A POETRY festival which was acclaimed as ‘one of the best’ in the United Kingdom due to the names it was able to attract is set to return once again.

The Launceston Poetry Festival is organised by the Charles Causley Trust, an organisation which seeks to preserve the legacy of Launceston’s celebrated writer by creating opportunities for fellow writers, artists and communities to develop and connect through a program of residencies, competitions and events.

It will be held between Thursday, April 30, and Sunday, May 3.

This year’s headline events will feature poetry readings from several award winning and acclaimed poets. These include Penelope Shuttle, Philip Gross, Sarah Howe, Rachel Long, Victoria Adukwei Bulley, Luke Kennard, Mona Arshi, Liz Berry, Ella Frears, Cathy Galvin and Rowan Williams among the lineup.

There will also be a reading of ‘The Drifted Stream’, a poetric tribute commemorating 21 years since the death of Charles Causley with the event held in memory of trust patron Brian Patten.

In addition to the headline poetry readings, there will also be a number of free events held across the festival duration.

The extensive list of free events includes in-school workshops led by poet Lucy Beckley in addition to events inside the Causley Bookshop at Merchant House.

Nicola Nuttall, director of the Charles Causley Trust said: “Last year’s inaugural Launceston Poetry Festival was a groundbreaking event with a line up of award winning and talented performers and poets. This year is no different.

“The programme could not have happened without our outstanding partners including Falmouth University, Guillemot Press, Black Cat Books, English Heritage and thanks must also go to our friends, volunteers, sponsors and donors who have helped secure the money and capacity needed to create such a feast of poetry and creativity.

“In times where funding bodies simply don’t have the resource to fund as many applications as they would like, donors and sponsors play a key role in ensuring things can still go ahead.

“You are part of something very special and ensuring the legacy of Launceston’s most famous son, Charles Causley lives on and continues to make a difference to people’s lives.”

Sir Andrew Motion, the festival patron, added: “Last year’s inaugural Festival was successful on so many fronts, and the programme for 2026 has captured some of the UK’s best poetry talent. It is rare to see a line-up like this outside of London, in fact, I don’t think there’s a programme of this calibre anywhere else in the UK right now.

“To have such a mixture of community and staged events really speaks to the legacy that Charles has left behind and, as we all know, culture is a catalyst and regenerator of towns and places.

“I believe over 500 new visitors travelled to Launceston last year for the Festival and I’m confident that as every year goes by the Festival will gain more popularity and renown, placing itself as a highlight in the national poetry and literature circuit. Have a wonderful time!”