We have a rather exciting and uplifting update to our Opening Doors Project. The poet Christine Webb has offered to provide financial assistance to support a third writer in accessing the festival this year. Christine and the festival team would like this third bursary to be used to support a poet or writer who identifies as disabled and is in need of financial assistance to access the festival.
Christine says:
I’m delighted to be associated with this project, and to support both poetry and access for all. My late partner became very disabled, and we trundled to many venues with wheelchair and oxygen. It was never easy but sometimes comic: in a Travelodge one night, J touched the panic button in mistake for the bedside lamp. It was really impressive how rapidly someone rushed into the room, only to find us sheepishly apologetic…
This writer would receive a ‘Festival Pass’ which would enable them to attend any of the readings and discussions during the weekend, and two nights bed and breakfast (Friday and Saturday night) at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal, where most of the festival events take place.
So to recap:
We have three places available this year for writers who are in need of financial assistance and wouldn’t be able to come to the festival without financial support.
All three writers will receive a ‘Festival Pass’ which would enable them to attend any of the readings and discussions during the weekend.
Two writers will be hosted by a member of Brewery Poets – please note you will need to have your own transport or be physically able to walk. We have received an offer of help with transport, but this cannot be guaranteed throughout the whole weekend. The festival venue is a 40 minute walk from the accommodation. You will be sharing a bathroom, but will have your own bedroom, which is at the top of a flight of stairs. Your host will provide breakfast but you will need to cover your own lunch/dinner. Travel to and from the festival is not included. Accommodation is offered from Thursday 6th September to Sunday 9th September.
One writer or poet who identifies as disabled will be accommodated at the Castle Green Hotel for two nights (Friday 7th September/Saturday 8th September). Breakfast is included but you will need to cover your own lunch/dinner. Travel to and from the festival is not included. The hotel room is an accessible room.
To apply email the following in ONE document to team@kendalpoetryfestival.co.uk
1. Please send in one document with your name, date of birth and email address and a short biography (100 words)
2. A 200 word statement outlining why it would be difficult for you to attend without a bursary and how you would benefit from the opportunity.
3. Contact details of a referee – someone who knows your work and knows you personally.
4. If you are applying for the place at the Castle Green Hotel, please make this clear in your application, and outline your specific access needs. This place is open for writers who identify as having a disability as defined by Disability Rights UK: A physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Deadline for submission is May 31st. Decisions will be made by mid-June and results announced on this website.
My name is Sean Hunt. I live in Ulverston and I lived for three years in Windermere previously. I am a poet and a songwriter I am known by Ann Grant at Verbalise where I have attended and performed at this open mic poetry event during the last four years. I am 68 years old and reliant on a very small government pension which limits my ability to attend Poetry events and to purchase books written by poets. I am also known by Caroline Gilfillan and Kim Moore. I usually try to make a point of apologising and explaining my inability to spend money on courses and books and therefore, my inability to support other poets and writers. I know some of the people participating in this festival and would enjoy the opportunity to attend. Of course, if possible I would stay in the Castle Green Hotel but I would also be happy to commute from Ulverston if someone else might benefit more from the opportunity to stay in Kendal. Ulverston is quite close.
Hi Sean – thanks for this. Please see the application details – you need to send the information to our email address. This makes it easier for the Directors of the poetry festival when going through the applications if we can have everything sent to the same place.