POET Jonny Fluffypunk took to the streets to inspire Winchester people with his new ‘guidebook’ to life.
Jonny recently took to the High Street to promote Winchester Poetry Festival’s new book: Winchester: A Poetic History in Inconsequential Moments.
The book presents a poetic guide to Winchester’s history, incorporating quirky memories of people in their favourite Winchester spots.
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The release follows the success of the festival’s ‘Poet on the High Street’ feature, supported by the National Lottery Heritage fund, which began in June.
The resident poet brought a unique mix of stand-up poetry and performance to the city last Thursday, running pop-up poetry sessions and poetry workshops.
Jonny said: “I’m very proud to have been Winchester’s first Poet on the High Street. It has been brilliant connecting with the people of the city who have shared so generously their moments and memories, whether they be toddler tantrums, a pub where a relationship ended, or a moment someone sat on a bench in the Cathedral Close and shared a packet of Monster Munch.
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"I’ve loved sitting in cafes and writing poems for people; I’ve loved setting up a table in the street and gathering stories. I’ve been welcomed behind-the-scenes by shopkeepers and I’ve led people through familiar streets trying to inspire wonder in the mundane. I’ve loved taking poetry out to the people of Winchester and hearing their words in return.”
A National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £9,100 was contributed for the ‘Poet on the High Street’ programme, among other contributions from Winchester City Council, Winchester BID and the Town Forum.
Jane Bryant, chair of Winchester Poetry Festival, said: “Jonny has been a whirlwind of inspiration and a creative catalyst to help us all see Winchester and its nooks and crannies in a new light. As we walk around Winchester, we can carry this alternative pocket guidebook full of people's reflections on the often hidden heritage within the city.
"We are immensely grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Winchester Bid and Winchester City Council for their support for this transformational programme.”
A Poetic History in Inconsequential Moments was launched at P&G Wells bookshop, where the book can also be purchased.
Steve Scholey, manager of P&G Wells, said: “We have loved working with Winchester Poetry Festival’s Poet on the High Street. We were able to run poetry workshops in the shop, and it is great to read some of the results poems in this new book.”
Bespoke Biking, located outside the Brooks centre, was just one of the businesses that played host to Jonny.
Heather Evans of Bespoke Biking, said: “Jonny’s insights into the personalities and businesses of Winchester and of the moments of lives are beautifully captured in this book."
The organisation is already preparing for next year’s festival following the appointment of new artistic director Clare Pollard.
Projects coordinated by new Hampshire poet Nasneen Ahmed Pathak, as well as the Winchester Poetry Prize and work with young people will continue to take place throughout the year.
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