As a break from thinking about when / if it’s going to rain, wild fires, and the other delights of this strange and baking summer I’m looking towards the more temperate region of October and the Dobunni Festival in Stroud. Tickets are now available and there is a stellar line-up of poets taking part, PascaleContinue reading “Poetry Festival – Dobunni Rises”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Dirt Poetry Competition Shortlist
I’m thrilled to have made the shortlist for this innovative competition alongside a roll call of fabulous poets. Congratulations to my fellow shortlistees – Helen Bowell, Jessica Mookherjee, Kara Barlow, Linda France, Morag Anderson, Nasim Luczaj, Rachel Curzon, Rona Luo, and Yvonne Reddick. What a fabulous fillip for the weekend
Dirt Plantable Poetry Competition Longlist
I found out today that I made the long list for this incredibly inspiring poetry competition. I’m honoured to be alongside such a roll-call of fabulous poets. Congratulations to everyone who submitted – that’s a milestone in itself as poets know only too well – and a group ‘WOO HOO’ to my fellow long-listers.
Minx at Crafty Crows
Just a month to go to my appearance at Crafty Crows. I’ll be reading my favourite poems from Minx, Didicoy, and debuting some exciting new work… because I can! Wednesday, 5th August 2026, 7 pm to 9 pm.Hosted by Emma Clowsley There is an open mic with a generous 3 minutes for readers so doContinue reading “Minx at Crafty Crows”
Royal Society of Literature 2026 Fellows and Honorary Fellows
Congratulations to my MA supervisor Tim Liardet, my agent Elise Dillsworth, stablemate Leo Boix, and the lovely Sophie Herxheimer on their fellowship and honorary fellowship of the RSL. Here’s the RSL social media announcement…The 2026 Fellows: Arifa Akbar @arifa.akbar, Jake Arnott @jakearnottauthor, Joanna Biggs @joanouvelle, Dinah Birch, Leo Boix @boixleo, James Campbell, Lauren Child @laurenchildthatsme, Patricia Duncker, Melissa Harrison @m_z_harrison, SophieContinue reading “Royal Society of Literature 2026 Fellows and Honorary Fellows”
London Grip Reviews MINX
I have just read the poet Jess Mookherjee’s beautiful and sensitive review of Minx for London grip. As a poet, and especially one writing about such personal material, it’s always a pleasure when I hear that Minx has resonated with a reader and Jess just got to the heart of what makes the collection tick.Continue reading “London Grip Reviews MINX”
Dublin and Waterford
This time last week I was facilitating a workshop and later reading with Kerry Hardie and Eoin Devereux at Speak Your Truth‘s Poetry Lounge at Waterford Gallery of Art. We were ably hosted by Ger Duffy, Collette Colfer and Cathy Conlon. It was a broiling day, a pigeon’s nest outside the open window (complete withContinue reading “Dublin and Waterford”
Karen Downs-Barton Wins the John Pollard International Poetry Prize
I’m beyond delighted to be able to share news that I won the John Pollard International Poetry Prize. I’d like to thank Dr Linda Doyle and Trinity College Dublin, Stephen Vernon and the John Pollard Foundation, the lovely judges Professor Eoin McNamee, Una Mannion, and Seán Hewitt for welcoming me and this bestowing this wonderfulContinue reading “Karen Downs-Barton Wins the John Pollard International Poetry Prize”
Swindon Literature Festival
Join me with poets Zoe Brooks and Chris Horton at Lower Shaw Farm for the Swindon Literature Festival’s POETS THREE event. We’ll be talking all things poetry and reading from our recent book releases. Poets Three: KAREN DOWNS-BARTON, ZOE BROOKS, and CHRISTOPHER HORTON Presented in association with Poetry Swindon Prize-winning poet Karen Downs-Barton PhD isContinue reading “Swindon Literature Festival”
Minx and Magma
A whole year after my little Minx was launched upon an unsuspecting world it was a joy to find a review of her in Magma magazine. The lovely Aoife Lyall (@aoife_lyall) gave a very thoughtful review alongside Rosamund Taylor’s Filly and Teresa Lola’s Ceremony for the Nameless. It was lovely to be alongside two poetsContinue reading “Minx and Magma”
Karen Downs-Barton 