TWENTY-FIVE years of poetry reading sessions at a pub in Monmouthshire will be celebrated this weekend.

Poetry Upstairs, at the Hen and Chicks pub in Flannel Street, Abergavenny, will mark the occasion on Saturday when around 20 poets will take part in a free event.

The Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, and well-known writers Benjamin Zephaniah, Lee Harwood, Tom Pickard, Menna Elfyn, and Ian McMillan, who presents The Verb for BBC, are among the many to have performed at Poetry Upsatirs over the years.

Three of the founder members, Frank Olding and John Jones, both of Abergavenny, and Ric Hool, of Blaina, will be among the poets reading work on the weekend.

Jeff Nuttall, who lived in Abergavenny, was also a prominent member and was chairman of the Collective Writers Group who championed Poetry Upstairs.

Mr Hool said: “The readings continue.

“The weekend’s event is open to all who wish to pass through or remain with one of the longest regularly running poetry reading series in Wales. 

“It’s been a joyous time. 

“The buzz of anticipation in the upstairs room prior to every occasion is testament to the regard in which the oral tradition of poetry is held.” The event will run between 2pm and 6pm.

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