Folk music will be used to mark the work of a war poet at a special event at Swindon’s Central Library.

Pedal Folk will be performing In Pursuit of Spring and Edward Thomas next Friday, May30, as a tribute to the latter who was an accomplished writer who turned to poetry in 1914 prior to fighting in the First World War.

During Easter 1913, Thomas set off on a cycle ride of personal self-discovery across Southern England, hoping to reconnect with the countryside he felt he had become disconnected from. This journey was published in 1914 in his book In Pursuit of Spring.

He enlisted in the British Army in 1915 and was killed in action during the Battle of Arras in 1917, soon after arriving in France.

Pedal Folk will be performing the folk songs mentioned in The Pursuit of Spring as well as tunes from the areas that Thomas travelled on his journey a century ago.

They will also be composing new works, setting Edwards’ words to traditional folk melodies as well as composing some of their own songs.

The group consist of Robin Grey (guitar, vocals), Katie Stone Lonergan (violin) and Tim Graham (guitar, vocals) as well as a timely celebration of the work of Edward Thomas.

The performance starts at 7.15pm and tickets for the event are priced at £5, of £3 for under 18s, and are available from the Central Library Ground Floor Help Desk.

For further details contact Colin Curtis, Central Library Events Officer, on 01793 463782 or email ccurtis@swindon.gov.uk.