The oldest Slovenian town will host 27 poets from 19 countries, including Slovenian veteran Milan Jesih and Toon Tellegen from the Netherlands as special guests.

Evening recitals in the Vrazov trg square in Ptuj - given by the poets in their native language and accompanied by a Slovenian and English translation - will be followed by concerts, featuring singer-songwriter Zoran Predin, jazz singer Mia Žnidaršič and the groups Damar and Lollobrigida.

More than 50 events are to be held altogether to also include 10 other venues besides Ptuj. Apart from meetings with the poets and round table discussions, there will be a variety of exhibitions, talks, private readings, performances, as well as wine tasting and workshops for children.

The festival, organised by publisher Študensta založba, is also sponsored this year by Maribor, the European Culture Capital 2012.