Poetry in Aldeburgh 2026: ‘Infinite Worlds’

Versus Versus: Disability, Identity and Resistance with Rachael Boast and Dean Atta, Anthony Vahni Capildeo and Karl Knights  (supported by the Suffolk Book League) 

Friday 6th November, 15:15-16:30 at Jubilee Hall

Celebrating this landmark anthology, which presents 100 poems by deaf, disabled and neurodivergent poets, editor Rachael Boast will be joined by Dean, Anthony and Karl, who will be reading their own work as well as poems from other contributors.  

Founded in 2016, Poetry in Aldeburgh promotes reading and writing poetry across east Suffolk through an annual festival of readings, performances and workshops. It advances public education, builds partnerships, supports outreach in schools and libraries, and champions diversity through inclusive programming for all. To mark its tenth anniversary, the festival returns to Aldeburgh’s iconic Jubilee Hall from 5^th to 8^th November. The theme for 2026, ‘Infinite Worlds’, celebrates the poem as a portal for exploring many states of reality, possibility and imagination. The full programme will be launched later this month, with a mix of live readings, discussions, practical writing workshops, guided walks, art exhibitions and live music. 

The festival is delighted to present multi-award-winning headliners Malika Booker (who is also delivering this year’s Robin Boyd lecture, on poetry and the spiritual), David Morley, Yomi Ṣode and Joelle Taylor. The programme also includes the poetry of witchcraft with Helen Ivory, Camille Ralphs and Rebecca Tamás; Dante in the 21^st century; a tribute to Tony Harrison featuring Blake Morrison; a ghost walk led by Vik Shirley; Belgian poet Charlotte Van den Broeck and Korean / American poet Don Mee Choi; poetry on prescription from the Poetry Pharmacy (featuring King’s Medal winner Michael Laskey); spoken word and music from Kareem Parkins Brown, Georgie Jones and Zena Edwards; and a spotlight on the indy press Broken Sleep. 

The festival is pleased to have the support of the Suffolk Book League, who are sponsoring a reading from Versus Versus – a landmark anthology of 100 poems by deaf, disabled and neurodivergent poets – with editor Rachael Boast, and contributors Dean Atta, Karl Knights and Anthony Vahni Capildeo. 

Booking opens to Friends in late June and to the public in July. For more information (and details on how to become a Friend) please visit the website. 

Tamar Yoseloff