A CUMBRIAN town will resound to rhyming couplets and blank verse, music and conversation, as the first Norman Nicholson Festival takes place at the end of next week.

The two-day event, supported by the Arts Council, Millom Town Council, and Millom CGP Trust, will celebrate the work of the Millom's most famous son, the poet Norman Nicholson who lived in the same house in St George’s Terrace for his whole life, from 1914 to 1987.

Poets, musicians, academics and people who simply enjoy Nicholson’s down-to-earth writing will travel from places across the country.

Speakers are headed by award-winning poet Sean O’Brien, who will speak about his affection for Nicholson at the opening event held at Millom Network Centre at 11.30 am on Saturday June 29.