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The launch of Kingston’s new Poetry Hub saw a fantastic turnout, with Deputy Mayor Councillor Elizabeth Park praising the event’s role in strengthening Surrey’s cultural landscape.
On Tuesday, 16th July, 2024, Kingston Library hosted the highly anticipated launch of its new Poetry Hub, an initiative designed to inspire creativity and foster a love for poetry within the community. The event was a resounding success, with a large number of attendees gathering to celebrate the latest addition to Surrey’s cultural scene. The day was further marked by an official visit from the Deputy Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Elizabeth Park, who delivered an inspiring speech about the growing importance of community-based arts programmes.
A Cultural Milestone for Kingston
The launch event drew a wide range of poetry enthusiasts, local residents, and creatives, all eager to experience the new Poetry Hub. Held at Kingston Library, the hub promises to offer weekly poetry activities, from writing challenges and poem discussions to feedback sessions and collaborative reflection. The welcoming and supportive environment was on full display, with participants engaging in lively discussions and sharing their own poetic creations.
During the event, Deputy Mayor, Councillor Elizabeth Park delivered a powerful speech on the importance of initiatives like the Poetry Hub in strengthening community bonds. She praised the hub’s role in fostering creativity and providing a space for local talent to thrive.
Fostering a Love for Poetry Across Surrey
The Poetry Hub at Kingston Library is the second to be launched by the Surrey Poet Laureateship, following the success of the Staines Library hub earlier in the year. Adam Gary, founder of the Surrey Poet Laureateship, was delighted with the event’s success and expressed his gratitude to the community for their enthusiastic participation:
“The launch of Kingston’s Poetry Hub exceeded our expectations, with such an incredible turnout. It’s clear that there is a real hunger for creative expression and connection here, and we couldn’t be more excited to see how this hub will grow and evolve with the community.”
The Poetry Hub sessions, which will continue every Tuesday from 11am to 1pm, are open to writers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced poets. The inclusive and collaborative environment ensures that all participants can feel comfortable exploring their creativity, no matter their background.
A Hub for All
The Surrey Poet Laureateship’s mission to make poetry accessible to all was evident throughout the launch event. Attendees expressed excitement about the ongoing weekly sessions and praised the supportive atmosphere that the hub fostered. Beyond the weekly Poetry Hubs, the Laureateship’s outreach work continues to touch lives across Surrey, including through its school, care home, and prison programmes, which use poetry as a tool for connection, expression, and healing.
The Kingston Poetry Hub adds to this expanding network of creative spaces, allowing residents from all walks of life to share in the transformative power of poetry. Whether through public workshops or intimate writing sessions, poetry continues to bring Surrey’s diverse communities together in meaningful ways.
If you missed the launch event, don’t worry—the Kingston Poetry Hub will meet every Tuesday from 11am to 1pm at Kingston Library, and everyone is welcome to join. Whether you’re new to poetry or a seasoned writer, this is a space for creativity, collaboration, and connection. To learn more about the hub or other upcoming events, visit the Surrey Poet Laureateship’s website at www.surreypoetlaureateship.org.
Contact Information
For more information about the Kingston Poetry Hub and how to get involved, please contact the Surrey Poet Laureateship at info@surreypoetlaureateship.org or follow them on social media @SurreyPoetLaureate.
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