It is a recurrent theme in most non federal countries that the capital gets all the prime arts events while the provinces are left to linger with the second best.

POETRY LIVE was purposely devised as a United Kingdom promotion. While there would inevitably be one or two high profile events taking place in London, poetry readings, exhibitions and other events round Britain would be every bit as important as what took place in the capital.

And so it is evolving. Regional Arts Associations across the country will have readings not only by local poets, not only by national poets, but also by international ones. The Waterloo Station concourse rush hour poetry readings will be echoed in all sorts of imaginative events up and down the country.

POETRY LIVE was conceived to raise the profile of poetry among those who have a passing interest in it and are not necessarily totally committed. It looks as though it is set to do just that.
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