@ Aye Write! Festival, Glasgow, Tue 15 Mar 2016

Jackie Kay has many reasons to celebrate. Prior to the performance the poet was in Edinburgh with the First Minister of Scotland, where she was announced as Scotland’s new Makar. Jackie Kay then made the short trip to Glasgow, where she is taking centre stage at the Aye Write! Festival to discuss poetry, writing and her new job as the nations laureate.

The poet, novelist, playwright and broadcaster has been on top form of late. A poetry collection titled The Empathetic Stone and a book of short stories Reality, Reality have been published recently and Kay’s one and only novel Trumpet is being reissued with an introduction from fellow writer and friend Ali Smith. Jackie Kay is following in the footsteps of Edwin Morgan and Liz Lochhead in undertaking the prestigious role of Scotland’s Makar. It is a title that the poet rightfully deserves and will most certainly embrace. Jackie Kay is a national treasure and the poet has an natural ability to bring audiences to tears with her heartfelt and honest words. That’s tears of joy and tears of pure emotion.

Jackie Kay was raised in Bishopbriggs and brings some Glaswegian humour and enthusiasm to the event. The poet is clearly on a high from the announcement earlier in the day and is brimming with energy and joy. Jackie begins the performance by reading several poems that cover the themes of family, home and identity. These topics constantly arise in the poets work and she looks at these subjects with her own unique and personal perspective. Poems such as April Sunshine and Between The Dee and The Don are read with passion, heart and personality.

Jackie Kay continues the evening by discussing her new role as Makar, stating that she will “take poetry to expected and unexpected places”. She highlighted the need for public readings at familiar locations, such as literary festivals and libraries and also mentioned that she would like to take poetry to hospitals, care homes, schools and other atypical locations. One thing is for certain is that poet is going to enjoy her time in the role and relish in the opportunities that it will bring.

It is the second week of the Aye Write! Festival in Glasgow and the fantastic array of literary events continues with many more poets, writers and novelists discussing their craft. The Festival concludes on Sunday 20 March with a full programme of events leading up to the final weekend.

Aye Write! is @ The Mitchell Library, Glasgow from Thu 10 Mar to Sun 20 Mar 2016