RHYME and inspiration are promised at an event being held in Eastbourne to celebrate Black History Month.

East Sussex County Council’s library and information service is hosting a day of performance poetry at the Towner Gallery on Saturday, October 25 2014.

An afternoon event will feature a workshop where participants can learn how to craft their own piece of spoken word, find their voice and perform their lyrics, with award-winning performance poet Dean Atta.

In the evening, Mr Atta, who has written poems for the Tate Modern, National Portrait Gallery and charity the Damilola Taylor Trust, will perform his work alongside workshop participants.

Cllr Chris Dowling, county council lead member for community services, said: “This event offers a unique opportunity for local poets to learn from, and perform alongside a renowned spoken word artist.

“It’s also a chance for people who have never experienced live performance poetry before to try something different and enjoy an evening which promises to be inspiring and entertaining.”

The workshop runs from 3pm to 5pm and the £15 cost includes free entry to the evening event, where participants will have their chance to perform their work.

Participants will be asked to bring a couple of poems they would like to work on and places are limited to 15 so early booking is advised.

Entry to the evening event, which runs from 7pm to 8.30pm, is £3, and a licensed bar will be available.

More information is available and places can be booked by calling 01273 335383 or emailing abigail.luthmann@eastsussex.gov.uk