Guilfest 2026
After the last weekend, I can forever claim to have been on the same bill as the Proclaimers and Haircut 100, having been invited to perform a poetry set in Des’s Literary Tent as part of Guilfest 2026.
My name is even on the poster, if you look very closely. I’m telling myself that I’m only so close to the end because it’s alphabetical. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
But what an absolutely brilliant afternoon of poetry it was.
A real privilege to perform alongside Sharron Green, Tony Earnshaw, Victoria D’Cruz, Luigi Coppola, Andy Smith, Melanie Hyo-In Han, Rodney Wood and Maria del Carmen Redondo Bermudez.
A great variety of voice and perspective, as well as form and performance style. Some call-and-response poems as well as some which used different languages in creative ways. I particularly enjoyed Melanie Hyo-In Han’s ‘My dear Yeast’ and the flavour of Australia from Andy Smith. Victoria D’Cruz was supremely relatable, and Tony Earnsham a mix of humorous and poignant.
It was wonderful to be introduced to some new poets as well as catching up with old friends.
I performed ‘The difference between boys and girls’, ‘River Arun’, ‘Behind his Back’ and ‘Banishing the Branks’ to a warmly appreciative crowd.
How brilliant to have so many in the audience, and how great to be part of such an excellent event overall. There’s something very special about being at a summer festival when the sun is shining and everyone is ready to enjoy themselves.
The lunchtime poets were followed by Henry Normal, who was entertaining and moving in equal measure.
It’s the third time I’ve seen Henry at a poetry event and he never fails to impress.
I loved his story about an old English teacher, his discussion of his son, and his memories of Caroline Aherne.
He has an incredible ability to have his audience laughing one minute and crying the next.
It was an extremely warm afternoon, especially under canvas in the tent, and there was a small delay after Henry Normal. The heat caused one poor audience member to require medical assistance which delayed things even further and meant that the interview with Nick Heyward which followed couldn’t start on time.
While we waited, Nick must have thought that I looked like I needed cooling down. A slight irony that he fanned the fangirl, but I’ll take it.
Day made!
