2025 marks the first ever Launceston Poetry Festival, a celebration of the diverse and inspiring poets of the UK, in the home of one of Cornwall’s most iconic poets, Charles Causley.
Organised by the Charles Causley Trust, the event has undergone a rebrand, having previously been held as the ‘Charles Causley Festival’. However, this year’s event, taking place from May 29 until June 1, is offering a variety of events and is bringing a some well-known faces to the town.
Among those headlining the event are renowned comedian, Frank Skinner, as well as award winning poet Ella Frears. Though that is not all, with 18 other poets including BBC Radio 4s Daljit Nagra, and Cornwall poets Katrina Naomi and Pascale Petit, and music from BBC Folk Prize Winner Jackie Oates, all making their way to the Cornwall’s historic capital.
As well as welcoming a variety of poets, the event is also hosting several events and workshops for attendees to get stuck into. Some of the events planned include family workshops, open mics, castle picnics, poetry walks, and a packed free community programme with street performances from local dance and singing groups.
Speaking about the festival, English poet, novelist, biographer, and patron of the Launceston Poetry Festival and the Charles Causley Trust, Andrew Molton said: “I am delighted to be a patron of the Launceston Poetry Festival, a new event coming to the town where the great Cornish poet Charles Causley lived and worked.
“I’m excited to see such a wonderful programme which features outstanding poets from across the globe, community events and collaborations.”
The four day event promises to be a reader’s dream.