ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ

The first female and openly gay poet to be appointed a laureateship, Carol Ann Duffy launched the literature festival with her new poem Politics, the first composition written while in the post, following readings from The World’s Wife and her last collection Rapture.

Reading to a packed audience, her latest poem is taken as a sarcastic commentary on the effect the political world has on idealism, using phrases such as Tony Blair's "education, education, education" and Gordon Brown's "moral compass".

The poet has made a number of visits to the region over the last 20 years giving readings in Hull as well as Bridlington, referring to the city as being a β€œspecial place for contemporary poetry”.

β€œI first started coming [to Hull] in the old Bete Noir poetry readings, which were run by John Osbourne here.” said Ms Duffy.

β€œI come every year to read with other GCSE poets to the students of Hull.

So this just feels like business as usual and it’s lovely to be here.”

The Humber Mouth is the biggest literature festival in Hull and showcases authors, speakers and artists from the UK and around the world.

Other guests on the bill include: Kate Fox, a Poet in Residence on ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4's Saturday Live programme, Clare Allan, whose book Poppy Shakespeare was adapted for TV and awarded a BAFTA, comedian Barry Cryer and cartoonist Tim Quinn.

The literature festival runs until July 7th. For more information and a full programme of events, visit the website: