LEDBURY Poetry Festival and The Courtyard in Hereford have joined forces to put on a Poetry Slam event.

The rapid-fire celebration of the spoken word will take place at The Courtyard on September 25, from 7.30pm.

"We think it's time for a Courtyard audience to see one of Ledbury’s Best Kept Secrets”, says Festival Manager Phillippa Slinger.

She added: "This high energy event always attracts a great crowd, appealing to poetry and comedy fans of all ages.”

A spokesman said: "This will be a knockout night of potent poetry and spirited performances as worldly wordsmiths take the page onto the stage to compete for points that lead to prizes. This is a poetry slam, a cut and thrust contest where do-or-die versifiers parade their poems in a bid to reach the hearts and hearing parts of the public.

"Random judges award points for style, content and warmth of the applaudience, so who will fire on all syllables into the final? Join slampresarios Steve Rooney and Sara-Jane Arbury for an evening of good verbal vibrations and lend your support for those taking a stanza on stage."

Tickets on 01432 340555.

Anyone wishing to enter the slam should email: sjarbury@gmail.com, or phone 07814 830031.