Jim was born and still lives near Liverpool in England. He grew up in Liverpool during the years of the Liverpool Sound and the Liverpool Poets and it is from this tradition that he developed his own unique style and voice.

He is the author of 57 books including books of poetry, books for children, and technical training manuals. In addition his CD "Down in Liverpool" a selection of poetry and music has brought Jim to the notice of a much wider audience.

In a career spanning 35 years Jim has won many accolades for his performances and writing. Recent awards include;

Silver Stake for Performance Poetry (Manchester Slam 2001)

Fante Prize for Literature (New Mexico 2000)

Poetry Super Highway Poet of the Year 2000.

Sefton Literary Competition prize winner.

San Francisco Beat Poetry Festival Competition, 1st prize and Judges Choice - October 2002.

His poetry has been widely published in magazines and anthologies and he regularly performs at poetry events and festivals in the UK and USA and he has been twice nominated for a Pushcart Award for his published work in the USA.

Jim runs courses in Creative Writing for the University of Liverpool, Edge Hill University College and the Workers Education Association.

In September 2002 Jim was selected to represent Liverpool at the Bristol City of Culture Slam.

October 2003 opened 'The National Year for Disability in Sport' for the BBC

DaDaFest Awards 2003 - see block on left.

2004

In January 2004 Jim became the Managing Editor of Poetry Kit (poetrykit.org) the extensive on-line poetry resource website.

July 2004 - Performs at two book launch events 'Remember the Kop' and 'Everton Eighties' for Merseyside Museums to tremendous acclaim.  His poem "Liverpool Is"  selected to be put on permanent display at Liverpool FC Museum.

In November 2004 Jim Bennett was asked to read his poetry for the Royal visit of HRH The Prince Edward to NWDAF Headquarters, Liverpool.

In December 2004 Jim won the DaDaFest Individual Performer Award for the second year in succession.

2005

An interview with Jim and a poem appeared in the UK national Newspaper, The Independent, in April 2005.

In the same month Jim gave a series of open air readings culminating with a reading in Hope Street, Liverpool in memory of the victims of Hillsborough.

September - A poem for Birkenhead, Jim appointed Birkenhead's Poet in Residence to help create a Poem for Birkenhead. Sponsor five arts cities working with WEA.


October 2005 - Jim Bennett and Paul O'Grady -
Launch of A Poem for Birkenhead

September 2005 - Jim honoured with the post of Poet in residence for Liverpool's Historic Waterfront and as visiting poet for New York's (US) Waterfront. A two year project to explore the bonds between the two cities.

December 2005 - Two of Jim's poems nominated for US top poetry Pushcart Awards.

January 2006 - Jim voted Poet of the Year 2005 by the readers of Western Literary Magazine, NY

December 2006 - Jim Receives two further nominations for US top poetry Pushcart Awards.

March 2007 - Jim wins European Champions Slam, in Brussels.

READING FOR A ROYAL VISIT - Nov 2004

Susan Hedges - Jim Bennett - HRH Prince Edward

(photo Leila Romaya)