Magma to launch its ‘National Conversation’ at Winchester Poetry Festival

With the support of Arts Council England, Magma – one of Britain’s leading poetry magazines – is launching a ‘National Conversation’ about poetry, to explore what it is and what it means to people today – in all its many expressions.

More than a magazine, Magma is a community of people, open to everyone, and passionate about celebrating a wide mix of poetry. The National Conversation is a series of original events and articles, designed to provoke thought, ignite debate and encourage all of us to move deeper into the art form.

Winchester Poetry Festival is delighted to be co-hosting the first two Magma National Conversation starters: ‘Things Being Various’ Sunday 14 at 2.00pm and ‘Nationhood’, Magma’s pop-up poetry competition.

Sunday 14 September 2.00-3.00pm
Things Being Various: a surprising insight into the poet’s craft and inspiration – with Christopher Reid

In conversation with Jon Sayers, award-winning poet Christopher Reid discusses five ‘things’ that have inspired him or are symbolic of important stages in his development.

Reid is the author of several books of poems, including A Scattering (winner of the Costa Book of the Year Award) and The Song of Lunch (both 2009). From 1991 to 1999 he was Poetry Editor at Faber and Faber, and worked with Ted Hughes on such books as Tales from Ovid and Birthday Letters. His most recent book is the satirical narrative poem Six Bad Poets (Faber & Faber 2013).

Jon Sayers’ writing credits include journalism, drama for BBC Radio 4, and a children’s book for Animals on the Underground. His poetry has been published in The Literary Review and Kaffeeklatsch. He is a trustee of The Poetry Society and Chair of Magma.

Winchester Discovery Centre
Performance Hall
Tickets £7.00

‘Nationhood’: a pop-up poetry competition from Magma

As part of the ‘National Conversation’ about poetry, Magma has designed a pop-up poetry competition for the Winchester Festival, on the theme of ‘Nationhood’.

The judges, drawn from the Magma editorial board, are looking for poems written and submitted during the weekend itself, that draw their inspiration from the Festival and its setting. Maximum length: 14 lines.

Please hand your entries in at the Magma stand at Winchester Discovery Centre by midday on Sunday 14 September. The winner and two runners-up will be announced during the final session on Sunday afternoon.

First prize: a two-year subscription to Magma plus digital publication of the winning poem in Magma’s Festival blog and newsletter.

Two runners-up will each receive a free copy of Magma and various other poetry treats.

One entry per person only.

Click here to find out more about Winchester Poetry Festival and to book tickets.