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STANZA Scotland’s International Poetry Festival boasts a world-class lineup ‘There’s a long tradition of poetry festivals in St Andrews,’ explains Eleanor Livingstone, director of the town’s current incumbent, StAnza. ‘It dates back to the 1970s, when the US writer Jay Parini, then studying at St Andrews University, started one.’ There were a couple of further attempts from poets Douglas Dunn and Nick Rowe, before the trio of friends Brian Johnstone, Gavin Bowd and Anna Crowe began StAnza in 1998. Guests at that first instalment included John Burnside and the Irish poet Paul Durcan, the latter of whom is on a bill this year that also includes Simon Armitage, New Zealand’s poet laureate Bill Manhire and American Alice Notley (pictured). Bedazzled, a dramatic tribute to Dylan Thomas; the Saturday night StAnza Slam; and an appearance by Fife-raised actor and poetry reader Clive Russell. Amid the 100-plus events across 23 venues, there will be two themes: ‘Unfinished Business’, which turns the spotlight on classic poets, and ‘An Archipelago of Poetry’, which focuses on island poets from around the world. ‘St Andrews is a great location for a festival,’ says Livingstone. ‘It’s not just a beautiful town, but there are also a range of diverse, atmospheric venues all within walking distance, and plenty of accommodation. We’ve also got a strong food and drink focus, as the festival develops each year.’ (David Pollock) ■ Various venues, St Andrews, Wed 4–Sun 8 Mar.
There are also a range of associated events over the five-day festival, including
50 THE LIST 5 Feb–2 Apr 2015
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