A WEEKEND of poetry is set to return to Kendal this summer.

The fifth Kendal Poetry Festival will take place from June 23 to 26, bringing national and international poets and their audiences to Kendal.

The festival features poetry readings, writing workshops, late night open mics, afternoon tea, exhibitions, panel discussions and much more.

South Lakes poets will take to the stage alongside global poetry stars including Don Paterson and Imtiaz Dharker - and there will be events for all age groups from pre-school upwards.

This year, the festival is working in partnership with the Brewery Arts Centre, and has expanded across the town centre to offer readings, workshops and exhibitions in Kendal Library, Space2Create and Outside In.

And poetry by young Cumbrians will be on display in windows across Kendal town centre, and in Kendal and Oxenholme train stations.

There will also be a range of free events, along with free access to poetry readings for under-21s, and for disabled people and carers and most of the festival’s events will be streamed live online - so poetry lovers who are not able to attend in person are able to join from the comfort of their own homes. 

For those people joining online, the festival will send out its festival survival kit featuring products from local supporters including Romneys Mint Cake and Farrer’s tea.

South Lakes young people are at the heart of the festival, with a full day of events for schools taking place on June 23.

On May 22 and June 5, free writing workshops for anyone aged 14-18 will take place at Space2Create at The Factory from 2-4pm: with the chance to perform work at the festival. Tickets are free but people must book at team@kendalpoetryfestival.co.uk