Melksham Food Festival this week included, among such succulent delights as wine and chocolate tasting, a poetry night at the Art House Café, where I guested along with Kevan Manwaring. Open mic for local poetry fans, relaxed atmosphere, and warm welcome from organiser Susan Drew, all added to the pleasant ambience of this excellent venue. Memo to self: next time passing Melksham, make a detour and visit the Art House Cafe again.
Good too to meet Dee La Vardera, Festival 'Writer in Residence', who's been talking to people about their foody recollections, collecting such gems as "My mother was suspicious of a mushroom."

And now Frome is gearing up for its own summer celebration, the 10th Frome Arts Festival, 190 events in 10 days, from free street poetry performances and bands to big name comedians and concerts. Everything kicks off on July 9th...