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The People's Shipping Forecast

From Seamus Heaney, to Carol Ann Duffy, Radio 4’s has always provided inspiration to poets. As part of , Radio 4 reclaimed this ode to the nation with help from our dedicated listeners.

Radio 4 listener Sally Castle sent us this beautiful linocut.

How The People's Shipping Forecast was created

At 12:03 on Thursday 8th October, the poet Murray Lachlan Young read out his own poetic reimagining of this iconic verse. Using the rhythms, key words and phrases associated with the ships.

Murray Lachlan Young’s Shipping Forecast

Murray Lachlan Young performs his own poetic take on the Shipping Forecast.

Following this performance, we handed the reigns over to our audience with the following message: "Here is a unique chance to put yourself inside one of Radio 4’s most loved daily poems. If you can sum up your mood, or activities in 10 words or less, using the style of the Shipping Forecast, then we want to hear it."

We received hundreds of lines of poetry and Murray did the rest, weaving his favourite words into The People's Shipping forecast. It was broadcast live across the nation at 18:29.

The People's Shipping Forecast

Murray Lachlan Young performs The People's Shipping Forecast on National Poetry Day.

The poetry of the Shipping Forecast

  • Do you know your Viking from your Lundy? Can you pronounce Utsire correctly? Prove it. Take The Shipping Forecast Quiz!

  • In December 2013, guest editor of Today, Michael Palin invited the playwright to read the forecast. Feast your ears.

  • Listen to en exclusive poem, written as part of 6 Music Celebrates Libraries.

  • Sail to calmer waters with this collection of funny and poetic clips inspired by the classic show.

Explore your poetic side

  • Online exclusive spoken word sessions featuring Kate Tempest, Testament and Toby Campion.

  • Radio 4 tells the story of Britain through poetry, featuring Sir Ian McKellen, Prince Charles and the cast of The Archers.

  • Can you tell which wise words came from which Dylan?

  • Illustrator Alison Sampson on the inspiration behind the We British design.