LEDBURY has been labelled the 'beating heart of poetry' after another hugely successful festival which has boosted the town's economy. 

And Ledbury Poetry Festival organisers are already working on plans to make next year's showpiece the biggest one yet. 

This year's poetry festival culminated in the traditional celebration day outside the town's library, which was packed with market stalls and performers. 

The day was graced by an appearance from Ledbury's new MP, Ellie Chowns.  

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The festival finale also saw Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon fly over from America to Ledbury for an exclusive appearance. 

Poet Laureate Simon Armitage also read from his new collection Blossomise, while the Writer's Award winner Liz Berry performed The Home Child with violinist Ruth Angell.

The opening weekend of the festival included a school day event with Nicola Davies, where youngsters were able to write a poem about whales inspired by her book Star Whale. 

Ledbury Library enjoyed several stellar shows of performances and poetry including a visit from Alex Wharton, the Children’s Laureate of Wales. 

Mr Wharton entertained the audience with readings from his work and presented the ten winners of the Ledbury Young Poets Award with their prizes.

Becky Shaw, who helped to organise the festival, said: "This year's festival was absolutely wonderful, it was a real celebration of poetry and Ledbury. 

"The celebration day was such a lovely way to finish the festival. 

"We sold more tickets than we were expecting and it was great to see the local community and tourists travelling in engaging with Ledbury and our festival.

"I believe this year's festival has been our best ever."

Next year's Ledbury Poetry Festival has been confirmed to be taking place between June 27 and July 6. 

And Mrs Shaw said she was convinced next year's festival will be bigger and better than ever. 

She added: "Poetry is alive and well in wonderful Ledbury. 

"Next year's event will be better than anything we have done so far. 

"In the meantime, we have plenty on, including several big-name shows in the autumn and workshops lined up for throughout the summer holidays."