Hosted by Dave Haslam, this event marks the publication of Lemn Sissay’s new book of poetry – Gold from the Stone which brings together new writing and a selection of his best-loved poems. Lemn will read from the collection, and discuss his life and work. There will also be an audience Q&A and a book signing.
Lemn grew up with foster parents in Lancashire, and, from the ages of 12 to 17, in a series of children’s homes. He’d written his first poetry collection by the age of 20, by which time he had made Manchester his home. His poems have been embedded in the pavement along Tib Street, sculpted in iron and built from concrete, and declaimed in over twenty countries. He has recorded with Secret Society and Leftfield; performed to thousands of people worldwide; and, with a high profile on TV and radio, become one of the nation’s best-loved voices.
He was the official poet of the 2012 London Olympics, and is a patron of the Letterbox Club, supporting children in care. He is the Chancellor of the University of Manchester.
Jamie Byng, his publisher writes; “Lemn is a poet whose work I love on the page but who can make words truly sing through his delivery and timing and physical presence. He is magnetic.”
Lemn is much-loved in Manchester and this special event is sure to be a hugely memorable evening.