John Agard Announced as Headline Poet at Wilkswood Reggae 2024
Internationally acclaimed poet, playwright and short story writer appears on the Bangmix Stage
John Agard is an internationally acclaimed poet, playwright and short story writer who grew up in Guyana, where his love of language stemmed from listening to cricket commentaries on the radio as well as books. He was the first Poet in Residence for the BBC and he has been featured in numerous poetry and Windrush seasons on TV and radio.
A recipient of many prizes, including the Smarties Book Prize and the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry, he was in 2021 awarded the prestigious BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to children’s literature. John’s poems have been studied at GCSE for decades which means that thousands of intergenerational families have grown up with his words and writing.
This event is brought to you in partnership with Renaissance One and is suitable for all those who like their words to sing and soar.
Awards:
Paul Hamlyn Award for Poetry (1997)
Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry (2012)
BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award (2021)
