Carol Ann Duffy presents PBS benefit evening

May 23, 2011 The UK-based Poetry Book Society has recently heard that the Arts Council will withdraw its regular funding. British poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy has invited 30 fellow poets to take part in a benefit evening, Poetry Cuts, celebrating the best of contemporary British poetry to benefit the Poetry Book Society.

“At the time of the ACE cuts to the PBS and to several much-loved festivals and important publishers of poetry, many poets and readers felt a sense of anger and grief. This event is intended to put a spotlight on the passionate support there is in the UK for our poetry institutions and to share, through poetry and audience, our love for our national art,” says Duffy.

Readers include Elaine Feinstein, David Harsent, George Szirtes, Gillian Clarke, Imtiaz Dharker, Daljit Nagra, Rosie Bailey reading for U.A. Fanthorpe, Ruth Fainlight, Clare Shaw, Carol Rumens, Patience Agbabi, Annie Freud, Christopher Reid, Mimi Khalvati, Fiona Sampson, Caroline Bird, Nii Ayikwei Parkes, Jane Draycott, John Agard, Michael Symmons Roberts, Jacob Sam La-Rose and Luke Wright.

The event will take place on Friday 3 June at 7.00pm at The Logan Hall, Institute of Education, University of London, 20 Bedford Way, London.

Minimum donation of £10 at the door by cash or cheque.