National Poetry Day, celebrated on October 3, 2024, in the UK, invites everyone to appreciate the art of poetry and its profound impact on mental well-being. This day is significant as it encourages individuals to engage with poetry, fostering creativity and emotional expression.
Originating from a desire to promote poetry, National Poetry Day is the largest mass celebration of its kind in the UK. The Forward Arts Foundation organizes this event, which sees participation from around 1.5 million people across schools, libraries, and cultural venues. The 2024 theme, 'counting,' resonates with the idea of reflection and expression.
Local events include readings, workshops, and social media celebrations, such as sharing poems on Twitter. A teacher noted, 'Taking part in national events helps build a sense of pride, self-worth... For students with SEN, poetry is a way of expressing their feelings and creativity in a short accessible way.'
With its roots in the belief that poetry can alleviate anxiety and depression, National Poetry Day not only celebrates words but also promotes community and mental health awareness.