Facing the current global outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19), thirteen UNESCO Creative Cities of Literature (Edinburgh, Heidelberg, Kraków, Kuhmo, Ljubljana, Manchester, Melbourne, Montevideo, Nottingham, Óbidos, Reykjavik, Tartu and Ulyanovsk) have taken their World Poetry Day events online with poetry readings, flash-mobs, videos, and publishing on digital platforms. The activities will honour poets and celebrate one of humanity’s most treasured forms of cultural and linguistic expression.

The UNESCO Creative Cities of Literature hope to bring moments of solidarity, joy and solace to the world and to leverage the power of culture and creativity in helping cities and communities during these difficult times.

Follow on Twitter and Facebook: #WorldPoetryDay

More information on initiatives from participating cities:

Edinburgh: https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk

Krakow:https://www.facebook.com/FestiwalMilosza/

Manchester: www.twitter.com/mcrcityoflit

Heidelberg: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6eXx3-ZR6_fsEeR8lSkvzg; https://www.facebook.com/events/238636480600022/

Melbourne: https://us04web.zoom.us/s/359937613

Reykjavík: https://www.facebook.com/BokmenntaborginReykjavik/

Nottingham: https://nottinghamcityofliterature.com

Ljubljana: https://www.facebook.com/mestoliterature/

Tartu: https://www.facebook.com/events/707199873148254/

Ulyanovsk: Follow the social media hashtag #WPDULSK20

Bucheon: https://www.facebook.com/BucheonUNESCOCityofLiterature/