Bursaries Available for Kendal Poetry Festival

I think in a former life I must have been some kind of creature that was active at night. Maybe an owl or something, as I seem to become much more energised at night. I’m writing this post at midnight, although I’ve scheduled it to go up at 9am in the morning as I’m guessing most people will be asleep by now.

First of all, I wanted to say thank you for the outpouring of support for my last post. The support that you gave in comments below the post and on social media was really overwhelming, and was just what I needed to bring me back from the feeling of loneliness that was threatening to take over. I was really nervous about speaking out again, about posting the blog but I’m so glad I did now, so thank you to everyone that read and commented.

Below you will find information about a new project that Kendal Poetry Festival is piloting this year called Opening Doors. Information is below, but I would really appreciate it if you could share this opportunity amongst your networks, or maybe you would like to apply! There are only a few days left to get your applications in as the closing date is the 31st May, but it is a simple application process.

Opening Doors will enable us to offer a bursary for three writers who are in need of financial assistance and wouldn’t be able to attend the festival without financial support. One of the bursaries will be specifically for a writer who identifies as disabled.

All three writers will receive a ‘Festival Pass’ which would enable them to attend any of the readings and discussions during the weekend.

Two writers will be hosted by a member of Brewery Poets – please note you will need to have your own transport or be physically able to walk. We have received an offer of help with transport, but this cannot be guaranteed throughout the whole weekend. The festival venue is a 40 minute walk from the accommodation. You will be sharing a bathroom, but will have your own bedroom, which is at the top of a flight of stairs. Your host will provide breakfast but you will need to cover your own lunch/dinner. Travel to and from the festival is not included. Accommodation is offered from Thursday 6th September to Sunday 9th September.

One writer or poet who identifies as disabled will be accommodated at the Castle Green Hotel for two nights (Friday 7th September/Saturday 8th September). Breakfast is included but you will need to cover your own lunch/dinner. Travel to and from the festival is not included. The hotel room is an accessible room.

To apply email the following in ONE document to team@kendalpoetryfestival.co.uk

1. Please send in one document with your name, date of birth and email address and a short biography (100 words)
2. A 200 word statement outlining why it would be difficult for you to attend without a bursary and how you would benefit from the opportunity.
3. Contact details of a referee – someone who knows your work and knows you personally.
4. If you are applying for the place at the Castle Green Hotel, please make this clear in your application, and outline your specific access needs. This place is open for writers who identify as having a disability as defined by Disability Rights UK: A physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

Deadline for submission is May 31st. Decisions will be made by mid-June and results announced on this website.

For more information about the festival, including a full programme, please see www.kendalpoetryfestival.co.uk