THE controversial selection of Bob Dylan for the Nobel literature prize, comes under the microscope at the next Poetry Teignmouth gathering.

Members will discuss whether the choice is an insult to the name of poetry, demeaning the whole Nobel ethos, or a fitting tribute to a writer whose song lyrics form a unique 60-year-old record of social, international and personal history.

Ian Chamberlain, the co-founder, is posing the question: ‘Dylan is a successful hippy scribbler of pop songs but a lousy poet, or a truly great lyricist whose writing carries such weight it cannot be ignored?’

He added: ‘This is both topical and contentious, which is why we are doing it. Dig out your favourite Dylan lyrics, and let’s see if they stand the test of time, read off the page like poetry, and whether anybody is able to read his words without resorting to Dylan-esque phrasing.’

And he encouraged those attending to: ‘Sing if you feel that’s the only way to do him justice, and bring a band if you like – it will be a lively evening.’

It all takes place at the Oystercatcher’s Cafe in Northumberland Place on the evening of Wednesday, November 23.

Tomorrow, there is a writing workshop with Ian Chamberlain and on Saturday, November 19 with Jennie Osborne. The workshops will run from 10am to 4pm at the Pavilions. All proceeds from workshop fees will go towards the Poetry Festival in March.

The festival competition is now open, with full details on the website.