A STOURPORT ex-mayor has described the emotional moment he performed a poem in William Shakespeare’s former classroom in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Gary Talbot was invited to take part in the 60th annual Stratford Poetry Festival. The festival runs throughout July.

The Stourport town councillor recited seven poems, including In Flanders Field by John McCrae and works by Wilfred Owen, Lawrence Binyon and Charles Sorley in three locations in the town - the Guild Chapel, Harvard House and the Guild Hall - where Shakespeare is believed to have first learned about theatre.

Mr Talbot, a member of the Wilfred Owen Association - formed in memory of the poet who died in the final week of the First World War - said: “Stratford revolves around Shakespeare and I felt I was on hallowed ground because of the great man.

“I took it very seriously and I’m glad that I did go to the festival. There is a lot of emotion in poetry and when we are reciting our poetry, and particularly with the Great War, such a horrific war, we have to really put some feeling into it.

“That is how I approach it - I consider not just every line but every word and syllable. How would the poet have wanted this to be recited? I came away from the festival feeling very invigorated.”

Mr Talbot, of Gibbons Crescent, said he was also honoured to meet stage and screen actress Jane Lapotaire, who was reading poetry at the festival and signed the former mayor’s programme.