Inspire Poetry Festival 2026 - Leanne Moden at the Retford Library Poetry Café

Leanne Moden at the Retford Library Poetry Café  

A welcoming afternoon in good company awaits at Retford Library's Poetry Café, where guest poet Leanne Moden will celebrate her new collection, Ophelia of the Bathtub, published by Big White Shed, with readings inspired by nature, myth and folklore. 

Exploring themes of autonomy, feminism, interpersonal power dynamics, and the relationship between nature, magic and humanity, these poems examine the constraints of modern life and the ways we can free ourselves from them. 

Enjoy refreshments, hear Leanne read from her work and, if you'd like, bring along a favourite poem to share. 

About Leanne Moden 

Leanne Moden is a poet, theatre maker and educator, based in Nottingham. She’s performed across the UK and Europe, including gigs at WOMAD Festival, Sofar Sounds, and Bestival on the Isle of Wight. She was a semi-finalist at the BBC Edinburgh Fringe Slam in 2018, and has shown work at Fourth Wave Feminist Festival, Trinity College Cambridge, and TEDxWOMEN UCL. 

In 2019, Leanne performed her first solo show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and her third pamphlet of poetry, Ophelia of the Bathtub, was published in July 2026. She is currently artist in residence at the National Civil War Centre in Newark. 

About Retford Library Poetry Café 

The Poetry Café is a relaxed and welcoming gathering for poetry lovers, both new and old, run by library staff. Bring a poem to share or simply come along and enjoy listening to others. Sessions cost £3, including refreshments, and take place quarterly on Mondays from 2–4pm. Please ask at the library to book your place.