The Free State Veteran Poetry Festival
By Lerato Mpembe
The Free State Veteran Poetry Festival, organised by Charmza Literary Club in partnership with the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (PACOFS), is set to take place from 10 to 12 October 2024 in Bloemfontein. This landmark event will mark 20 years of poetry in the Free State, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate the region’s rich literary history and to provide a platform for emerging talent.
Background of the Festival
In 2003, a small group of 15 poets gathered at PACOFS with handwritten poems and a shared passion for poetry. This humble beginning sparked a literary movement that has since blossomed. Over the past two decades, 20 poetry anthologies have been published, countless poetry shows have been hosted, and Free State poets have gone on to perform on national and international stages.
The festival will highlight the significant contributions made by Free State’s veteran poets, who have been instrumental in shaping the province’s poetry landscape. These poets are the custodians of both the written and spoken word in the region, and their collective wisdom will be shared with young poets through workshops and performances aimed at nurturing the next generation of talent.
Festival Activities
The event will feature book launches, poetry workshops, and performances by 10 veteran poets who began their journeys in Bloemfontein in 2004. A key component of the festival is the inclusion of 200 Grade 8 to 11 scholars who will be trained by these veteran poets on how to write and perform poetry. Each scholar will be gifted with poetry books and art packages, fostering a connection between the younger generation and the literary traditions of the Free State.
Revitalising the Poetry Movement
The aim of the festival is not only to celebrate the achievements of Free State poets but also to revitalise the poetry movement in the province. By merging two generations of poets—those who have established their careers and those just beginning their journey—the festival seeks to create a vibrant literary community where knowledge and experience can be shared.
Charmaine Mrwebi, the festival organiser and founder of Charmza Literary Club, emphasises the importance of sustaining poetry as an art form and a career. She believes that the festival will play a crucial role in empowering young poets and keeping the poetry movement alive in the Free State.
Key Highlights
1. Veteran Poets’ Performances: The festival will feature live performances from renowned poets such as JahRose, Icebound, Hector Kunene, and Frans Makamole. These poets, who have been at the forefront of the Free State poetry movement, will share their journeys and provide valuable mentorship to up-and-coming poets.
2. Workshops for Young Poets: The festival’s workshops will provide young poets with the tools and inspiration needed to develop their craft. Veteran poets will guide the participants through the process of writing and performing poetry, helping them understand the nuances of the art form.
3. Book Launches: Several poetry anthologies will be launched during the festival, further cementing the Free State’s contribution to the South African literary landscape. These anthologies showcase the diverse voices of Free State poets, many of whom have gained national and international recognition.Fostering a Culture of Poetry
The Free State Veteran Poetry Festival is more than just a celebration; it is an initiative aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation for poetry among the youth. By providing a platform for young poets to showcase their talents, the festival seeks to ensure that the poetry movement continues to thrive in the Free State.
Through collaborations with PACOFS and other stakeholders, the festival will also contribute to the growth of the local literary scene. The event is expected to draw poets and audiences from across the province, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose within the Free State’s poetry community.
The Legacy of Free State Poetry
Over the past 20 years, the Free State has produced some of the country’s most talented poets. These poets have not only contributed to the province’s literary heritage but have also gained national and international acclaim for their work. The Free State Veteran Poetry Festival serves as a platform to honour these achievements and to inspire the next generation of poets to continue this legacy.
As the festival draws closer, anticipation is building among poetry enthusiasts and participants alike. With its diverse programme of workshops, performances, and book launches, the Free State Veteran Poetry Festival promises to be a milestone event in the province’s cultural calendar.
The festival will be held at PACOFS, located at 12 First Avenue in Bloemfontein, and will run from 10:00 to 17:00 daily. Tickets for the event are available for purchase online, with prices starting at R80 for general admission. For more information, visit the official PACOFS website or contact the Charmza Literary Club.
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