An anthology detailing York in poetry, artwork and photographs will be published this week as part of the latest chapter of York 800 and York Stories 2012.

‘York: in poetry, artwork and photographs’ will include original artwork and historic photographs from the York City Archives, as well as a selection of poems about the city edited by John Coopey and Sally Guthrie.

The anthology includes the poem composed on twitter by a relay of 20 poets stationed along the route of the Olympic Torch relay in June this year, and features the work of the council’s Poet in Residence, York writer Oz Hardwick whose poem “Relay’ was inspired by the journey of the Olympic Torch as it steamed out of the city aboard the Scots Guardsman locomotive.

Many of the poets have also recorded their pieces, which will be available to buy in CD form.

The book and CD launches this Friday (14 September) with an event at the Guildhall, where authors and poets will be reading excerpts of their work, and others which have been set to music by the modern classical Sounds Lyrical Project will be sung by baritone Benjamin Lindley.

Other entertainment will come from local folk artists Katherine and David Crocker and the evening will feature a number of five-minute ‘open mike’ slots for other local talent to shine!

The anthology links with York Stories 2012, a community project for York 800 celebrations, which aims to encourage people to share stories that are personal and unique to the city of York.

The event will run from 7-9:30pm and is free of charge, guests can bring their own refreshments no ticket is required.