Poets to join national celebration

Alexandra poet Michael Harlow reads from some of his works at a previous poetry event in Central Otago. Harlow is the headline poet for "The Poetry Event'' at Central Stories Musuem and Art Gallery on National Poetry Day. PHOTO: PAM JONES

Alexandra poet Michael Harlow will today headline a line-up of Central Otago residents for a celebration of a national day.

''The Poetry Event'' at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery in Alexandra would feature readings from local poets and characters on National Poetry Day, Central Stories general manager Maurice Watson said.

Harlow was known and respected nationally and internationally, Mr Watson said.

Other local identities and aspiring writers would also be reciting poetry, Mr Watson said. Some of the ballads of Central Otago poet David McKee Wright, about station life in the 1880s and '90s, would also feature.

Mr Watson said the event would provide a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere for anyone wishing to read some of their poetry.

The Alexandra Primary School will also be performing at the event, which invites people to bring along their favourite poem on the theme of water and add to a display wall at Central Stories.

The event will start at 5.30pm today.