BRITISH author and broadcaster Lemn Sissay has turned Chester's Storyhouse into a poetry book.

The celebrated poet is artist in residence at the cultural hub during this year's Chester Literature Festival, which runs until December 1.

As part of the festival, a brand new collection of his poems are emblazoned on the venue's walls.

Mr Sissay, whose poems can be seen at other buildings including The Royal Festival Hall and the Olympic Park, said: “Storyhouse is an inspirational building that welcomes thousands of different people in and makes them feel at home each new day.

"It’s wonderful to think my new Morning Tweets collection might inspire, delight, surprise its visitors over the coming year.”

Set to be installed for a year, Storyhouse will be like ‘stepping into a poetry book’ as Lemn’s poems fill the space for people to read, enjoy and share.

Gigantic poems have been installed across Storyhouse’s walls, floors, windows, balconies and mezzanine. There are poems in toilets, in the restaurant, across the library and theatre.

Artistic director Alex Clifton said: "We are thrilled that Lemn has joined us as artist in residence, he is one of the most influential poets of his generation. Storyhouse welcomes a raft of communities every day, so many kinds of people who we hope will connect with Lemn’s words."

All of Lemn’s installations can be viewed for free, and no booking is necessary.

Other artists appearing at the Chester Literature Festival include Nigella Lawson, last year’s artist in residence Hollie McNish, Joanna Trollope, Luke Wright, Jenni Murray, Robin Ince, Dolly Alderton and many more.

To find out more, visit storyhouse.com.

  • CHESHIRE West and Chester Council’s Building Control Service has been praised for its work on the design and rebuild of Chester’s Storyhouse.

It played a major role in Storyhouse winning the Best Change of Use of an Existing Building or Conversion category at the recent LABC Building Excellence Awards.

The panel of expert judges said: “The works at Storyhouse were complicated and challenging due to the mix of an existing listed art deco building and new large extension, which was constructed on historically important ground.

"Everything about this scheme was well thought through including accessibility and sensitivity to its original 1936 design. The scale of ambition was inspiring and the standard achieved was excellent all round.”

This national award follows Storyhouse being successful in winning the same category of the The North West Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence Awards earlier in the year.