Walsall  poet and playwright Ian Henery, who hosts The Ian Henery Show on Black Country Xtra,  featured in this year`s Rugby Literary Festival with a collection of poems he was invited to read for Friday Lates at Wolverhampton Art Gallery.  

Ian Henery has been a regular spoken word feature representing Walsall in the Wolverhampton Literature Festival since its inception and was also Poet in Residence of Walsall Parish Church before moving to Black Country Radio to host The Ian Henery Show.  

After featuring in the National Recovery Walk in West Park - which saw 4,000 people walk for recovery - and then Friday Lates in the Art Gallery on the theme of Recovery Month,  Ian was  invited to share the poems he read for Rugby Literary Festival on National Poetry Day at the Aviary Bar on the opening night of the Festival.

"Every year, National Poetry Day events bring people together to share in the love of poetry in local communities, schools, libraries and workplaces" said Ian.  

National Poetry Day is a celebration of the profound art of poetry, an art form that has the power to inspire, console, and captivate. This day honors poets, their craft, and the way poetry enriches our lives. As we approach National Poetry Day 2025, let’s explore the significance of this day, its historical roots, and how you can participate in celebrating the world of poetry.

National Poetry Day 2025 is a day dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the beauty and impact of poetry. It’s a time to appreciate the written and spoken word, the artistry of poets, and the myriad emotions and stories that poetry conveys. This day encourages everyone, from seasoned poets to novices, to embrace and share their love for poetry.

National Poetry Day was founded in the United Kingdom in 1994 by the charity Forward Arts Foundation. It was established to celebrate the richness and diversity of poetry and to promote its importance in our culture. Since its inception, National Poetry Day has grown in popularity and is now celebrated by poetry enthusiasts, schools, libraries, and organizations around the world.

"On National Poetry Day, the beauty of words and the power of verse take center stage" said Ian  "reminding us of the timeless appeal of poetry and its ability to capture the human experience."

 "Brought to you by Rugby First in collaboration with Rugby Borough Council and local author Lindsay Woodward, the festival promises a packed three-day programme that will celebrate storytelling in all its forms" said Ian Henery. 

"Whether you’re an established writer, you love getting lost in a good book, or you’re a budding talent early on in your literary journey, there will be something for everyone across this weekend of workshops, storytelling events, interactive activities book fairs and crafts."

Ian performed "A Poetic Interuption" as part of the Rugby Literary Festival with local writer and performer "BusyMrFizzy".  

"It was a night of fun interupted by random spoken word performances that included me getting up on stage with the Rugby Book Club and doing a rap version of "Ode To A Nightgale" by John Keates.