POETRY IN McGREGOR 26 – 28 AUGUST 2016
“VOICES ON FIRE.”
The fourth annual Poetry in McGregor is happening from August 26th to 28th. Feast with us on the heart’s food, the resonant human voice, the felt reality of who we are. Since ancient time our understanding of ourselves, our sense of what lies within, was said to come out of the blue: inspiration, the breath of heaven, the song of the muse, the voice of the poet.
There is a great range of poets performing at various interesting venues at this year`s event. English poetry from the young awesome talents of Elisa Galgut and Vangile Gantsho to well-known poets James Matthews, Patricia Schonstein, Kobus Moolman, Khadija Tracey Heeger and Harry Owen. In the Afrikaans section we have the heartwarming and inspiring Margot Luyt (Verse n Klank on RSG), Koos van der Merwe, Daniel Hugo, Diana Ferrus and Lara Kirsten. Last year`s winner of the Poetry Competition, Louise Westerhout will also be taking to the stage. Exciting groups that are coming are UWC poets, Lingua Franca Spoken Word Movementand Mothertongue. There are also immensely entertaining poets including Margaret Clough and Stephanie Saunders who will have you rolling in the aisles as they look at the lighter side of life. For a complete list of all the wonderful participating poets, go to: https://mcgregorpoetryfestival.blogspot.co.za/
McGregor is the perfect venue for a celebration of poetry. All the venues are in gentle walking distance from one another and include the soulful gardens of Temenos, the homely backyard D`Amphitheatre, the unique Wahnfried theatre, artist Edna Fourie`s Gallery, Flora’s Eating House and Gallery, The Green Room and The Lion House. The local social spot ‘Carol’s Pub’ will be hosting VOICES ON FIRE. While you relax and savour a local red, poets in attendance will ring a bell and read their poetry. A great way to end a stimulating and inspiring day.
Photo by Daniele Debellis.
As usual, a number of Open Mic sessions will take place during the “Poetry in McGregor” weekend. These sessions are hosted by Hugh Hodge (http://hahodge.blogspot.co.za/p/about-me.html) and no tickets or booking are required. Anyone wishing to read or recite their poetry is welcome – from the well-known to budding, new poets! On entering the venue, you will be issued with a numbered card and when your number is called, you will have a few minutes to read or recite one of your poems. Time permitting, you may get a second or even a third turn. There is no feed-back other than applause from the audience. Everyone is welcome to attend, to take part or just to listen, so please check the programme carefully for details and we look forward to seeing you there.
Open Category “Voices on Fire” Poetry Competition: Have you ever thought of writing poetry? Are you an unpublished poet? Are you over the age of 19? Then you are eligible to enter the Open Category “Voices on Fire” Poetry Competition and stand a chance of winning a trophy and a cash prize of R 7,500.00. The finalists may have the opportunity to have their poetry published in the annual “Poetry in McGregor” Anthology and their winning entries will be read during our “Poetry in McGregor” weekend.
Closing details for entries: 16h00 on Friday the 22nd JULY 2016. For more details go to:
https://mcgregorpoetryfestival.blogspot.co.za/
Whether you write academic poetry, slam, rap or haiku about how much you love coffee you and your words are welcome. Come to POETRY and McGREGOR and enjoy a wide range of poetry from the renowned voices of some of our top poets to up and coming young ‘Voices on Fire.’ Take time out to attend our OPEN MIC sessions. Laugh and cry and be taken by surprise. Be mesmerized and amazed. Delight in what it is to be human and celebrate your love for the written word.
Accommodation: It is advised to book accommodation in advance:
Temenos Retreat: www.temenos.org.za / temenos@lando.co.za / 023 625 1871
McGregor Country Getaways: www.mcgregor-accommodation.co.za / info@mcgregor-accommodation.co.za / 023 625 1409 / 076 411 9477
McGregor Tourism Bureau: www.tourismmcgregor.co.za / info@tourismmcgregor.co.za / 023 625 1954
McGregor Backpackers: www.mcgregorbackpackers.co.za /083 206 8007
Robertson Tourism Bureau: www.robertsontourism.co.za / info@robertson.org.za / 023 626 4437
Robertson Wine Valley: www.robertsonwinevalley.com / manager@robertsonwinevalley.com / 023 626 3167
Tickets available from Computicket from mid July.
