Durham Writes Poetry Taster Session: Barnard Castle

Do you have an object or a place that means a lot to you? What is your favourite song lyric or line from a film? What might we create with found words from graffiti or advertising? Poetry centres on ideas and stories – why not come and explore them?

Whether you enjoy reading poems, already write or would just like to have a play with words in new ways, we’d be delighted to welcome you to a free, 90-minute, interactive poetry taster session as part of our Durham Writes programme, led by poet and creative practitioner Katharine Goda.

Participants will also be able to apply for a six-week poetry masterclass series through June and July, including one-to-one mentoring from Newcastle-based poet Anna Woodford, an exclusive industry insight session, and the chance to be part of a Scratch Night at Durham Book Festival 2026.

Taster sessions will run in locations across County Durham, with one held online. Please ensure you book one session only, as content will be repeated.

This activity is funded by the North East Combined Authority via Department for Education funding, devolved for the specific purpose of Adult Skills provision.

The North East Combined Authority (North East CA) was formed on 7 May 2024. It is led by Elected Mayor Kim McGuinness and the Cabinet and covers the seven local authority areas of County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland.

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