th May
Join us for the opening night of the McLellan Poetry Fringe Festival 2023 at the Brodick Bar!
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Arran is full of talented poets and spoken word artists.
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Come along and enjoy some of the best at this informal evening of poetry, spoken word and music at the Brodick Bar on Thursday 11th May, to kick off the 2023 McLellan Poetry Fringe Festival!
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All welcome! FREE ENTRY!
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Thursday 11th May 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
Poetry Night at Corrie Hall: Friday 12th May
William Letford published his first collection of poetry while working as a roofer. Since then, his work has been adapted into film, projected onto buildings, carved into monuments, adapted for the stage, written onto skin, cast out over the radio and performed by orchestras.
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Magi Gibson is a leading voice in Scottish poetry. She draws inferences from the little things in life (shopping for stationery, admiring a stranger’s hat, drinking tea with a friend) that affect the big issues in all our lives – growing older, poverty and loss.
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Tickets £12 on Eventbrite in advance or on the door on the night
(students free)
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Corrie and Sannox Village Hall: Friday 12th May 7.30pm for 8pm start.
Poetry Workshop with award winning poet, William Letford: Saturday 13th May
William Letford published his first collection of poetry while working as a roofer. Since then, his work has been adapted into film, projected onto buildings, carved into monuments, adapted for the stage, written onto skin, cast out over the radio and performed by orchestras.
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Never satisfied he is currently creating poetry installations for the public to discover by chance. If you can’t find his poetry – his poems will find you.
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Pre-booking essential via Eventbrite or contact Carol on 07415 427270 or arranpoetry@gmail.com
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Tickets £18 (limited to 10 places)
Stonewater House, Lamlash: Saturday 13th May 10.45am for 11am start.
An Evening of Spoken Word Poetry: Saturday 13th May
Headlining Kevin P Gilday with Annaliese Broughton (winner of the McLellan Poetry Competition 2022).
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Read more about past winners and how to enter the McLellan Poetry Competition here.
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Supported by 2022 McLellan Poetry Competition prize winners:
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Tillotama Chowdhury
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Morag Smith
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Penny Shutt
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AC Clarke
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Tickets £12 on Eventbrite in advance or on the door on the night (students free)
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Corrie and Sannox Village Hall: Saturday 13th May 7pm for 7.30pm start.
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Poetry Workshop with award winning poet, Magi Gibson: Sunday 14th May
Magi Gibson is a leading voice in Scottish poetry. She draws inferences from the little things in life (shopping for stationery, admiring a stranger’s hat, drinking tea with a friend) that affect the big issues in all our lives – growing older, poverty and loss.
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Gibson’s fresh, evocative (and sometimes provocative) writing is both modern and timeless. I Like Your Hat pulses with deep love, honesty, razor-sharp wit and humanity.
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Pre-booking essential via Eventbrite or contact Carol on 07415 427270 or arranpoetry@gmail.com
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Tickets £18 (limited to 10 places)
Stonewater House, Lamlash: Sunday 14th May 10.45am for 11am start.