Performance poet Michelle Scally-Clarke launched the first Headingley LitFest with a loud, musical and enthusiastic event at Lawnswood School.
It was called a Poetry Slam, a competition, and the "slammers" were 12 and 13-year-olds from Lawnswood's year eight. They had been rehearsed by Michelle who herself performed briefly in the second half.
* Click here for more Lawnswood School news.Festival spokesman Richard Wilcocks – a judge along with teachers Donna Cartwright and Richard Raftery – said: "What's a festival without terrific young people like these? We must do more of this sort of thing next year. Michelle herself made a tremendous impact."
The group prize went to Lyndon Leonard and David Shutt from class 8AGH; and the best individual was Prya Lota. Michell Scally-Clarke declared: "These children can fly!"
The Slam attracted 300 people – students, parents, friends and visitors.
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