The Barn Poets have just celebrated their second birthday with a cake made especially for them by Beki, of The Full Stop Café at Bookbarn International, in Hallatrow.

Coffees were purchased from the café and slabs of cake enjoyed as the audience sat back and listened to a contribution of Simon Armitage’s poetry, and the members’ Open Mic.

Founding member, Shannon Turner, never ceases to be amazed at how quickly the group has grown. She says: “We are at least twenty strong every month, and growing. People are taking a real interest in poetry now.

“It is one of the fastest growing areas of literature in the publishing industry, so there is a real interest out there and a need for groups like ours.”

Next Tuesday, 18th June, The Barn Poets are hosting guest poet, Crysse Morrison, local poet, author and founder of the locally renowned Poetry Café in Frome, so this is a great opportunity to come and enjoy a cup of coffee and some top notch poetry.

Next month, on Saturday, 13th July, The Barn Poets are performing as part of the Midsomer Arts Festival in the Midsomer Norton Town Show. And then lastly, the final meet of the summer is at the Bookbarn on Tuesday, 16th July, before breaking until Autumn. So, hone your poetry skills and come along! Listeners and poets are welcome alike.

The Barn Poets meet on the third Tuesday of the month at the Bookbarn International at Hallatrow, except in August and December. The Full Stop Café is open from 6.30 p.m. for drinks and snacks, and closes for the readings from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.