Metro brings poetry to the platforms

A Tyne and Wear cultural project is bringing poetry to commuters.

Five original poems celebrating the region’s Metro network are now on display at Longbenton Metro station, which sees over one million passengers annually. 

The works, created by local professional poets including Newcastle-based Anna Woodford, Jo Clement, Degna Stone, Harry Man and Christy Ducker, form part of a collaboration between Nexus and the Royal Literary Fund.

Anna said: “When I travelled through Longbenton during the pandemic, there were empty spaces in the advertising hoardings, and I thought that poetry might provide some comfort and distraction to people as we returned to our new normal.

“Nexus and The Royal Literary Fund have been fantastic in jointly supporting Poetry on the Platforms for five years now. 

“Since 2021, the poems have been changed at least once a year, with different themes and styles. 

“This new selection discusses various elements of the Metro itself, which none of them have done before, and I hope they provide interest and delight for local people as they go about their journeys.”

Edward Kemp, chief executive of the Royal Literary Fund, added: "We are delighted to be partnering once again with Nexus on this campaign.  

“We have supported many writers from the North of England throughout our long history and various programmes, so it is rather wonderful that we can bring attention to some of the talented RLF poets who have benefited from our support whilst inspiring the thousands of commuters who use the Metro every day.” 

Longbenton has become Metro’s unofficial “poetry station,” with the latest additions inspired by journeys on the network. 

Nexus also runs an annual poetry competition, opening each year on National Poetry Day in October, giving everyone the chance to contribute verse that could feature on the platforms.

Sarah McCourt, head of communications and marketing at Nexus, added: “Displaying poetry is a great use of the space at Longbenton, and the poems look fantastic in the station.

“We’re always keen to support local cultural activity which might improve our customer experience and provide points of interest for those using our Metro system. 

“Placing art and poetry in public places like train stations, where people don’t expect to see it, is a great way of introducing it to the public.” 

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