Performance poetry and First World War verse shattered the silence at Macclesfield Library – to the delight of visitors.
Readings by Cheshire East Councillor Andrew Knowles and professional verse virtuosos Dominic Berry and Chris Dommett enthralled a crowd of people of all ages and helped celebrate National Poetry Day.
Councillor Knowles, Cabinet Member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, read verse by First World War poets Rupert Brooke and Siegfried Sassoon at the event in the town centre library’s own Poets’ Corner.
He said: “It was a very successful event and it was exciting to hear poetry being read by Manchester performance poets Dominic and Chris.
“I chose poetry from the First World War, as I find it very powerful and moving. My grandfather and his brothers fought in that shattering conflict – and not all of them came back.
“Poetry from the Great War is still resonant and relevant today – with our soldiers fighting in various theatres of conflict, such as Afghanistan.
“Our libraries are treasure troves for people of any age to explore the wonderful language and imaginative possibilities of verse.”
Macclesfield Library’s adult stocks specialist Una McLoughlin said: “One woman visitor told me it was the most exciting time she had ever had in a library! The poetry readings really did make your heartbeat surge with excitement.
“The event was popular with people young and old and a great success.”
Since 1994, National Poetry Day has engaged millions of people with poetry through a range of live events and web-based activities for people young and old throughout the country.
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