John Hegley - Exclusive poem for The Big Issue's birthday!

 
Poet John Hegley has given the Big Issue a fantastic 21st birthday prezzie – an exclusive poem written in tribute to our vendors.

He is one of dozens of British stars who have paid their own birthday wishes to the Big Issue, which hit the streets for the first time 21 years ago.

The offbeat bard wrote:

“Happy birthdaying,
Big Issue vendor
Here’s wishing Big Issuing splendour.

“May your shift be a thing
With the lift and the swing
On a mild metaphorical bender.”

Our bumper 21st birthday issue is out now. Wrapped in a stunning cover, it contains tributes to the Big Issue from all manner of the great and good, including Paralympians, literary titans and former Prime Minsters.

There’s also an interview with legendary screenwriter Jimmy McGovern, an extract from Neil MacGregor's new book, and an article that details what happened when Loose Women star Lisa Maxwell sold the Big Issue for a day.

Happy birthday to all our vendors across Britain!