THE anonymous “Banksy of poetry” is due to step into the spotlight for a rare live performance at the Jersey Festival of Words.
Celebrated performance poet Brian Bilston – known for keeping his identity hidden online – will appear in the flesh at this year’s local literary festival.
“An Evening With Brian Bilston” will take place on Wednesday 24 September at the Freedom Centre, promising an hour of wit and wordplay.
Brian Bilston proves that poetry isn’t dead, it’s just hiding behind a book with a keen sense of humour
Pippa Le Quesne, director of the Jersey Festival of Words
Often dubbed the “Poet Laureate of Twitter”, Mr Bilston rose to fame in 2016 with his witty, satirical verse shared across the social media platform – now called X – where he has since amassed over 400,000 followers.
His work has since evolved into three poetry collections and the acclaimed novel “Diary of a Somebody”, which has been shortlisted for the Costa Book Award.
Jersey Festival of Words director Pippa Le Quesne said organisers are thrilled to bring Mr Bilston’s “distinctive voice” to the Island.
“Brian Bilston proves that poetry isn’t dead, it’s just hiding behind a book with a keen sense of humour,” she said.
Further information can be found at www.jerseyfestivalofwords.org.
Tickets for this year’s full event programme will go live on Monday 9 June.
