National Poetry Day Live

As part of National Poetry Day 2011 get stuck into a free afternoon of game playing featuring readings by leading UK poets.

Joining them will be some rising potery stars from the Foyle Young Poets and SLAMbassadors UK.

Plus... play Sally Crabtree's Poetry Bingo, take home a personalised poem from the Poetry Takeaway, get your diagnosis from the Poetry Library doctors and take a spin on Julia Bird's Poembola!

Order of Games

1.pm - 2pm
Beginning the fun and games, we have critically acclaimed poet and former Children's Laureate, Michael Rosen, Times Literary Star, Laura Dockrill, and the Fire Poet, Philip Wells getting the crowds stretched and warmed up for the day.

2.15pm - 4.15pm
Imtiaz Dharker and Glyn Maxwell, judges of this year's Foyle Young Poet of the Year Award, read their own work with previous winners, Helen Mort and Richard O'Brien. There is also the chance to hear exciting young performance poets, Naga MC and Catherine Labiran, who will read along with leading performance poet Joelle Taylor. Then it's eyes down for Poetry Bingo.

4.30pm - 6pm
Bringing the games to a close are Southbank Centre's Poet in Residence, Simon Armitage and Artist in Residence, Lemn Sissay, National Poetry Day Poet in Residence, Jo Shapcott and Co-ordinator, Jo Bell. They will be joined by award winning poet Jackie Kay and there will be a Poetry Review showcase featuring Ahren Warner.

Word Search

At 2pm and 3pm (lasting approximately 1 hour)
Join one of the Poetry Library's fun Word Searches around Southbank Centre site. Children and parents become poetry explorers, seeking out new words and making their own poems. (Sign up on the day at the Poetry Doctor stall.)