It was great to perform in Manchester last weekend, for Poets and Players. I read alongside Nick Makoha and Sammy Weaver – both poets I really admire. I was enjoying their poetry so much, I almost forgot that I was performing on the Anthony Burgess Foundation stage too.

I sold books and met some wonderful people. I also read a couple of new poems, including ‘I.M of Sarah Everard’, from the current issue of Poetry Wales, as well as some of my favourite poems from Wild Persistence and The Way the Crocodile Taught Me (both published by Seren). My reading is now available on Poets and Players you tube, here’s the link.

Poets and Players are doing something brilliant. They put on three poets – one of whom is local to Manchester – and a duo or trio of musicians. They pay everyone and the whole event is free, and happens every month.

I also ran a workshop for a lively group from Poets and Players, and got to catch up with a couple of friends from Manchester.

This was my first time reading in Manchester. I would love to return again.

Photo by Simon Haworth