There seems to be an influx of art events this month, and I’m not quite sure where to begin!

I’ve recently put my name down to help at the Lancaster LitFest (14th-23rd October 2011). Volunteers are always needed for distibuting leaflets, ticket-selling and ushering at front of house. Don’t be afraid to get in touch with them and get yourself involved. There are some great events this year, and I’m particularly looking forward to the debate on controversy in children’s literature with Adèle Geras, Melvyn Burgess, Celia Rees, and Paul Magrs (3:30 pm, Sunday 23rd Oct). Tickets are £7.50/£6 (concs.) and can be bought here under “Pushing Boundaries”.

Red Squirrel Press, of Newcastle, have announced their 2011 James Kirkup Memorial Competition. You can enter one poem of up to 40 lines, the deadline is 31st December 2011, and the prize is the publication of your own poetry pamphlet. Entry is free! This is excellent, and I’ll be thinking long and hard about my submission. More information here.

The Preston Mental Health Forum are working hard to promote positive mental health in the Lancashire area, and have arranged an evening of poetry readings at The New Continental, in Preston. Information about the event can be found here, as this is a great chance to do something to raise awareness, and get your own poetry heard.

This is just a selection of upcoming events, and I’m so glad that Lancashire is doing it’s bit to promote the Arts. Well dones and back-slaps all around.