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On Friday 14th November, over 500 people, young and old, came together in Manchester, City of Literature, to immerse themselves in all things poetry. They received workshops from local poets; Matt Goodfellow, Dom Conlon, Ruth Awolola and Nicole May. The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mrs Diane Hawkins JP LLB, and fellow Deputy Lieutenants also attended.
The event was hosted by Poetry Together’s founder – writer, broadcaster and poetry-lover Gyles Brandreth. He was inspired by research that proves learning poetry by heart has beneficial effects on cognitive function for young and old alike. The initiative, which is wonderfully supported by HM Queen Camilla, aims to unite young and old through the joy of poetry, promoting all the notable benefits that come from learning poetry, alongside those to be gained from younger and older people working together.
The event, held at Aviva Studios, promoted the Poetry Together project which encourages younger and older communities to connect and recite poetry together over tea and cake; the project sees school children going into care homes all over the country with incredible outcomes.
This focus on poetry comes at a critical time with a recent study from the National Literacy Trust reporting that the percentage of children who enjoy reading is the lowest it has been for 20 years. The event and the initiative as a whole aim to support educators and families in reigniting the spark for the love of the written word in our young people, leaving guests feeling inspired.
Gyles Brandreth said: “There is a great deal of research on the benefits of reciting poetry but marry that with the value of intergenerational connection and it’s really quite special.”