Best-selling poet hosts sell-out event at the University of Suffolk

Award-winning poet Lemn Sissay OBE visited the University of Suffolk for a special event sharing works from his latest collection; Let the Light Pour In.

The sold-out event, held at the University's Waterfront Building on Monday evening, explored some of the poems composed as part of his decade-long morning practice writing a short poem every day at dawn. 

Commenting on the collection, Lemn Sissay said: “There is no single way to give a poetry reading and sharing this collection with the audience at the University of Suffolk was an intimate experience which interspersed poetry with storytelling and humour.” 

Let the Light Pour In is a collection of witty and life-affirming poems shorts poems which also chronicle Lemn’s battle with the dark while demonstrating resilience and defiant joy.     

Lemn, who is British and Ethiopian, has authored numerous collections of poetry and plays for both the theatre and radio. His memoir My Name Is Why  was a number one Sunday Times bestseller and explores his childhood and experiences within the care system. He also secured the Hay Award for Poetry in 2024 and the 2019 PEN Pinter Prize. 

Professor Jenny Higham, Vice Chancellor, University of Suffolk, introduced Lemn Sissay at the event: “It was wonderful to welcome an acclaimed international poet and writer for a hugely entertaining evening of readings at the University of Suffolk. Lemn was so open about sharing his poetry and wider reflections resulting in an evening enjoyed by all.” 

The event followed a dedicated afternoon of workshops offering practical opportunities for aspiring writers to pen their own poems. 

The University of Suffolk hosts numerous events throughout the year including Open Lectures and topical panel discussions. Find out more about events at the University here.