After an enforced two-year break, Teignmouth will see the return of its acclaimed annual Poetry Festival on May 28.

The organisers are treading carefully, they say, having learned an expensive lesson from the last-minute cancellation in 2020.

So this year’s ‘Mini-festival’ will be concentrated into four individual events on the Saturday and a writing workshop on the morning of Sunday 29th.

A spokesperson said: ‘In line with previous festivals the focus will be on creating top quality entertainment from a blend of highly respected poets and performers.’

All events take place in the Pavilions, Teignmouth.

‘There’ll be a thought-provoking start, with readings from Veronica Aaronson’s important new anthology covering all aspects of addiction, Despite Knowing.

Many of the 50-plus contributors will take part, some presenting their poems in the form of songs.

Next up will be Tom Sastry and Caleb Parkin, two sparky Bristol poets who are gaining national recognition.

They’ll be followed by the prizegiving event for this year’s Poetry Competition: the total prize fund now adds up to £1,450, including £200 for first place in the inaugural Graham Burchell Awards for Devon poets.

Finally on Saturday evening, an hour-long treat for Southwest poetry fans as Katrina Naomi and Rosie Jackson take the stage.

Both have many successful books behind them and are exceptional performers.

Katrina will also be leading a poetry workshop on the Sunday morning. An experienced competition judge herself, her theme will be ‘What makes a prize-winning poem?’

Full details and festival programmes are available at Teignmouth Pavilions, in libraries and at many other local venues.

They can also be downloaded from poetryteignmouth.com .

Two events are free and tickets are obtainable only from Teignmouth Pavilions, in person, by phone on 01626 249049, or online at pavilionsteignmouth.org.uk