Join us on Sunday the 20th of April 2025 at the Beehive Inn in Edinburgh for an evening in celebration of the poet William Topaz McGonagall – a man commonly known as the worst poet ever to have lived.
McGonagall is famous (or perhaps infamous) for having compiled some of the very worst poems every to have existed – including his 1880 lament on the Tay Bridge Disaster.
“Oh! Ill-fated bridge of the silv’ry Tay,
I now must conclude my lay
By telling the world fearlessly without the least dismay,
That your central girders would not have given way,
At least many sensible men do say,
Had they been supported on each side with buttresses
At least many sensible men confesses,
For the stronger we our houses do build,
The less chance we have of being killed.”
This is, by a long margin, not his worst poem.
We’ll enjoy professional dramatic readings of his best-known works, and give a short presentation on his life and many accomplishments. Despite his total lack of any discernible poetic talent, McGonagall had a rich and interesting artistic life filled with many accomplishment, some more superlative than others.
“Fellow citizens of Bonnie Dundee
Are ye aware how the magistrates have treated me?
Nay, do not stare or make a fuss
When I tell ye they have boycotted me from appearing in Royal Circus…”
We’ll also announce the results of our Best Bad Poetry Competition, and give a reverse address to the haggis. The night will end with a welcome drink, and a (virtual) piper to greet you as you leave (or stay for another drink if you like)!
Tickets are available via Eventbrite…
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