Main reading - Simon Armitage

In the United Kingdom, the Poet Laureate holds the title for ten years, and Simon Armitage has now fulfilled this honorable role for five years. We are thrilled that he will perform at the Poetry International Festival this year. On Sunday, June 15th, Armitage will present poems he has selected especially for the festival during this main reading, hosted by Jelle van Riet. This rockstar poet will bring his unique style and sharp social commentary to the podium. This is an event you absolutely shouldn’t miss! Come and be surprised by the poetry of one of the most prominent poets of our time.

Simon Armitage

Simon Armitage is the current poet laureate of the United Kingdom (2019-2029). He is an author, translator, musician, playwright and Professor of Poetry at Leeds University.

After studying geography and social work, Armitage published his first poetry collection in 1989 and continued working as a probation officer.

Some of Armitage's collections include Magnetic Field: The Marsden Poems (2020), a collection of poems that are concerned with places in his hometown in West Yorkshire, and Blossomise (2023). He has translated classical verses, such as the medieval poems Pearl, for which he was awarded the PEN America Award for Poetry in Translation. His adaptations of Homer’s Odyssey and the Iliad were performed in London.  

He has received numerous prizes, including the Ivor Novello Award and a BAFTA for Feltham Sings in 2003, and the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry in 2018.