Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival: James Nash

James Nash at the Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival

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Writer James Nash performed poetry to music this morning (Saturday 26 October), as part of the Literature and Ideas Festival, accompanied to music by musician Mick Davis.

Held on the main stage, the performance included a number of poems written by James. When asked how he decided on his set list, James said: "We wanted to showcase a variety of poems to music and some not to music."

James, who was a teacher before becoming a writer, has spent time in Rochdale before holding writing workshops and readings as well as spending time in local schools.

"Things like this are fantastic. They certainly bring culture to towns with the variety of people involved," saidd James.

When introducing him to the stage, Norman Warwick said: "This man made me change my way of thinking about my writing."

Poems included 'Soft Covers', 'Fictional Welsh Aunt' and a number of sonnets, which was the first type of poetry that James was introduced to.

James said: "Writing poetry can be a battle and a struggle but every now and again you write a poem that just comes out completed and finished."

When asked about his performance, James said: "It was good but it is unusual when you are not used to performing to people."

James also took part in a question and answer session with the audience.

Passionate about poetry, James added: "When you write poetry you will often find that few minutes before it is completed where you find that ounce of joy about what you have created"

James also held a writing workshop for children aged 14 and over that involved writing sonnets.