Calling all poets! Interchange Bradford Writers' Network needs you for its biggest ever literary celebration as part of Bradford Festival.

The group is staging a Day of a Hundred Poets at the Love Apple Caf in Great Horton Road, Bradford, from 1pm on July 12.

Interchange co-ordinator Ruth Malkin said: "We want to get 100 poets and other exponents of the fine art of words to perform their work. Whether you are a seasoned performer or a total novice, you'll be more than welcome.

"We're determined to keep going and not stop until we have our 100th poet."

The day will be the climax of a series of events being held at the caf as part of its own fringe festival called Project X.

Interchange, currently holding regular performances at the Love Apple on the last Thursday of the month, also has two other events at the venue during the festival.

Tonight sees another showcase of literary talent from 8pm. And on July 9, Interchange will hold an event called Poets Against Poverty as part of the caf's Third World Debt Awareness Week.

"In addition to our own work, we also present translations of work by writers from the Third World," said Ruth. "If you have something you wish to contribute, the open mic awaits you."

Interchange was formed 12 years ago as Bradford Writers' Work-shop by Bradford-based writers including Nick Toczek and Wild Willi Beckett.

The group decided to change its name this year when it switched its weekly writing workshops to a new day and venue. Workshops are held at 8pm every Tuesday at the Priestley Centre for the Arts in Chapel Street, Little Germany.

Interchange member Bob May-cock said: "It seemed a good time to change the name seeing as we were changing days and also moving from a pub to a proper arts centre building."

He said all writers, whether working on poetry, prose, journalism or scripts, were welcome to attend.

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