John Sampson tunes in

IN between some fine readings from a variety of performers, including makar Liz Lochhead, at Poetry in the Persian Tent this morning, musician John Sampson has been offering some well-received melodic interludes.

Performing on the flute, recorder and crumhorn, he mixed Scottish and other traditional tunes with improvisation - not least on 'Pastime in Good Company', which is supposed to have been written by Henry VIII ("a serial killer also known for being an English king.")

John Glenday, an internationally-known poet, rounded off a thoughtful and uplifting first Poetry at the Persian Tent session at St John's (Venue 127), as part of the Festival of Spirituality and Peace.

The others are each morning at 11am, 22-26 August inclusive. Just £10, with the money going to support development in Africa.