An informal meet-and-greet to explore Erica’s plans for WPF27. As part of Winchester Poetry Day 2026.

Winchester Poetry Day 2026

Meet Winchester Poetry Festival Artistic Director: Erica Hesketh

Come and chat with Winchester Poetry Festival's new artistic director Erica Hesketh at this informal meet-and-greet session. Erica will share her plans so far for 2027 and beyond, and she's also keen to hear from you about what you want from your biennial poetry festival! All are welcome, especially local poets and those connected to locally-based organisations.

Erica Hesketh is a poet and editor, originally from Japan and Denmark. Her poetry has been commissioned by the Royal Festival Hall, Spread the Word, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Exeter University. Her debut collection In the Lily Room is published by Nine Arches Press. She is also the author of To an Unknown Receiver: Sonnets & Cascades (Guillemot Press), and co-author with Laura Sampson of Moon, Snow, Blossom: Wintry Folk Tales from Across Japan (Elliott & Thompson). She is artistic director of Winchester Poetry Festival.

Suitable for: all, with local poets and organisations especially welcomed.

Duration: 1.5 hours

Format: informal conversation

Access: meet at the Welcome Desk, venue is wheelchair accessible throughout.

Description supplied by the event organiser.