That was followed by the coolly accomplished Suzie Shrubb and Spencer Bundy, lecturers at the University of Chichester, playing in a diverse range of styles.

The poetry began with local poets reading some of their poems, but the highlight of the evening was Don Paterson, a renowned poet who has won all the major poetry awards including the 2009 Forward Poetry Prize for Best Collection and the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry.

In the calm of Ede's House, Don delighted the audience with readings of poems from his latest collection Rain, interspersed with amusing aphorisms and anecdotes.

Many of the poems, like 'The Swing' and 'Why Do You Stay Up So Late?' are deeply personal and yet touched each one of the audience. He is a warm and engaging performer and each of his two sets was concluded with him playing jazz guitar – this poet is also an accomplished musician. A stimulating and sumptuous evening.

Rob Batho