New Forest performer Damian Kelly-Basher scoops Hampshire Poet role

NEW Forest performer Damian Kelly-Basher has been awarded the prestigious role of Hampshire Poet.

The appointment takes place every two years and is led by Hampshire Cultural Trust and the Winchester Poetry Festival. The post was previously held by Nazneen Ahmed Pathak.

Damian is a writer/performer and facilitator who has performed around the country, including at the Royal Albert Hall and the Womad Festival, working on creative commissions for councils and arts organisations and running numerous poetry events and workshops.

He has a background in the health service and has also worked in Central America and Eastern Europe.

Of his new role, he said: “I’ve always loved being around people, hearing their stories, sounds and the rhythms of neighbourhoods and different voices.

“As a writer, I just like to stroll around places, taking in their local history and culture, and seeing how we live now, with each other and our changing climate.

“I am thrilled to have been appointed the new Hampshire Poet and am really looking forward to getting to know all the different poetry and spoken word events, as well as the different writing groups, across the county.”

He added: “I really want the platform that being Hampshire Poet has given me to create spaces for anyone who feels like it to come along and have fun writing or performing their words.”

The position provides the chance for him to undertake commissions, lead workshops and give readings and talks throughout the county, as well as acting as an advocate for poetry and poets.

Victoria White of the Cultural Trust said: “We are excited to see what Damian will bring to the role with his wealth of experience and creativity.”