National Poetry Day is the day when organisations across the UK celebrate the many pleasures of poetry. The national theme of the day is `Britain'. In Newcastle and Gateshead we decided that we would focus on smaller places and smaller things…

Midday poetry pleasure
Join us for a free lunchtime event in the beautiful surroundings of the Theatre Royal auditorium. This celebratory event will feature new poems from schools in Newcastle alongside readings from leading regional authors including Julia Darling, WN Herbert, Joan Hewitt, Ellen Phethean, Maureen Almond, Bob Beagrie and Fiona Ritchie Walker.

All of the poets will be reading new poems commissioned for the day alongside other work. We will be joined by actors from the cast of Arms and the Man, currently playing at the Theatre Royal.

Date: Thursday 9 October
Time: 11.30am-1pm
Venue: Theatre Royal, Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne
Price: Free
Booking: Please ring the Theatre Royal booking line. Tel: 0870 905 5060

`Small is beautiful' poetry party
On National Poetry Day, four poets will be challenged to go and find `a small place' and to write a poem about it. Where will they have chosen to go and what will be the results? Join us for a poetry party that promises to feature madcap poems and unexpected treats. Readings of work from Julia Darling, WN Herbert, Joan Hewitt, Ellen Phethean, Maureen Almond, Bob Beagrie and Fiona Ritchie Walker.

Date: Thursday 9 October
Time: 8pm-10pm (Doors open from 7.45pm)
Venue: Newcastle City Library, Princes Street
Price: £2/£1.50 concessions
Booking: Newcastle City Library
Tel: 0191 277 41??