Workshop leader: Giles Brown
Date: Thursday 29th January 2026
Cost £85 per person, including soup and sandwich lunch, tea/coffee
Workshop Description:
This interactive workshop invites participants to delve into the rich craft of poetry through a blend of close reading, creative writing, and collaborative discussion. Across the session, we will explore key poetic elements—such as meter, rhyme, sound devices, form, and structural techniques—and consider how each contributes to a poem’s themes and emotional impact.
Participants will examine selected poems in depth, identifying how poets use language with precision and intention. Guided writing activities will encourage experimentation with these techniques, allowing participants to apply newly learned concepts in their own poems.
In the afternoon, participants will take part in a variety of exercises to write, present, discuss, critique, and revise poetic works, strengthening both creative confidence and critical insight. Group discussion and peer feedback will further support the development of voice, skill, and expressive range.
By the end of the workshop, attendees will:
• Understand core poetic concepts including meter, rhyme, sound, form, and structure
• Recognise how these elements shape meaning and reader experience
• Practise using these techniques in original writing
• Refine their work through presenting, critiquing, and revising poems
• Gain confidence in interpreting, discussing, and crafting poetry
This workshop is aimed at beginners curious about poetry but more experienced writers are also welcome.
Bio
Giles Brown is a professional writer and published poet based in the Lake District.
An English Literature graduate, he has been writing for a living and creating poems and short stories for over 30 years.
Giles regularly performs his poetry at venues throughout the county, as well as collaborating with local electronic music producers.
He is a firm believer in the power of words to connect, release and help us develop as human beings.
This one-day course will help those making their first forays into poetry to learn and experiment with some of the key principles through close reading, discussion, observation and lots of writing.
Giles will make use of visual, audio and hands-on stimuli to spark the imagination and foster creativity.
