Selby Poets’ Corner invites the town to share in the

WONDER of poetry this National Poetry Day

Selby Poets’ Corner is marking this year’s National Poetry Day with WONDER, a celebration of poetry inspired by the things that make us stop, look, think and see the world differently.

Taking place across Selby Library and Selby Abbey on Thursday 1st-8th October, the project will bring poetry out into two of the town’s best-loved public spaces, inviting people of all ages to read, reflect and contribute something of their own.

At Selby Abbey, visitors will discover a series of display boards featuring poems by members of Selby Poets’ Corner, all responding in different ways to the theme of Wonder, from the extraordinary things found in the natural world to the small, everyday moments we too easily overlook.

At Selby Library, more poems will be displayed alongside the POETREE, an interactive installation that will grow throughout the week.

Young and old alike are invited to add a paper leaf to the tree containing a thought, a few lines of poetry, a sketch or simply something that brings them a sense of wonder. As more people contribute, the POETREE will become a collective portrait of the things that inspire, surprise and delight the people of Selby.

Everyone is welcome to take part, no previous experience of writing poetry is needed.

Selby Poets’ Corner hopes WONDER will encourage people not only to engage with poetry, but to spend a little more time noticing the remarkable things that surround us every day.

The project forms part of National Poetry Day 2026, the annual UK-wide celebration of poetry, taking place this year on Thursday 1 October.

Event details

WONDER – Selby Poets’ Corner celebrates National Poetry Day
1st-8th October 2026
Selby Library and Selby Abbey

Poetry displays at both venues, plus the interactive POETREE at Selby Library.

Free and open to everyone.