AN Abergavenny pub is set to celebrate its long-time links with verse and rhyme by holding an afternoon poetry session featuring many of the poets who have performed there.

‘Poetry Upstairs’ was launched at the Hen and Chicks in 1993 and has attracted noted wordsmiths such as poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, Benjamin Zephaniah, Lee Harwood, Tom Pickard, Menna Elfyn, Chris Torrence, Peter Finch, Barry MacSweeney, Val Bloom, and Ian McMillan who presents The Verb for BBC.

The event takes place in the popular Flannel Street pub, on Saturday, October 13th from 2pm to 6pm. At least 20 poets are set to take part and entry is free.

Three of the founder members, Frank Olding and John Jones both of Abergavenny and Ric Hool of Blaina will be among the poets reading their work.

Jeff Nuttall, who lived in Abergavenny, was also a prominent member and was chairman of The Collective Writers Group who championed Poetry Upstairs.

Ric Hool stated, ‘The readings continue, open to all who wish to pass through or remain with one of the longest regularly running poetry reading series in Wales.

‘It’s been a joyous time, the buzz of anticipation in the upstairs room prior to every occasion is testament to the regard in which the oral tradition of poetry is held.’

At Saturday’s celebrations, founder members will be joined by poets from all over Wales and beyond including Chris Torrance, Ann Drysdale, Ami Pope, Charles Wilkinson, Christine Williams, Colin Sutherill and regular presenter, Paul Worthington.