Steve Ely – Ted Hughes’s Heptonstall

We welcome Steve Ely, Director of the Ted Hughes’ Network, who recently led the Discovering Ted Hughes’s Yorkshire project, creating six literary trail maps that allow walkers to explore Hughes’s formative Yorkshire landscapes.

This event will follow from other events co-organised with The Elmet Trust celebrating Ted Hughes’s birthday celebrations.

Those familiar with his work know the importance of Heptonstall to Ted Hughes’s poetry.

Steve’s recent research, involving close readings of Hughes’s work, scrutiny of archival materials and walking the landscape, reveals new dimensions to Hughes’s relationship with the village.

It challenges assumed knowledge and debunks myths in the process of presenting a more nuanced and precise account of the importance of the wider Colden Clough landscape, that reinforces its importance to Hughes’s life and art.

Other Ted Hughes’ birthday events, including a screening of Sacred Place with a walk around Heptonstall earlier in the day and an evening of poetry reading celebrating Hughes’ poetry on his birthday on 17th August – book via The Elmet Trust’s Eventbrite.

Pay on Entry: £3 for Non-Members/Free to Friends of Heptonstall Members*.

Membership can be purchased in advance or on the evening.