StAnza: Scotland’s International Poetry Festival promises a rich mix of events that will appeal to audiences of all ages.

From 17-21 March over 50 world-class poets from Scotland, the UK, and beyond these shores will gather to take part in more than 80 events, all based in the historic town of St Andrews.

Topping the bill are some world-class talents: Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney, Don Paterson, Ben Okri,Vicki Feaver, Jen Hadfield, Matthew Sweeney, Moniza Alvi, Dennis O’Driscoll, Grevel Lindop, Kei Miller, and Linton Kwesi Johnson. And there will be poetry from beyond these shores: USA, Canada, Austria, Germany, Cuba and Spain.

StAnza 2010 is also the last for Festival Director Brian Johnstone, who steps down in May 2010. To mark the occasion, he has invited his personal ‘wish list’ of poets, some new, some favourites from previous festivals, who will feature in the series of Director’s Cut readings which he will introduce.

‘As this is my last StAnza as Festival Director,’ he says, ‘I am delighted to welcome back so many favourite poets and to have the opportunity to feature new poets whom I’d always hoped to invite to the festival.’

The Director’s Cut line-up includes: Colette Bryce, Elizabeth Burns, Anna Crowe, John Glenday, Matthew Hollis, Esther Morgan, Rebecca Seiferle, Mario Petrucci, Jacob Polley, Tom Pow and Jean Sprackland.

Poetry is celebrated in all its forms and the 2010 festival presents a plethora of art, music, poetry films and children’s events. Acclaimed artists Brigid Collins and John Bellany are among those showing work in a total of 12 poetry themed art exhibitions. There will be an evening of Shetlandic poetry and music, jazz-inflected poetry from Trio Verso and traditional baroque music from Galway band Dordán, who will accompany poets Matthew Sweeney and Moya Cannon in a special St Patrick’s Night celebration at the Byre Theatre.