Special weekend to honour Ottery poet begins today

Today sees the start of Ottery’s first ever literary festival to celebrate poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Over the weekend are a range of events are being held in honour of the famous Romantic born in the town in 1834.

Beginning with an official service at the Parish Church followed by refreshments there are guided walks around town with local historian Peter Harris from noon.

Tonight there is a special reading of perhaps the poet’s most famous work, ‘Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ at the library from 6pm to 7pm.

After is an evening presentation with sound and light featuring a history of Ottery St Mary Parish Church and its Coleridge connections. Tickets are still available for the event, which starts at 7.45pm, from Stagestuck and Tony at Bagpuss costing �5.

During both days there are exhibitions at Ottery’s art galleries, the Information Centre, the parish church and the Library.

Tomorrow there is another guided walk with Peter Harris starting at the information centre at 11am.

Following this the official anniversary lunch of Samuel Taylor Coleridge is being held at the Tumbling Weir hotel at 12.30pm.

Rounding the weekend off is a candlelit supper at the Normandy House restaurant in the town centre with readings of Coleridge works by local community members. To book a table contact the information centre on 01404 813964.

Also available from the centre are poetry Competition and Coleridge quiz entry forms.