POETRY fans will soon have the chance to see some of the best Colchester wordsmiths in person.

Colchester Arts Centre will play host to the Christmas Poetry Bash.

Taking place on December 16, the event features John Cooper Clarke, Martin Newell and Luke Wright.

Tickets are being allocated by lottery, which closes on October 1.

From there, the tickets will be randomly allocated on the following day.

Once selected, guests have seven days to pay for their tickets.

If not paid within the timeframe, the tickets will be withdrawn and a new lottery held for those still on the waiting list.