"One of our best-loved poets, Armitage has the capacity to transcend the traditional barriers of verse producing work that is at once funny, informative, moving and always mesmerizing. Out of the Blue brings together three very different commissions, each in commemoration of a world changing event. Out ... (more)of the Blue is written from the perspective of a trader in the north tower of the World Trade Centre and was produced to commemorate the 5th anniversary of 9/11. We May Allow Ourselves a Brief Period of Rejoicing is inspired by a Winston Churchill speech and was written for the 60th anniversary of VE day. Finally, Cambodia, a radio-poem is set in contemporary Cambodia, 30 years after the horrors of the Khmer-Rouge. Tickets: Free, email events@foyles.co.uk to reserve"

Running time: 60 minutes. Price: £5. "Simon is a champion of the Northern arts and has worked extensively in film, radio and television. Exploding onto the poetry scene with Zoom he rapidly became the people’s poet. Simon will read from his latest memoir Gig, which is a warm and vivid ... (more)book about music, poetry and family."

Tickets are free but limited.