Our poet in residence for 2008 is Paul Farley. In keeping with our theme of WORK, Paul gamely agreed to do three ‘work placements’ for us. At the Anderton Boat Lift in Cheshire he spoke with the people who make the lift work; and at Eon’s landmark power station at Radcliffe on Soar in Nottinghamshire, visited the enormous cooling towers and space-age control room. At Great Sheephurst Farm in Kent, he talked to workers and to the farmer, and was interviewed by poet Patience Agbabi.

Paul Farley talks to farm worker Simon Smith about the fine points of apple picking. © Kate Wright-Morris at Colman Getty PR	Paul is interviewed by Patience Agbabi for a Radio 4 programme. © Kate Wright-Morris at Colman Getty PR

Come back soon to read Paul’s new poems based on these visits, and tune in to Radio 4 on October 9th at 11.30am to hear the programme, Blood Sweat and Tears, which includes his interview. You can also click here to see a selection of great e-poems including one by Paul, which you can send to someone free of charge.

Paul is keeping a blog in the run-up to National Poetry Day please click here to read it. On National Poetry Day, October 9th, he reads with Martin Espada at our main event, held this year in Liverpool, European Capital of Culture 08. The event marks the beginning of an exciting new literature festival at the Bluecoat arts centre. Click here for further details and to book tickets.