The McGregor Poetry Festival

Dear fellow poetry lovers,

After much reflection, our Festival Committee has taken the decision to no longer host our Annual event.

As many of you are aware, finding funding for the Arts in South Africa has become increasingly difficult with companies channeling their financial support into many varied social initiatives, many of which are in dire straits. It is also unreasonable, in the current financial climate, to expect poets to self-fund. Added to our budget deliberations was the fact that any coordinator, secretary and accountant cannot be expected to give of their time and energy without acceptable remuneration.

Needless to say, our decision was very difficult as our committee is emotionally invested in the festival, which has enjoyed a phenomenal success over the past decade. Each year it felt as if a family was gathering to honour and celebrate our mutual love for the art but also to enjoy one another’s good company. On behalf of our fabulous past committees I wish to thank all the poets who so enthusiastically embarked with us on what has been a fulfilling and heartwarming journey.

Even though there will no longer be an annual event, we are hoping that Temenos will always be a ‘home for poetry’. Should poets wish to organize their own gatherings or launches or concerts, or even take time out to complete a book or anthology, you are welcome to contact us to make special arrangements.

Thank you to all poets who generously contributed to making Poetry in McGregor a rich and meaningful annual event. Through you, we have contributed enormously to the pool of South African poetry.

Thank you too to all sponsors and supporters.

With warm caring wishes

Billy Kennedy

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