A unique collaboration between poet and spoken word performer Andy Porter (books on the walls Poet in Residence) and three gifted musicians.

A National Poetry Day Benefit Gig for Community Action Nepal

The Mechanical Pillows comprise Geoff Ayres on guitar, Garfield Southall on percussion and Helen Southall on synthesisers, clarinet, sax and a bewildering range of woodwind instruments.

The combination of the Pillows and Andy Porter makes for an eclectic mix, with Andy’s humorous and poignant poems blending with a soundtrack which has elements of jazz, folk and rock. Live performances at Castle Park Arts Centre in Frodsham and the legendary Alexander’s in Chester were greeted enthusiastically by audiences of poets, coffee aficionados, dog walkers and their canine companions. The dogs seemed particularly engaged by the shameless crowd pleaser “If Dogs were Made World Leaders”. The poems take audiences to unexpected places, from the Lake District to the Australian Outback, humdrum streets in northern towns to the edge of the known universe.

The Mechanical Pillows invite you to a unique celebration of National Poetry Day at the wonderful books on the walls - it’s not to be missed!

The gig is free to attend but the band would love you to donate to Community Action Nepal (CAN), a UK charity which focuses on communities in remote areas in Nepal which have been badly affected by the recent floods. Leaflets with QR codes to donate will be available on the night and there will also be a cash collection.

Andy Porter is a Chester-based poet and spoken word artist. He has published two collections in the last two years - Neighbour’s Got a New Hot Tub and Sourdough in Stilettos.

A very engaging book of poetry! I recommend it Gyles Brandreth (on Sourdough in Stilettos)

Your book is an amazing achievement (and very funny!) Mike Garry (on Neighbour’s Got a New Hot Tub)

The books on the walls bar and barista service will be in operation for the event.

Description supplied by the event organiser.