On Thursday 19th of March, the Victor Hugo Centre celebrated World Poetry Day. Our annual poetry evening was held in the inspiring surroundings of the Hayward Room of the Guille-Allès Library.
The theme for the evening was the sea, in keeping with our theme for this year, The Toilers of the Sea.
The evening included a free drink and the Victor Hugo bookstall.
The event was well attended by a diverse group of supporters, including His Excellency Sir Richard Cripwell, local students and teachers, representatives from Guernsey Arts and The Victor Hugo in Guernsey Society.
It was wonderful to be able to provide a platform to teenagers and local poets to read their own work, alongside recitals of classical and modern poetry.
What struck me most was the great variety of recitals, with readings including poetry and prose, in three languages – French, Guernesiaise and English. The original contemporary poems sat comfortably alongside works from poets such as Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Racine, Helier D’Rocquoine, and Victor Hugo.
The atmosphere was convivial and inclusive, and served both as a lively introduction to new works and a welcome reminder of old favourites. Thanks so much to all that attended and contributed to this fun event.