Join award winning poet Caroline Smith to discover how the mundane and the life critical can be the raw materials for creativity.

We will explore poetry of consolation and poetry of warning: of care for the self and family and care for our communities and world.

Using sources, inspirations and prompts we will generate new poems and write in unexpected ways - exploring passion and heartbreak, care we have received, care we have given, poetry that steps forward and poetry that lets go.

Refreshments included in the ticket price.

To 'Write the Unruly Body,' poet Kate Noakes presents a number of approaches and exercises for writing about illness, dis-ease and disease.

Deriving from her new book, Sublime Lungs, the writing of which saw her explore diverse images and metaphors to explain and celebrate her chronic asthma, she invites you to the Poetry Pharmacy for a morning of reflection and expression, and occasional light-heartedness.

After the March 2026 release of impressionist Alistair McGowan’s second poetry collection Like Never Before, we are delighted to announce this exclusive Bishop’s Castle reading from the book. Alistair will also offer the opportunity for an audience Q&A after the reading.

Join poet Jonathan Davidson for a Poetry Walk starting and finishing at The Poetry Pharmacy Lab in Bishop's Castle.

Using a circular route, we will stroll along small roads and footpaths, stopping now and then to hear some poems read aloud in the open air. Copies of poems – by various carefully selected poets – will be provided, although participants are welcome to bring along short poems of their own to share.

The ticket includes a drink and cake at journey’s end.

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