Simon Armitage is Professor of Poetry at the University of Leeds. A recipient of numerous prizes and awards, his collections include Magnetic Field (2020), Never Good with Horses (2023), Blossomise (2024) and Dwell (2025).
There will be a book signing following the reading. Books and drinks will be on sale throughout the event.
Doors open 6.30pm; event start time 7.30pm.
Access: for tickets and more information, visit wordsworth.org.uk
For those experiencing financial hardship who would otherwise be unable to attend, five free tickets are available on a first come, first served basis - no questions asked.
Accompanying carers / personal assistants are admitted free of charge; please select the ‘1 Adult plus Free Carer / Personal Assistant’ option when making a booking.
If you have additional access queries please get in touch at [email protected] and we will do our best to help (photo Paul Stuart Photography Ltd).

A special festival service

You're warmly invited to our Harvest Festival service — a joyful celebration of the season’s abundance, with music from St Oswald's Voices, reflections, and a gathering of community.

A special commemorative service

Service begins at 10:45am with prayers and two minutes' silence, followed by prayers and wreath laying at the War Memorial on Broadgate Recreation Ground LA22 9RJ

Traditional readings and carols in a beautiful candlelit church. Mulled wine served after the service. Everyone is welcome.

Join us in Rydal to celebrate Christmas

A special festival service.

Join us on Rogation Sunday, followed by prayers in the churchyard for our community.

Rogation is an ancient church festival to seek blessing for a community and its sustenance.

Rogation Sunday prayer
God, teach us your children how to love your world so that we are careful stewards- of your creation. On this Sunday when we remember especially the countryside and all who work there, we pray for farmers, growers, all who tend the livestock and all who by their labour here and in every place, bring food to us.

A special festival service