Keats's sensual Gothic love story, written in January 1819, has become one of his best-loved poems. On St Agnes Eve, the feast of a virgin martyr, girls would traditionally fast and pray to receive a vision of their future husbands. From this myth, Keats builds a tale full of drama and contrasts, with Christian imagery set against some of the lushest eroticism.

Poets Julia Bird and Mike Sims will carry you through the poem in an interactive journey of deception, feasting and gifts, with readings from the Keats House Poetry Ambassadors.