The International Festival 'Poetry is in Bistrita' celebrates its 18th edition this year, bringing together Romanian writers and authors from eight other European countries.

The 18 edition of the festival will take place from 16 to 19 July, featuring guests from Spain, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, Ukraine, Croatia, Ireland, Bulgaria and Italy. According to the organisers, the programme includes public readings, concerts and creative writing workshops for young people.

'The International Festival of Poetry and Music 'Poetry is in Bistrita' gathers poets, musicians and art lovers from around the world. Every summer, the city of Bistrita becomes a space for creativity and artistic dialogue, offering poetry readings, concerts and memorable meetings with contemporary authors in a warm and welcoming atmosphere,' a message published on the festival's website reads.

To mark its 18th edition, the organisers also took stock of the festival's achievements so far: more than 300 participating poets from over 20 countries, more than 100 musicians and more than 30 special guests.

This year's edition opens on Thursday at 18:00 at the Bistrita Municipal Cultural Centre, where two awards will be presented: the 'Laura Albulescu' Award for Editor of the Year to Alex Ciorogar and the Bistrita Award for Literature to Octavian Soviany.

The special guest of this year's festival is novelist Filip Florian, who will join participants for a discussion on Saturday at 11:00 at the Bistrita Museum.

Alongside the public poetry readings, the organisers have scheduled two creative writing workshops on Friday and Saturday for 'young people with a passion for writing.'

The festival's musical programme will feature performances by byron, Norzeatic, Psihotrop, Omu Gnom, DJ Zicu, Dima Beliski Band and Italian group Suono d'Ajere.

Admission is free to all events. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Tina Dumitrescu; EN - writing by: Rodica State)

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