Each month Keith Fenton, a Leeds-based performance poet, broadcaster and host of Poets Talking Bollocks podcast, explores the events, people and debates shaping literary culture in the North. This month, he reflects on late beginnings and unexpected journeys, reminding us that it’s never too late to find your voice, push boundaries, and rise again.

Image: ‘The Dirt’. Image Credit: Natasha Dobson

Thank you to Natasha for letting me use the image.
(see https://www.instagram.com/n_j_dphotography?igsh=b3JzeXk4ZHprbnUz)

Thank you also to Mucky Pup Promotions who organised the gig at which the picture was taken.
(see https://www.instagram.com/n_j_dphotography?igsh=b3JzeXk4ZHprbnUz)

JOIN US IN MAY TO CELEBRATE OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY!
We’re so excited to be celebrating a special milestone this year.
HuddLitFest was founded in 2006 and we’ve come a long way since then. Join us this year from 6-17 May 2026 for a fabulous anniversary programme.

About the Festival
HuddLitFest is an award-winning Festival taking place annually in May, with community, accessibility and inclusivity at its heart. Join us in venues and online for a celebration of books and authors, poetry and performance – and much more. Meet your favourite authors, discover new talent and hone your own skills. Many free or low-cost events, including some hybrid and online events and some with live subtitling by Stagetext.

Winner of the Accessible and Inclusive award
at the 2022 Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards.

Click the link to see the brochure
6th May to 17th May 2026

Poetry Open Mic
With Keith Fenton & Aqeel Parvez

Plus guests
Vanessa Napolitano
Masego
Theo Dyroy

and booked slot open mic
(message to sign up)

2.15 pm to 5.15 pm

The Chemic Tavern (Woodhouse)
9 Johnson Street
Leeds,
LS6 2NG

Event by Sarah L Dixon

Special guest: Yorkshire Showcase!

Jen X (aka Jennifer Kerr) from Marsden performs spoken word and street in and around Huddersfield and Sheffield she writes on the stickiness of love, life and raging protest. Her published works are dialogues on the lived experience of transgender folk in the workplace in which she variously features as a dark angel laced with blunt raw verse.

Lateral Flow, the stage name of Tristan Dixon, is a UK political rapper whose work fuses sharp lyricism with anti-imperialist politics, class consciousness and direct-action activism. Known for uncompromising, politically charged hip hop, he has built a reputation in activist circles for using spoken word and rap as a platform to challenge state violence, colonialism and corporate power. Tristan's politics extend beyond music: he has been imprisoned in connection with a Palestine Action offence, following direct action targeting the UK’s links to the Israeli arms trade. His imprisonment has made him a recognised figure among supporters of political prisoners and pro-Palestine organising in Britain. As Lateral Flow, Tristan represents a strand of militant protest music rooted in resistance, community, and the belief that art should confront power rather than acquiesce to it.

and open mic

6.15pm to 8pm

139 Lane Top,
Linthwaite,
Huddersfield,
United Kingdom,
HD7 5SG

Lyrical Drama by Tim Brookes about five former club friends from Wakefield reflecting on love, loss and basslines.

Once you have listened to Tim's play, explore lots of great events archived at Chapel FM and find new upcoming events, too!

Inclusive, energetic poetry writing workshops run by Brave Words Artistic Director, Chris Singleton.

Each week we take part in a quick warmup before delving into multiple creative prompts designed to get your brain firing and your pen flying. We aim for you to leave the session with multiple first drafts that you can develop later in your own time.

Our workshops are open to all levels of writer, from first-time to jobbing professionals. Write Club is the perfect setting to get creative in a community dedicated to their craft, and supporting each other's work.

MONDAYs
11:00 - 12.30pm
Ages 18+

FREE

Space2
The Old Fire Station,
Gipton Approach,
Leeds
LS9 6NL

SOUNDBITES – Monthly Poetry Open Mic
Live in the Assembly Bar + Kitchen!

Readings by a different local published poet each month. And this month we're delighted to welcome MARK CONNORS, SANDRA NOEL and LIZ McPHERSON reading from Linger, the first Three Little Birds title from Yaffle.

MARK is managing editor at Yaffle and is a published poet and novelist as well as the former host at Wordclub.

SANDRA is an award-winning poet from Jersey whose work has been widely published and has also appeared on buses!

LIZ is co-organiser at Rhubarb Poetry Open Mic in Shipley and rep for Heartlines Stanza in Headingley, Leeds. Her work has also been widely published.

OPEN MIC
We supply the mic – you supply the poetry
Put your name down for a 4 minute slot (first come, first served) or just come along and listen.
Open mic name listing from 6.30pm
Event begins with guest poet at 7.00pm
Everyone welcome. Free (donation appreciated)

Heart Assembly Bar + Kitchen,
Headingley Arts Centre
9 Bennett Road
Leeds
LS6 3HN

Join us in our creative writing sessions dedicated to nurturing and celebrating stories through listening, writing and sharing.

A photo of Boston Castle in Rotherham. It is overcast with clouds and there are people outside playing.
The group is well-established and friendly, and we're always welcoming new members! Pop along and say hello, there's no pressure or expectation.

Each of the sessions will include a space to talk to each other as well as some really gentle creative writing exercises to help us put pen to paper. You may write a few words, you may write a full poem or even a paragraph describing something important to you. We can allow some time and space to share our writing if we choose to and we can also share how it is to be in a space sharing our stories and writing on the page.

This session regularly takes places at Mowbray Gardens Library during the winter months. However this is the first session of the warmer weather, so we're exploring sites across Rotherham! This month's will take place at Boston Castle. Meet by the castle.

No ticket necessary, just turn up!

If you can't make this session, check out our what's on page for future dates.

10 am to 12 pm

Boston Castle
Boston Castle Grove
Rotherham
S60 2BD

Note: Photograph by James Mulkeen.

Come and joining us for some guided Creative Writing sessions, led by poet Mike O’Brien.

Mike O'Brien is a poet and the creator of Sixty Odd Poets, a collection of poems and thinkings. "Some of the poems are published, some of them are not, but all are deservant of a greater readership that they currently enjoy." His works often include humour and witty rhymes.

Perfect for beginners, those wanting to have a go or reignite that spark! Bring your curiosity, notebook and pen.

There are sessions by Mike O'Brien at this location on 12th May, 19th May, and 26th May, 2026

10 am to 12 pm

Wickersley Library
286 Bawtry Rd
Rotherham
S66 1JJ

Note: photograph by James Mulkeen.

Bring a poem or two - your own or your favourites

Share them with your fellow poets & poetry lovers

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to the Happy House, Masham

If you’d like you can bring something to drink (we’re not licensed)

This is a smallish room which can only hold 10 people so this ticket only admits ONE

There is also an online option.

7.30pm to 9pm

The Gallery
24 Market Place
Masham
HG4 4EB

Want to set aside time for your writing?

Becky’s writing hours, held online twice a month on the second Tuesday and last Sunday of the month, are designed to do just that.

Write at your desk, from your sofa, tucked up in bed – whatever works.
The format is simple: I’ll bring a warm up exercise and a series of poems and prompts so that you can dedicate as much of the hour to writing as possible.

This is a generative workshop so you’ll leave with a notebook full of seeds that you can take away with you to water and grow.

Feel free to come as often or as little as you’d like.

So price isn’t a barrier I am offering three options on Eventbrite - general admission, pay what you can (including concessions for over 60s, students and those on benefits) and entry by donation.
Hope to see you soon!

7 pm to 8 pm
Online

Spoken Word Night. Open Mic.
plus guests:
Mark Connors
Liz McPherson
Sandra Noel

email: underthelobbylights@gmail.com to book an open mic slot

From 7.30pm

The Lobby
1867, Westgate
Wakefield
WF1 1EP
(Opposite the Theatre Royal)

Creative prompts to get you writing in a supportive creative writing group led by a professional poet and playwright.

This month's creative prompts are on the theme of 'fools'.


Open to all levels of experience!

First Wednesday of the month,
6pm to 7pm
Online via Zoom

Pay what you can

Brave Words

Our next session of Other Poets will be on Thursday 14 May, 7.30pm. Our customary read-around will follow, so feel free to bring along a couple of your own favourite poems to share. Everybody welcome!

*Please note change of venue* Our next session of Other Poets will be on Thursday 14th May, 7.30pm at The Black Horse, 2 Westgate, when Sheila will present the poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson. Our customary read-around will follow, so feel free to bring along a couple of your own favourite poems to share. Everybody welcome!


7.30pm to 9.20pm

The Black Horse,
2 Westgate,
Otley
LS21 3AS

Join us for a evening of open mic poetry hosted by Dominic Berry with a different Guest Poet each month!
Welcome to the Hinterland Poetry Night! Join us for an evening filled with beautiful words, creative minds, and good vibes. Whether you're a seasoned poet or just looking to enjoy some spoken word, this event is for you.

Our poetry nights will take place on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Come early to grab a seat, order a drink, and get ready to be inspired by the talented guest and local poets taking the stage.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with the local poetry community, share your own work, or simply sit back and enjoy the magic of words.

Open Mic will operate on a first come, first signed up basis. Slots will be 3 minutes.

7pm to 10.30pm

Hinterland Alcohol-Free Bar and Café
16-20 Turner Street
Manchester
M4 1DZ

Testament and Matthew Bourne

Featuring special guests Corinne Bailey Rae and Far Cry Acapella!

Experience the visionary world of William Blake like never before, in this electrifying live performance from two remarkable musicians: acclaimed rapper, poet and world record-holding beatboxer Testament, and celebrated composer and award-winning pianist Matthew Bourne.

William Blake Remixed fuses Blake’s progressive work with captivating spoken word, rap and vocal melody from Testament, and spectral music and live soundscapes from pianist Matthew Bourne. Expect a whirlwind mix of beats, song, jazz and poetry.

Long-time friends and fans of Blake – this show is a one-off, exclusive event, and is a must for anyone who are fans of William Blake – Britain’s most iconic artist and poet.

The show includes the duo’s versions of Blake’s Tyger, London, Poison Tree, and of course, Jerusalem among others. Whether you’re curious about Blake’s work or a long-time fan – this show is a must-see!

£17.50
14 May 2026
City Varieties Music Hall
Swan St,
Leeds
LS1 6LW

Open mic spoken word evening.

This month it's 'just us'. No guest is currently planned.

Coming in June, Patrick Lodge, who's new collection, 'There You Are' has just been published.

Start time: 7.30 pm

Doncaster Brewery
7 Young Street
Doncaster
DN1 3EL

Ink Spill #44: Poetry Workshop and Open Mic

Join us for an evening filled with creativity and poetry at the Head of Steam, Huddersfield - with a poetry workshop and open mic event where you can showcase your own poetic talents or simply enjoy the beautiful art of spoken word.

On Fri 15 May 2026, you are invited to a friendly night of poetry. Whether you're an aspiring poet or a seasoned wordsmith, this event is open to all. So grab your pen, bring your thoughts, and let your words spill onto the page.

During the workshop, you'll have the opportunity to write and develop your poetry - inspired by the theme. You'll be introduced to a variety of styles and techniques that will be supported by a variety of activities.

Following the workshop and a short hydration break, the stage is yours! Step up to the mic and share your creations with our supportive and enthusiastic community. Or simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the performances of other talented individuals.

Whether you're seeking inspiration, looking to connect with fellow poets, or simply want to spend an evening surrounded by poetry, Ink Spill is the place to be!

Agenda:

7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Themed poetry workshop
Hannah

8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Poetry open mic
Abbi, Hannah

Start: 7pm to 10pm

The Head of Steam,
Saint George's Square
Huddersfield
HD1 1JB

As part of our Spread the Word project we are delighted to be joined by Len Pennie!

Len Pennie is a poet who writes predominantly in the Scots language. She writes passionately about the promotion of minoritised languages, survivors of domestic abuse and the destigmatisation of mental illness. She is the author of two collections of poetry, both of which are Sunday Times bestsellers: poyums and poyums annaw. poyums won the won the Discover Award for Book of the Year at the 2025 British Book Awards.

The support will be a collection of local poets, who will be announced soon.

Tickets are pay as you feel in price categories £5, £8 or £10. Please pay what you feel you can appropriately afford.

Content Warning:
This event includes adult content and is recommended for ages 15+.

7 pm onwards

Grimm & Co.
Ship Hill,
Rotherham
S60 2HG

Note: photograph by James Mulkeen.

Discover the joy of storytelling in our friendly creative writing group Write Now.

No booking is required. Just turn up and start your creative journey with us.

The group meets twice a month to fuel inspiration and nurture your writing skills. With no pressure and all skill levels welcome, you'll find a supportive community where your writing voice can truly shine.

PAYF donations taken on the day.

2pm to 4pm

Northlight Arts Centre
31 Potternewton Lane
Leeds
LS7 3LW

Saturday 16th May 2026

Ian Harker
Philip Dawson-Hammond
Elaine Brooke
Open mic

2 pm -4 pm

CoActive Maker Space
The Ridings
Almhouse Lane
Wakefield
WF1 1DS

Halima Mayat
Founder of Jackanory, a spoken word and story telling event.
Facebook: Jackanory For Adults
Email:jackanory12 @ myyahoo.com
Youtube: @halimamayat6508

Do you enjoy Poetry / Prose / Short Stories / The Spoken Word?

Do you like Listening / Reading / Performing?

Then why not join our friendly, regular group ...

Talking Zebras

Turn up and say hello to the herd!

All are very welcome

2 pm doors, for a 2.30 pm start till 4.45 pm

The Liversedge
64 Leeds Road
Liversedge
WF15 6HX

Poetry, Short Stories & Prose
Featuring Local writers and poets.

Bring your own writing and join in or just come along and listen

No need to book in advance just us know you want to perform on arrival and you will be put on the list.

5pm to 7.30pm

Craft Bar
7 Northway
Scarborough
YO11 1JH

Verbose is Manchester's longest running spoken word night, based at the King's Arms in Salford.

We're back on Monday 18th May 2026 at the Kings Arms for a very special collaboration with Bad Betty Press.

Bad Betty is an award-winning independent publisher of new poetry, and curator of live literature events taking place across the UK. London-born, Nottingham-based, Bad Betty Press was set up in 2017 by Amy Acre and Jake Wild Hall with the aim of showcasing exciting and risk-taking poetry, supporting poets’ artistic development and celebrating stories less often told.

They are bringing three fabulous poets with them -watch out for our single posts to come with their full bios

Ashley Hickson-Lovence is the author of The 392, Your Show & Wild East. 'WHY I AM NOT A BUS DRIVER' is his first poetry collection - @ahicksonlovence

Hannah Silva is a writer and performer working in sound poetry, radio and experimental non-fiction. Silva’s first collection, Forms of Protest (Penned in the margins) was Highly Commended in the Forward Prizes. Crow, Pirate, Fly(Bad Betty Press) is their second poetry collection.
@hannah_silvauk

Photo credit – Romany Francesca

Keith Jarrett is an international slam champion and was selected for the International Literary Showcase as an outstanding LGBT writer. His collection, Hide Me Under the Blood and I Shall Be Satisfied is a PBS Spring recommendation.
@keithjlondon

Photo credit – Adrian Pope

Joining them will be Jake Wild Hall, an award winning poet and one half of Bad Betty Press. . He is a multiple slam champion and the Author of two pamphlets Solomon’s World and Blank.

His debut collection Alanis Morissette was published by Broken Sleep Books in January 2026.
@jakewildhall

As if this wasn't enough, we're also presenting Carson Wolfe, a Mancunian poet and Grand Prize Winner of The Disquiet Literary Program 2024. Their book Coin Laundry at Midnight, came out with Button Poetry in April 2026.
@vincentvanbutch

To enter the draw for a limited open mic slot, please email us btw 1st and 6th May - verbosemanchester@gmail.com

7.30pm - 9.30pm

The King's Arms
11 Bloom Street
Salford
M3 6AN

You’re invited to an evening of authentic stories & connection, where you can share your experiences and listen to others.

Hosted by Brave Words, we set a loose theme and create a relaxed, conversational space to chat, share stories and laugh together. By the end of the night you’ll have travelled through tales, empathy and connection to feel like a group of friends in someone’s living room.

This month’s theme is: Journeys! We’ll be chatting everything from worldwide travels to personal discoveries; your favourite bus route to life-changing departures; emotional journeys, spiritual pilgrimages, turning points, first steps or dreams of the stars. All stories are welcome.
You don’t need to be a performer – we won’t make you stand up or put you on the spot. It’s a super-relaxed evening of sharing with no pressure to speak.

Tickets are Pay-What-You-Feel, suggested donation £5-£10. Card & cash payment available on the night. All donations go back to Brave Words' work running theatre activities across the most disadvantaged communities of Leeds: www.bravewords.co.uk.

7.30 start. Finish 9.30 latest.
Third Tuesday of the month
Event Details
Starts at 7.30 pm

Location
Hoc Loco
Horsforth
Leeds
LS18 4QB

Presented by Flapjack Press & Manchester Libraries

Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word hosted by Tony Curry

Next:
Tuesday 19th May, With special guest Cathy Shaw

A free event
6.00pm - 7.45pm
(doors open 5.40pm)

Ground Floor Performance Space
Manchester Central Library,
St Peter's Square,
Manchester M2 5PD

In collaboration and hosted by UoS Poetry Society, join us in Raynor Lounge, Bar One on the third Tuesday of every month for Poetry Open Mic Night.

Whether you want to perform, or just enjoy the words, everyone is welcome - students & the public.

Free entry from 7.30pm.

Sign up in advance via Poetry Soc, or sign up on the night.

Bar One
Sheffield Students' Union
Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TG

Fun and friendly online creative writing workshops every month in 2026
These workshops are an invitation to pause and make time to play with poetry, write and connect with other writers, and nourish and expand your creative practice.

Join me on the 3rd Tuesday of each month for an hour and a half of exploratory writing fun.

Each workshop will be themed and we’ll look at three poems on that theme by poets we love, and have a go at some our own writing in response.

These workshops aren’t sequential, so you can come to as few or as many as you like.

Each one will open with a short freewrite, followed by our first poem, a short discussion, and an associated writing exercise, our second poem, discussion, and writing exercise, and our third poem, discussion, and writing exercise.

I’ll be writing along with you and there’ll be an optional sharing circle at the end for us to read out anything we’ve written, or share any other thoughts.

You’ll finish each workshop with three drafts to take away and work on, and some fresh ideas and inspiration.

6.30pm to 8pm

Online event

Hello you beauties! 🎉
We’re very happy to announce our next event, taking place this coming May 20th upstairs at the Golden Lion. As always, we’re looking forward to hearing from our wonderful troupe of open mic performers and our supportive audience members.

As always, arrive between 7:00–7:15 if you’d like to sign up for a 4–5 minute set (time slots will depend on numbers). See you there!!

Upstairs @ The Golden Lion
Fielden Square
Todmorden
OL14 6LZ

Share Urdu poetry with the aim of improving, vocabulary, reading and writing skills and sharing the love of Urdu poetry. Transliteration in English available for all poems shared.

16+ all under 18s must attend with parent or guardian

Next meeting: 21st May 2026 with Hafeez Johar

6.30 to 8 pm

Chaiiwala
854 Leeds Road
Bradford
BD3 9TX

urdushurdubradford @ gmail.com

Jodie's Bio
After not writing anything except emails and social media posts, I decided to go to university at 42 and did a degree in Literature and Philosophy, where I found out you could take creative writing modules. I then did a Masters in Literature and Creative Writing. I am currently in the early stages of a creative writing PhD, focused on Northern working-class women in Literature. I have had prose poetry published in Route 57, The Sheffield Review and Ourselves Reflected Back, the Flux anthology. I write poetry, short stories and memoir with a focus on the lived experiences of under represented people and communities, and believe everyone has stories to share.

Perfect for beginners, those wanting to have a go or reignite that spark! Bring your curiosity, notebook and pen! Preschool children and babies are welcome to come with their grown-ups.

Free. 16+

Thursday 21st May, 2026
There is a further session with Jodie Platts at the same location on 4th June, 18th June, 9th July

1:30pm - 3pm

Kimberworth Library
125 Church St,
Rotherham
S61 4EA

Note: photograph by James Mulkeen.

The Gym is an informal group offering constructive criticism on poetry work in progress. We meet on the third Thursday of the month at The Fleece, Otley, West Yorkshire.

Fee: nil, but bring several copies of the work for critique.

The format is friendly and casual and there is no obligation to use any of the comments. The poem is always yours!

A different chairperson presides at each meeting, ensuring that the forum always belongs to its members.

Usually, a word is chosen at the close of each session, which may be used as a prompt for future work. However, it is stressed that using the prompt is in no way obligatory and poems with any theme at all can be brought.

Starts 7.30 pm

The Black Horse
2 Westgate
Otley
LS21 3AS

FOLK & WORD

A free open mic session for all kinds of spoken word & acoustic music in York
Dates: 21 May - 16 June - 21 July

All welcome. SAFE, DIVERSE AND FRIENDLY. Entry is free with a purchase from the bar.
Sign up from 7 pm.

Welcoming writers and wordful acoustic musicians with original material who'd like to share their work in a WARM, APPRECIATIVE ENVIRONMENT.

We'll invite a writer and a musician to play host each month, and they'll bring a guest to perform as well.
Then the floor is open to everyone for an open mic session (sign up from 7 pm).

Bring a poem, a song, some new jokes, a monologue, a guitar, a voice. Try out fresh material or revive an old fave. Or just sit and enjoy the others!

NOTE: access is by stairs only, sorry: it's a listed building.

Sign up at 7pm starts at 7.30pm

Upstairs at The Artful Dodger
Micklegate
York
YO1 6LJ

Spoken Word Open Mic

Sign up on arrival.

Due to changes at the Blue Boar some Howlers nights have been amended. We apologies for the alterations and will return to a normal schedule in August. In the meantime the upcoming dates for Howlers are Thursday 21st May, Thursday 4th and 18th June, Thursday 9th and 30th July. In August we return to our usual schedule of the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month (13th and 27th August).

7.30 pm

The Blue Boar
5 Castlegate,
York
YO1 9RN

Musical Improvisation With Added Poetry
(laid back and chilled)
Featuring:

Elliott Pelucci
Graham Rhodes
Bryn Andrews

7.00pm to 9 pm.

Craft Bar
7 Northway
Scarborough
YO11 1JH

Join us for an inspiring evening of creativity. Everyone welcome.

Crunch a biscuit
slurp some tea,
Admire the rhyming poetry!

Take your turn to read aloud, or sit and listen to the sounds

£3 donation appreciated.

Light refreshments provided.

Honley Library
West Avenue
Honley
Holmfirth
HD9 6HF

Join us for some fun and focused writing before The Space Poetic open mic :)
Space Poetic Writing Club.

Part of The Space Poetic's mission is building community, and what better way to do that amongst poets than spend a fun and relaxed hour writing with friends.

I'll bring some poems I love, and a few prompts you can use if you need something to get you started.

Your welcome to bring something you're already working on, or a fresh page waiting to be filled with new ideas.

There'll be the option to chat, or to just get your head down - the room is big enough that we can split into small groups if chatty/less chatty people want.

Doesn't matter if you've been writing since you could first hold a pen, or never written at all, this is a safe space to come hang out and enjoy being creative together.

And if you're feeling brave you can share your piece (or any piece!) in The Space Poetic open mic afterwards!

6 to 7pm

Terrace NQ
43 Thomas Street
Manchester M4 1NA

Rhubarb #92 + open mic
Wednesday 27th May, 2026

Guest + Open Mic


Pay-as-you-feel
Join us for our 92nd Rhubarb at The Triangle. New readers are always welcome at our poetry & prose open mic, so if you've made it your new year's resolution to hear or share exciting new writing, you've come to the right place!

Rhubarb is a pay-as-you feel event that welcomes poetry & prose readers on an open mic in the first half, followed by a headline set from an invited guest. If you want to read on the open mic, please book with us when you arrive. We generally offer 10 open mic slots of up to 4 minutes (squeezing in a few extras when we can). As always, listeners are also very welcome

7pm for 7.30 start to 9pm

The Triangle,
47 Bradford Rd
Shipley
BD18 3DS

(Note poster is from last month's event)

This regular event takes places in venues across Rotherham, the April's event will took place at The Three Cranes on High Street. It's open to poets of all abilities and you're welcome to come and listen or perform your poetry.

You will be able to perform your own poetry at the Open Mic Night! This opportunity is for all abilities, we hope everyone feels comfortable enough to share in our space. As you arrive, let the host know you would like to perform.

General admission tickets are pay as you feel - £5/£3/Free tickets available.

This event is part of Spread The Word, a poetry project run by Flux Rotherham, including poetry writing sessions and open mics.

7pm to 9pm

The Three Cranes
25-27 High Street
Rotherham
S60 1PT

May's venue and date to be confirmed.

Note: Photograph by James Mulkeen

The Space Poetic is a monthly poetry gallery and open mic, held on the last Wednesday of the month at Terrace in Manchester's Northern Quarter.

And there's a Space Poetic writing club that meets for an hour to write together before the event (6-7pm).

7.30pm to 9.30pm

Terrace NQ
43 Thomas Street
Manchester M4 1NA

Overview
Unlock your voice with artist D3. A cozy writing workshop for all levels. 15 spots max—grab the 2-for-1 Buddy Deal today!

Ready to stop staring at the blank page and start flowing?

Whether you’re a secret poet, a bathroom singer of words, or just someone who wants to find more confidence in how they speak and write—this is for you. Led by D3, a professional working artist who lives and breathes the craft, this workshop isn't about "perfect" grammar; it's about finding your unique voice.

Join a small, supportive group (we cap it at 15!) for a session of creative exploration, inspiration, and real-world writing techniques.

From £8.83 to £15

6.30- 8pm

The Wardrobe,
6 St. Peters Square,
Leeds.
LS9 26th Feb

We are back!!! 2026

May - June Renewal ready, are you ready to share your poetry? To plant your new seeds.

A female-only open mic space to share your voice, your poetry.

The vibe is just awesome. Join us in person for the SisterVerse Open Mic a chill space where creativity flows and stories come alive. Whether you’re a poet, singer,spokenword artist or storyteller, this is your moment to shine. Join us, in a supportive, local welcoming space. Come and experience the magic up poetry.

We bring snacks and drinks, feel free to bring a contribution too.

(6.45 pm doors open) 7pm to 9pm

City Library Bradford
9 Aldermanbury
Centenary Square
Bradford
BD1 1SD

Chemistry returns to the Chemic on Friday 29 May with another night of poetry and spoken word, two brilliant headliners and our usual amazing open mic. The headliners FR (aka Fay) Kesby and Megan Pattie.

The events are themed on the elements of the periodic table. If you dare attempt the theme, it's Mn for Manganese. The theme is entirely optional, but we hope you might use it as a creative prompt to come up with some new work to reveal on the night.

If you want to sign up for the open mic, just ask host Joe Williams for a slot when you arrive. Open mic readers are drawn in a random order from the Box of Mystery, and we’ll keep going till the box is empty. We welcome everyone from first-timers to veteran performers, so if you want to give it a go, please do. Please stick to the time limit of 3 minutes (which includes any introductions and other waffle).

Entry is on a pay-as-you-feel basis. If you don’t feel able to pay anything, that’s fine. The guest poets will also have books for sale. No need to book a ticket, just turn up.
Doors at 7.15pm for a 7.45pm start. I hope you can join us!

The Chemic Tavern
9 Johnston Street
Leeds
LS6 2NG

Slam of the north is a fantastic annual event which brings together Unis to celebrate the amazing poetry from students across the north, over one exciting evening of competition. 6 Universities from across the region will be bringing teams and ‘slamming’ it out on stage.

This year, the Uni of Leeds Spoken Word Society are honored to host the competition! This is truly one not to miss.

The event is taking place in the riley smith theatre in Leeds University Union on Friday the 29th of May at 7:30pm.

7.30pm to 10 pm

Riley Smith Theatre
Leeds University Union
Lifton Place
Woodhouse
Leeds
LS2 9JZ

Bring your poems to read and share. Bring your friends to come and listen.

7.30pm to 10pm
Admission free

In the upstairs room of
The Empress
10 Church Square,
Harrogate.
HG1 4SP

(Due to Easter, there is no April meeting)
(Note the picture is advertising March's event)

Join us to share your poetry, favourite poems, or just listen and have a wonderful evening!

Do you want to share your poetry, your favourite poem, or just have an enjoyable evening? Join our poetry open mic night at Batley Library.

Everyone's welcome, whether it's your first time or your fifty-first time. We've always said 'Everyone's a Batley Poet', and we haven't been proven wrong yet.

Come along to perform a poem you've written, one you like, or just sit back and enjoy a cuppa and meet some new friends.

Tuesday 2nd June

7-9pm

Batley Library
14 Market Place
Batley
WF17 5DA

Open Mic
No ticket necessary, just turn up! All abilities are welcome, and everyone is invited to share or simply listen in.


Spread The Word is a poetry project that creates a safe space to share. We share our, and each other's, stories through talking, listening and writing.

Free.

Tuesday 2nd June

8 pm to 10 pm

Wath Tap Pub
49 High St
Rotherham
S63 7QB

Picture taken by James Mulkeen.

Join us in our creative writing sessions dedicated to nurturing and celebrating stories through listening, writing and sharing.

Each of the sessions will include a space to talk to each other as well as some really gentle creative writing exercises to help us put pen to paper. You may write a few words, you may write a full poem or even a paragraph describing something important to you. We can allow some time and space to share our writing if we choose to and share how it is to be in a space sharing our stories and writing on the page.

No ticket necessary, just turn up!

All abilities are welcome! Come and join us as we get creative with thoughts, words and a whole lot of good humour.
Free
2nd June, 2026
Further events are available with Ray Hearne at this venue, on 30th June and 28th July
2 pm to 4 pm

Swinton Library
Station St
Mexborough
S64 8PZ

Note: Photograph by James Mulkeen

A friendly space to write together

We meet on the first Tuesday of the month to chat, share, hang out, and maybe get some writing done; you'll find us upstairs at Saison.

Come join our friendly circle for some relaxed yet focused writing time; nurture your practice, meet new writers and friends, and enjoy spending time doing something you love with likeminded creatives.

While we have a bent towards poetry we also welcome writers of all styles, genres, and experience.

The sessions will start with a short chat, then there'll be plenty of time to get your head down and work, and at the end there'll always be an optional sharing circle.

There'll be several poetry collections, anthologies, and/or pamphlets available for you to look through, some pens and paper in case you didn't bring yours, and a few writing prompts in case you need a little inspiration to get you started.

Feel free to work on an existing project, or come ready to start something new.

Saison is a welcoming, queer friendly bar on Burton Road. They serve a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. There will be some ambient bar noise so feel free to bring headphones, earplugs, or whatever you need. This is a neurodivergent and queer friendly space open to everyone and supportive of all.

6 pm to 7.30 pm

Cost £5

Saison (upstairs)
236 Burton Road
West Didsbury
M20 2LW

On the first Wednesday of every month our back room come alive with the power of words. An open mic night for prose, poetry, comedy, music & much more. Plus a special guest speaker!
Starting at 7pm and completely free entry, come down and let your words flow

19.00 - 21.30 hours

The Horsforth Brewery and Taproom
143 New Side Road
Leeds
LS18 4QD

Take Part in the Timed Poetry Challenge write a poem of 30 seconds or 60 seconds and perform it on the night with a chance to win. This month's theme is, 'Going Somewhere' !

7pm to 9pm

City Library Bradford
9 Aldermanbury
The Broadway
Bradford
BD1 1SD

Open Mic - local prose, poems, stories

Make yersen at 'ome.
Everybody welcome (Even Southerners)

Next Meeting: 3rd June
then 24th June
and last Wednesday in the month after this.

7 pm to 10pm

Roadhouse Bar & Bottles
25 Laughton Road
Dinnington
S25 2PN

(Note the poster is for the April event)

Bring a poem or two to share with like-minded friends in convivial surroundings, or simply enjoy a drink and listen to the wonderful poetry on offer. Everyone is welcome!

19.30 hours to 21.30 hours

The Black Horse,
2 Westgate,
Otley
LS21 3AS

Prior to: the Big More Song event for June with Jake Wild Hall of Bad Betty Press, Kate Noakes and Faber New Poet, Rachel Curzon,

Rachel will be running a workshop 2 pm to 4 pm also at the 1 in 12 Club.

What: More Song ⛓️
Where: The 1 in 12 Club Library, Bradford City Centre 🔴⚫

4th June
2 pm to 4 pm

The 1 in 12 Club Library
21-23 Albion Street
Bradford
West Yorkshire
BD1 2LY

Big More Song event for June with Jake Wild Hall of Bad Betty Press, Kate Noakes and Faber New Poet, Rachel Curzon.

Rachel will be running a workshop 2-4 also at the 1 in 12 Club.

What: More Song ⛓️
Where: The 1 in 12 Club Library, Bradford City Centre 🔴⚫️
When: Thursday June 4th, 7-9 pm ⏰
How: £3 tickets / PWYC
Join us on Thursday June 4th from 7-9pm for More Song

Message for an open mic slot 🎤

Poster by @ben_brumpton 🖋️

7 pm to 9 pm
The 1 in 12 Club Library
21-23 Albion Street
Bradford
West Yorkshire
BD1 2LY

Open mic group.
With guest reader

First Friday of the Month.

7pm to 9pm

City Library Bradford,
9 Aldermanbury,
The Broadway,
Bradford,
BD1 1SD

Leeds Lit Fest 2026: 6th – 14th June

Leeds Lit Fest is back! Returning for its eighth year, the city’s award-winning festival of words and thought will take place across a diverse range of the city’s spaces and aims to bring together, and help develop, the city’s literary scene, with writers, poets and performers from the UK and beyond.

We were all driven by the idea that collectively we could help shine a light on what’s going on in the city related to literature, poetry and all things bookish. Also, along with music and the visual arts, we discussed how the Leeds Lit Fest could occupy more space in the city’s cultural scene and engage with diverse and marginalised audiences of all ages.

Current partner organisations include Hyde Park Book Club, The Leeds Big Bookend, MILIM, Leeds International African Arts Festival, Chapel FM, Leeds Libraries and The Grammar School at Leeds.

Follow us on:

Instagram: @leeds_lit_fest
Facebook: @LeedsLitFest
X: @LeedsLit
Bluesky: @leedslitfest.bsky.social
LinkedIn: @LeedsLitFestCIC
TikTok: @leeds.lit.fest
#LLF26

Poetry performance

‘Poetry is for Everyone’ – Join us for performances from a variety of male poets connected to Leeds. A continuation of the Men’s Health Unlocked - Men’s Poetry Anthology Project, led by Maz Sultan from Touchstone.

Surf through a number of genres as the men deliver their poems directly to the audience. Poems of loss, relationships, nature, identity and more. Be inspired by the men expressing emotions through creativity. A select number of interactive activities will also be available on tables.

Open to everyone (all genders). Free to attend, just turn up. No ticket required.

Part of Northern Man Festival 2026. For more info please contact mazs@touchstonesupport.org.uk or 07484 911 141.
Thursday 11th June
12:00 pm — 2:00 pm

Kirkgate Market Event Space adjoining Market Kitchen (in the food court).
Vicar Lane,
Leeds, LS2 7HY

The Albert next readings are back on 17th June, 2026 at 7.30pm to 22.00pm.
Reading are:
Steve Ely
Carola Luther
Sarah L. Dixon

7.30pm onwards

The Rat And Ratchet,
40, Chapel Hill,
Huddersfield,
HD1 3EB

This regular event takes places in venues across Rotherham, the June event will take place at The Cutlers Arms on Westgate. It's open to poets of all abilities and you're welcome to come and listen or perform your poetry.

You will be able to perform your own poetry at the Open Mic Night! This opportunity is for all abilities, we hope everyone feels comfortable enough to share in our space. As you arrive, let the host know you would like to perform.

General admission tickets are pay as you feel - £5/£3/Free tickets available.
Choose whichever selection you are comfortable with at: TICKET LINK

Refreshments (including alcoholic drinks) will be available at the venue.

Please note - This venue is old, so has some limitations. There are male and female toilets available, but there is no disabled toilet available. Access into the venue is step free. There is a RMBC owned car park next door, parking is free after 6pm. For any questions about access, please contact hello@fluxrotherham.org.uk

Spread The Word is a poetry project run by Flux Rotherham, including poetry writing sessions and open mics.

7 pm to 9 pm

Cutler's Arms
29 Westgate,
Rotherham
S60 1BQ

Note: Photo by James Mulkeen.

Spoken Word @ Dulcimer, Chorlton. First Thursday of the month. (After the break!) Free, friendly and supportive. Poetry, fiction, performance. First-timers encouraged!

Next meeting: 2n July, 2026.

Third Tuesday every month. 6.00pm - 7.45pm (doors open 5.40pm)

Dulcimer
567 Wilbraham Rd
Chorlton,
Manchester
M21 0AE

The Barnsley Word Circle - First meeting!

Guest Poet: Paul Brookes

Poems, Story Bites Whether you write, read, or simply enjoy good words, you'll be very welcome. No experience needed - just come and enjoy. A relaxed open mic for poems and 4 minute story bites. Hosted by Mac McKenzie

10th July, 2026

7 pm to 9.30 pm

Friendly, supportive and alcohol free. Tea, coffee, and biscuits available.

Staincross Christian Fellowship Church Hall
21 Sparks Lane
Staincross
S75 8AA

Poetry and spoken word

8pm onwards

Morley Live
1 Beryl Burton Gardens
Morley
LS27 9FN