Latest Events in Bishops Castle(August Updated)

We're very lucky in Shropshire to have some extremely talented writers local to us, and Paul Binding is one of these! We're delighted to be hosting the launch of his new novel-in-verse, The Cloud Messenger, and hope you'll join us to help celebrate. There'll be a short reading, a book signing, and the all important prosecco to toast the book! The Cloud Messenger brings together, in a continuous narrative poem, the two-day walk from Ludlow to Clun in Shropshire of composer Gustav Holst in April 1928, and the experiences in April 2024 of Pete Kempsey, Shropshire kite-shop owner, who has an evening assignation in Clun’s old pub, The Sun. Its account of Gustav’s walk originates in the letter he wrote Adeline Vaughan Williams, wife of his fellow-composer, Ralph, while Pete and his story form the subject of a previous novel of Paul Binding’s, After Brock. Above the Shropshire countryside both Gustav and Pete are aware of a travelling cumulus cloud like that the composer had honoured in the work he thought on completion his greatest yet, The Cloud Messenger (1910–1912), reflecting his absorption in Sanskrit poetry. The cloud carries rain but surely it also carries love. Paul Binding has made his home for over thirty years in Shropshire. He is the author of novels, a childhood memoir, studies of culture and literature and three solo books of poems, these last all with Shoestring Press. His interests are animals, music, Scandinavia and the life of the Welsh Marches. Information Source: Poetry Pharmacy- Deborah Alma | eventbrite

Immerse yourself in the power of poetry and bring words to life through visual art with Clae Eastgate. After the success of the last 'Painting Poems' workshop at Bishop's Castle Arts Festival in February, Clae is back with a summer session. In this workshop, you will explore the dynamic connection between poetry and painting, using mixed media to unlock new creative pathways. Let inspiration guide you as you experiment with diverse materials and artistic techniques to expand your practice. All materials are provided, and refreshments will be available throughout the day. You might like to bring a packed lunch or there are plenty of places to eat close by. Clae Eastgate is a portrait artist known for creating both projects and commissions for private clients, collectors, and institutions. She is particularly noted for her collection of portraits celebrating the lives and work of contemporary British female poets, including former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, former Maker Jackie Kay, TS Eliot Prize winner Joelle Taylor, Queen's Medal recipient Imtiaz Dharker, and award-winning poet Hollie McNish, to name a few. Several of these portraits are now part of the permanent collections in British public galleries and institutions. Her current project, Painting the Comedians, continues her exploration of individuals whose achievements and influence have sparked transformative change in our social history. ‘In my paintings, I am chasing the elements that define and shape the essence of that person. Each mark is a token, an expression, a nuance, which pieces together their story. My work serves as a celebration, a documentation, and a tribute to the marks people make on the world. Through art, I aim to honour their legacies and the profound influence they've had on shaping our society, ensuring their stories continue to inspire and resonate for generations to come.’ Clae also teaches A Level and GCSE Art & Design and is frequently invited to tutor on portrait courses, including BA Honours in Fine Art programs and masterclass summer schools. She divides her time between Shropshire and London, where she lives and works. Beginners very welcome! Access: Please note, because of the historical nature of the building, there is a flight of stairs up to the Distillery workshop space. Information Source: Poetry Pharmacy | eventbrite

When the world is falling apart around us, it can be hard to find the courage and self-belief to write. However, when surrounded by destruction and loss, one of the most rebellious and effective strategies for getting through is to create. In this workshop, poets Julia Webb and Rosie Garland show how poetry can help us come to terms with the past and help us reimagine the future - building beauty from adversity, and finding hope in unexpected places. The poets will lead a writing workshop and each do a short reading with Q&A at the end of the session. Tea or coffee and cake will be provided. Rosie Garland writes poetry, long and short fiction, and sings with post-punk band The March Violets. Latest novel, ‘The Fates’ (Quercus) is a retelling of the Greek myth of the Fates, and her first collection of short fiction ‘Your Sons & Your Daughters Are Beyond’ is out now (Fly On The Wall Press).In 2023, she was made Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, & Val McDermid has named her one of the most compelling LGBT+ writers in the UK today.Her new poetry collection ‘This Is How I Fight’ (Nine Arches Press) is out in June 2025. Julia Webb is a neurodivergent writer and based in Norwich. Julia has been published widely in journals and anthologies. She has won both The Battered Moons and the stanza competitions and has had two poems highly commended in the Forward Prize (2016, 2022). She is a poetry editor for Lighthouse – a journal for new writers. She currently runs real world and email poetry courses, and mentors for The Writing Coach. Her fourth collection Grey Time is published by Nine Arches Press in July 2025. Please note due to the historic nature of the building, there is a flight of stairs up to the Distillery workshop space. Information Source: Poetry Pharmacy | eventbrite