Kilims, lanterns and mezze, oh and poetry and music too: Poetry in the Persian Tent 1.

Today's first of five Poetry in the Tent events was fabulous - though I say it myself. Poets Liz Lochhead, John Glenday, Ryan VanWinkle and myself and the brilliant virtuoso on crumhorn and other weird wind instruments, John Sampson kick-started the series of poetry and music with an exotic Persian Tent background, lanterns winking,  kilims on the floor. And afterwards we indulged in mezze and delicious honey and mint tea in the persian tent cafe next door.

Tomorrow's line-up is just as starry with the beloved Jackie Kay and others.  The only disappointment is that  the folk singer, Lise Sinclair is fog-bound up in Fair Isle and won't be able to make it.  John Sampson has heroically agreed to stand in.

Here's a taster of what's to come in The Skinny online:

 http://www.theskinny.co.uk/