A FESTIVAL of Words is being held at Poole where the written and spoken word will be celebrated at a number of live events.

It aims to raise the profile of literature in the town through workshops, performance and participatory open mic activities.

Organised by Lit Up! with financial support from Borough of Poole, Arts Council England and Apples and Snakes, Poole Festival of Words is a programme of events taking place at Poole Museum and Scaplen's Court from July 23 to 26.

As part of a project between Borough of Poole and Bournemouth Borough Council, Lit Up! provides a hub for local writers who are keen to network and learn new skills.

The festival will offer writing workshops aimed at beginners and improvers, including animating characters for page and stage, writing for radio and screen and using internal dialogue to best effect.

There will be sessions tailored towards parents and children as well as a themed workshop exploring ways of animating objects on display at Poole Museum.

Performances will take place during the evenings, starting with a new spoken word showcase called Spread the Verb on Thursday July 23 featuring National Poetry Slam Champion, Vanessa Kisuule with support from Bournemouth Poet Laureate James Manlow and there will be an open mic for local poets to earn the chance to become a featured guest in a future show.

On Friday July 24, The Weevil in the Biscuit takes to the stage at Scaplen's Court when former local resident Robert Louis Stevenson's tale of the creation of Jeckyll and Hyde is told by award-winning playwright John Foster.

Dorset Writers' Network Open Story Slam will top the bill on Saturday July 25 giving the opportunity for local writers to present flash fiction works of less than 500 words in under five minutes, with the chance to become Poole Festival of Words Short Story Slam Winner 2015.

The festival ends with a full day of activities, advice and performance led by professional poets and performers.

“I’m delighted to see local talent and cultural heritage combine through a festival that marries stories from the past and present with the capacity to inspire voices of the future,” said Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for local economy, culture and leisure, Borough of Poole.

Tickets are available on the door and start from £5 with £3 concessions. More information from litupwriting.co.uk.