Award-winning poet and broadcaster Lemn Sissay will visit the University of Suffolk this March for a special evening of readings and discussion. The event, taking place on Monday 23 March at the Waterfront campus in Ipswich, will celebrate Sissay’s latest collection, Let the Light Pour In.
The book features short poems written daily at dawn over the past decade. Life-affirming, witty, and full of wonder, the collection reflects Sissay’s personal journey and his resilience in the face of adversity. His work often explores themes of identity, family, and the care system, drawing on his own experiences growing up in care.
Sissay, who is British and Ethiopian, is a prolific writer of poetry, theatre, and radio. His memoir My Name Is Why was a Sunday Times number one bestseller, and his Landmark Poems are displayed on buildings in cities including London and Addis Ababa. He has received an MBE and OBE for services to literature and charity, and was awarded the PEN Pinter Prize in 2019.
The University of Suffolk is also hosting Poetry for Life: An Afternoon of Workshops earlier on 23 March. The series of workshops, run in partnership with Poetry in Aldeburgh, will offer sessions on reimagining sonnets, exploring home and family, and drawing inspiration from the work of photographer and artist Eliza Stephens. The workshops are open to all, regardless of prior poetry experience, and include a free exhibition of Stephens’ work.
Dr Amanda Hodgkinson, Director of the University’s Centre for Culture and Heritage, said: “We are thrilled to host a really special afternoon of creativity at the University of Suffolk. These workshops are open to everyone, and all are welcome. They will be followed by an evening of poetry with Lemn Sissay, who will share works from his new collection in what is bound to be an inspirational evening of readings and conversation.”
Tickets for the events must be booked in advance via the University of Suffolk website. The evening with Lemn Sissay costs £20, while individual workshops are £15 each or £25 for two. Both events will take place at the Waterfront Building on 23 March, with workshops running from 1.30pm to 4.45pm and the poetry evening beginning at 5.30pm.
The visit highlights the University of Suffolk’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, creativity, and learning, offering opportunities for local residents and students to experience world-class literary talent firsthand.
