Poetry to feature at folk festival

Two poet's breakfasts are planned as part of the Umina Beach Folk Festival to be held from Friday to Sunday, October 17 to 19.

"Over recent years, the traditional art of reciting and performing poetry has made a tremendous comeback," said poet's breakfasts organiser Mr Vic Jeffries.

"Poet's breakfasts are now recognised as an integral and very popular part of most folk and music festivals.

"At larger festivals, audiences of 200 to 300 people are now considered normal and there are a growing number of accomplished performers regularly touring the festival circuit."

He said that the works presented usually covered a range, including traditional Australian poems such as The Man From Snowy River to contemporary poems on issues such as "the dilemma of a Shopping Trolley Rage".

Mr Jeffries said: "Everyone who attends is invited to read or recite their own work or the poems of their favourite author.

"Many talented poets and performers have been discovered through participating in these events.

"A number of well known prize winning poets will be appearing at the breakfasts."

The breakfasts will be held in the bistro of the Umina Bowling Club from 9am on Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19.

Media release, August 17