MEDIA RELEASE: Special reading by poet Les Murray

One of Australia’s greatest poets, Les Murray, will read from his new volume of poems, Waiting for the Past, at a special event on Saturday, 25 July, at Newcastle Region Library. The event is being hosted by Newcastle Writers Festival in partnership with the library.

Murray was forced to withdraw from his scheduled appearance at this year’s Newcastle Writers Festival in March due to illness, but promised festival director Rosemarie Milsom that once he was back on his feet he would visit Newcastle.

‘‘Les is arguably one of our most respected poets and to hear him read his own work is an experience not to be missed,’’ said Milsom. ‘‘He is very down to earth and his passion for poetry runs deep.’’

The reading will begin at noon in the Lovett Gallery in Newcastle Region Library. Murray will then take questions from the audience.

Maclean’s Booksellers will be selling copies of Waiting for the Past, which Murray will happily sign.

Tickets are $20 and are available from eventbrite.com.au.

There will be limited cash sales at the door.

The special one-hour event is part of the Newcastle Writers Festival out-of-season event calendar which brings a variety of writers to the Hunter throughout the year. For more information visit www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au

Media enquiries: Maryanne Church 0408 777 232.

Download a PDF copy of this media release.