Friday 11th September 2026, 10-11am
Advice from a Raindrop: Autumn Poetry Breakfast with Anna Dreda
Read, share and listen to your favourite poems on the theme: 'shining, festive, expendable, eternal' from the poem Advice from a Raindrop by Kim Stafford.
Bring your favourite poems* on rain, weather, life struggles, power, change, activism - whatever is sparked for you by this poem.
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.
Saturdays - Sept 19th & Oct 3th, 17th, & 31st from 10.30am
Shared Reading
Join us for a free Shared Reading group led by Saskia Stenson.
Shared Reading is a simple yet powerful way of bringing people together through great literature. Developed by The Reader, a UK charity dedicated to creating connection and wellbeing through shared reading, these groups offer a welcoming space to experience stories and poems alongside others.
During each session, Saskia reads aloud from carefully chosen poems and stories, pausing along the way to explore thoughts, feelings and memories that arise naturally from the text. There is no pressure to read aloud, speak, or have any prior knowledge of literature. Many people choose simply to listen.
Free and open to everyone.
Poetry Pharmacy Lab
Poetry Pharmacy Partner Events
These special events are hosted by our brilliant friends and collaborators, using our space but not run or commissioned by us. While they're independently organised, they share the same spirit and ethos that inspires everything we do.
Regular Events
First Saturday of the month, 2-3pm
Children's Poetry Club
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
July 29th, Sept 30th, Nov 25th, 7.30-9.30pm
Verbatim Open Mic
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.
Last Sunday of the month, 12.30-2.30pm
Touch Paper Poetry Workshop
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
Accessibility
We aim to make our events as welcoming and accessible as possible.
The Lab is near The Castle Hotel, at the top of the town’s steep hill. We have a single blue badge space you can reserve by contacting hello@poetrypharmacy.co.uk in advance.
There is ground floor access to the events space, but the toilet is on the floor below, which can be accessed either by two flights of stairs or by walking downhill around the building. The toilet is not a disabled facility.
