Nottingham Poetry Festival, April 21-29

There’s nothing normal about our Henry.

It starts out normal enough for Peter Carroll; born in St Anne’s, his old man and brother both work at Raleigh, he later works at a Slab Square bank. But, after Pete’s life follows a creative calling, a name change ensues. Henry Normal, perhaps best known for co-writing The Royle Family and The Mrs Merton Show, is a multi-talented fella. If working closely with comedy legends like Steve Coogan and Caroline Aherne wasn’t enough for this writer, comedian, and television/film producer, he now has a beer named after him. And this month, Henry is back in his beloved city helping to promote another of his loves, poetry.

Henry stated as a poetry performer and has gone on to produce collections that include The Dream Ticket, Is Love Science Fiction?, Map of Heaven and Nude Modelling for the Afterlife. In 2015 he founded the Nottingham Poetry Festival and on April 21^st it’s back, bigger than ever, including appearances from Wendy Cope, Simon Armitage, Carol Ann Duffy and John Cooper Clarke, plus much of our top local talent. Henry wants to give something back and strongly believes in Nottingham’s ability to host year-round literary events, calling on other names to step up. NottsLit really appreciates his commitment and would like to point you the way of eight free gigs coming up at libraries in the city. These shows, called ‘Poetry Hour’, will feature Henry with a guest poet. They are happening thus:

Central Library - 21^st, 6pm

Sherwood Library - 22^nd, 2pm

Meadows Library - 24^th, 6pm

Bulwell Riverside Library – 25^th, 2pm

St Anne’s Valley Library – 26^th, 1.30pm

Wollaton Library – 27^th, 6pm

Hyson Green – 28^th, 11am

Central Library – 29^th, 11am

"A lot of places that have literary events are rural but much of what is being written is urban,” says Henry Normal.
The Nottingham Poetry Festival is home to over 50 urban events spanning 10 days. Please check out the impressive line-up, then pop your bum on a seat near you.