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StAnza brings a flavour of Flanders and the Netherlands to its 2018 programme

StAnza, Scotland's International Poetry Festival, is to bring a flavour of Flanders and the Netherlands to its 2018 programme, with a dedicated focus on the languages of the Low Countries: Dutch (as spoken in Flanders and the Netherlands) and Frisian (as spoken in Friesland, a province of the Netherlands). As well as showcasing poets working in each of these languages, the festival will have a selection of installations and exhibitions, giving audiences an insight into the poetry scene from this part of the world.

StAnza - Going Dutch

A number of award-winning Dutch, Flemish and Frisian poets will be among the big names from the literary world reading and performing at StAnza in March. The line-up includes Dutch Poet Laureate Ester Naomi Perquin,  Jan Baeke, Thomas Möhlmann, Frank Starik, Tsead Bruinja, Sigrid Kingma, Geart Tigchelaar, Lies Van Gasse, Maud Vanhauwaert and Andy Fierens. As well as events focusing on individual poets, the festival programme also includes various events celebrating Dutch, Flemish and Frisian poetry and culture.

Festival Director Eleanor Livingstone said: "We’re delighted to be bringing a focus on poetry from Flanders and the Netherlands to this year’s programme under the title ‘Going Dutch’ and look forward to welcoming Dutch, Flemish and Frisian poets to Fife, Scotland to celebrate the vibrant and diverse literary scene from the Low Countries.”

StAnza is one of the top poetry festivals in the UK, famous for its friendly atmosphere and international focus. Over five days, from 7th to 11th March, more than 80 readings, performances, discussions, poetry inspired installations and exhibitions and other cross-media performances will take place in a range of atmospheric venues in and around the historic and lively town of St Andrews, Scotland.

Feb 8th, 2018