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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!

Due to demand we've added an afternoon session with Debra.

Sarah will gently guide you to write from a place of stillness, a place where the body can express itself without the interruption of the usual mind chatter.

With guided meditation, contemplation, and creative exercises, this relaxing session kick-starts the 2026 Bishop's Castle Arts Festival Programme at the Poetry Pharmacy in an immersive experience of writing for wellbeing.

Due to demand we've added this afternoon session. 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, being held in the space above the bookshop.

Join us for a special event open mic for Bishop's Castle Arts Festival with special guests Emma Purshouse and Steve Pottinger.

All are welcome and all who wish to will get an opportunity to read. No need to prebook - just sign up on the night.

£5 on the door with refreshments included in the ticket price.

Learn about Haiku's rich history, as well as the characteristics of contemporary haiku written in English.

You'll be invited to write contemporary haiku and discover more about how to share it with the wider world.

Join the Poetry Pharmacy and Long Mynd Cider at a celebration of this much loved fruit, hosted by SpArC theatre in Bishop's Castle.

The Poetry Pharmacy will host an open mic of apple-themed poems, passages and songs, followed by a screening of The Orchard of England, accompanied by a bar from Long Mynd cider for a full experience of the theme.

The film explores the deep relationship between the people of Herefordshire its historic apple crop. Sign up to perform your poems, passages and songs in appreciation of the apple.

Come and join Jan for a guided exploration of poems concerned with borders. These could be borders of place, time, season or states of mind. The poems will be drawn from the past and present, and a range of writers with a diversity of backgrounds.

Ticket price includes coffee and cake!

As winter softens and signs of spring begin to appear, we take inspiration from the natural world, its seasonal shifts and transitions.

Rhiannon Hooson is a Welsh poet, author and editor. She has won major awards for her work, including an Eric Gregory Award from the Society of Authors, and her first book, The Other City, was shortlisted for the Wales Book of the Year award.

Join local illustrator Liv Bargman in this 2 hour creative workshop for Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival to explore the whimsical world of nonsense poetry through imaginative illustration and playful visual storytelling.

Drawing inspiration from iconic poets such as Edward Lear, Spike Milligan, Ogden Nash, and Hilaire Belloc, the session will blend poetry, drawing, and character design, Liv will share her signature specialism in character creation in a fun, accessible format, suitable for adults.

Materials and refreshments included in the ticket price.

From alarm bells, through hand bells, cycle bells, bell-shaped flowers, and even pub names, the shape and sound of bells evokes memories and has inspired writers.

Come and explore this evocative theme through exemplar poems, discussion and writing prompts.

£10 on the day. Refreshments and resource booklet included in ticket price.

Join poet Jo Bell and artist Bean Sawyer for an unforgettable all-night poetry workshop that blends writing with visual art and creative camaraderie. 

Whether you're long-established or poetry-curious, you can expect laughter, insight, and a flurry of inspiration. Come with a notebook, leave with a constellation of new ideas, connections, and memories of a dawn filled with potential.

The workshop will run from 10pm - 7am, with plenty of time for snoozing and resting. Spaces are limited, so book early. 

Poetry Club is back!

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

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.

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 - yes, that does mean cake!