Rooted in Chrys Salt’s highly regarded collection The Punkawallah’s Rope, this event explores the vibrant textures, voices, and contradictions of a continent both dazzling and daunting.

Through layered poems and haunting instrumentals played on various Indian instruments, the aludu, the bansuri, gopi yantra by International musician and saxophonist Richard Ingham, the performance poses the question:

How can a middle-class white woman begin to understand and engage with this most complex and challenging of continents?

Donne was born in 1572 into a dynamic, exuberant and often divided society which makes his work highly relevant to our own complex and often troubled age.

He wrote poetry of great drama, intensity, wit and elegant argument. His poems revel in paradox and ambiguity in his relationships with sex, love, death and religion. T.S. Eliot said, ‘a thought to him was an experience; it modified his sensibility,’ suggesting that he unified intellectual thought and emotional feeling in his poetry. Whilst Eliot admired Donne’s highly original imagery and his raw, eloquent use of language, he also felt as if Donne was shouting in the listener’s ear.

Join Jan for a guided exploration of the poetry of this magnificent poet and fascinating man.

Anna’s Poetry Breakfasts are seasonal observations through poetry. The theme works as a prompt rather than a ‘rule’, and participants browse their favourite poetry books and bring along a poem or two to read aloud. All the poems we listen to are already published, and as a rule of thumb, are not overly long!

We’ll read to each other over coffee and croissants in the bright and airy space of the Poetry Pharmacy Lab, and if you want to come and ‘just’ listen, that’s perfect, too.

Bring your favourite published poems to share on the theme, 'What Branches Hold' - whatever is sparked for you by Ellen Rowland's poem, which you can read on the bookings page.

Winter is a season of great variety, when Shakespeare tells us ‘greasy Joan doth keel the pot ‘, and Dickinson sees snow which ‘sifts from Leaden Sieves ‘.

A time of ‘comfort, good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand’, according to Sitwell, but also when, 'Nothing burns like the cold’ as George RR Matin warns us.

A time of song, candlelight and family for some and loneliness for others when the earth is frozen and, as Laurie Lee reminds us, ‘the wind gnaws with teeth of glass’.

Guided by Jan Westwood, this is a chance to sit together to enjoy poems which reveal winter in all its glory.

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...

Join us for a magical treat on the night before Christmas Eve, when Anna Dreda will be reading the classic Christmas poem, The Night Before Christmas, all by candlelight at the Poetry Pharmacy above the bookshop.

Each ticket is £15 per family, and includes a gift for the children and some festive refreshments.

The only certainty in life is that it will end, yet we find it so hard to talk about. Drop into this relaxed, gentle space with creative activities for all ages. Ask questions, explore ideas, and discover more about death, funerals - how we say goodbye and how we remember.

Free event. 

Drop in with some timed activities. 

The schedule will be published here - check back soon for updates.

Sylvia Plath is regarded as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century.

Her poetry is known for its visceral, vividly imaginative and striking visual imagery. What is less well known about her is that she originally set out to be a visual artist. Her tutors encouraged her to change to English Literature when her talent with language became understood. However, Plath never stopped making visual art and created expressive paintings, drawings and collages. 

Come along and explore Plath's work in the context of her art.

Ticket price includes tea or coffee and cake!

Children's Poetry Workshop, suitable for ages 4-13.

Catch the poetry bug at the Poetry Pharmacy! Join in with poet Debra Bertulis as she performs some of her (really) silly poems, then when she stops being silly, learn how to write your own poem in this fun, inspiring, interactive poetry session!

This event is part of Bishop's Castle Arts Festival, held in the space above the bookshop.

Spaces are limited, booking essential.

Join meditation teacher and poet Sarah Holland for this guided meditation and writing experience. Become aware of the wordless space before language emerges, finding preverbal expression for our creativity. Slow down, listen and discover what emerges onto the page. No previous writing experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to stop for a while.

Includes refreshments.

Tim Blue Crow Harrison brings his most treasured artistic creation, Origami Mari Llwyd, out for its first ever workshop.

Tim has exhibited Origami in the Saatchi gallery and on Kirsty’s Handmade Christmas.

The exclusive unveiling of Tim's grey mare is part of the Bishop's Castle Arts Festival, a town with folklore at its heart.

These are held upstairs in the bookshop as usual, so parents can wait in the coffee shop if they'd like to! 

Suitable for 7 to 11 year olds.

Join the renowned Anna Dreda (formally Wenlock Bookshop and Wenlock Poetry Festival) for a warm, friendly and fun poetry reading and writing club. 

All very welcome to read, write and chat about poetry! £3 to cover refreshments

Please email Anna for dates: annadreda@icloud.com

FURTHER DATES:

• Saturday December 5th

This monthly poetry writing workshop has been running for over five years with beginners, visitors to the town and regular attendees all warmly welcome.

Touch Paper is a relaxed two-hour workshop run by experienced poet and workshop leader Pat Edwards.  Come along to write, reflect and chat - there's no need to book.

£10 to include refreshments 

Join us every last Sunday of the month.

Verbatim open mic is hosted by Welshpool Poetry Festival Director, Pat Edwards, every two months. 

There is always an invited guest reader with everyone getting an opportunity to read at the open mic. Just sign up on the night!

The Poetry Pharmacy is proud to provide the venue and a warm welcome for all.

£5 on the door. Refreshments included in the entrance price.