Local poets performed at a record-breaking 5,000 visitors  throughout the day at the Sounds In The Grounds Festival 2025 last weekend with over 1,000 staying from start to finish.

"I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you" said an organiser "for being part of Sounds In The Grounds Festival 2025.

Thanks to your talent, hard work and dedication, the event was a huge success - and we truly couldn`t have done it without you.

We welcomed a record 5,000 visitors throughout the day, with over 1,000 staying from start to finish - and that`s not even counting the crowds enjoying the music from the hillside outside the grounds!"

Headlining the spoken word was local poet Saida Chowdhury (pictured) with her poetry collective Saida & Friends.  Saida is a festival poet who had performed at the New Invention Summer Festival the week before with Wolverhampton MP Sureena Brackenridge.  

Poets performing spoken word with Saida & friends included Katie Victoria, Matthew Davies, Faith Thompson (Sabrina Poets) Worcestershire Literature Champion Pete Thompson (Sabrina Poets), Cheryl Ann Boot and Charlotte McDermott. Wolverhampton photographer Graham Stubbs attended as well to capture the moment on film.

Saida Chowdhury was born in Bangladesh and grew up in West London.  She graduated from Queen Mary University.  She got married and moved to Birmingham where she raised a family.  Her debut poetry collection is due to be published with a foreword by Sureena Brackenridge MP and endorsements from Junna Begum at Legacy WM, Wolverhampton Poet Laureate Kuli Kohli and Poets Against Racism.  

Saida is a member of the South Asian Women’s Writing Group and the Bangladeshi Artist Development Association.  She is an experienced workshop facilitator and an experienced spoken word performer.  She recently headlined for Offa’s Books with Kuli Kohli and then headlined at a book launch in Stourbridge - all on the same day!

"From the incredible spoken word and music performances - plus the  vibrant stalls - to the smooth staging and technical delivery - everyone played their part at this free festival" said an organiser.  

"Thank you to everyone who helped create somethi ng special for the community.  The positive energy, professionalism and creativity on display was second to none.

Thank you once again for being part of it.  We`re so proud of what we achieved together and can`t wait to see what next year brings."

Photo Credit - Saida Chowdhury by Charlotte McDermott