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Discover and explore Leeds Poetry Events and find more events across Yorkshire and beyond! List includes poets' readings, open mics, competitions and poetry opportunities. See what is on tonight and coming up over the next few weeks. Regular event details given for Leeds: in Burley, city centre, Headingley, Horsforth, Ilkley, Morely, Otley, & Woodhouse, as well as Bradford, Halifax, Harrogate, Huddersfield, Hull, Scarborough, Sowerby Bridge, Sheffield, Wakefield. Also Manchester and Salford! Poetry Events in Leeds and Beyond! Keep scrolling down to see the details of 71 current events listed! Please refresh this page to get latest updates! Click to see Events A to Z Click to see the Events Map Click on the pictures to see the poster full size Writing the North: Is it Really Too Late? – Column By Keith Fenton 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) 26 May 2026 Click to read the article PUBLISHED Click to read the article The Words Are Coming Our next open mic is a week on Thursday (the 28th) @ 7pm. We’ve got 12 slots (with a very loose 5 minutes each) available so if anyone fancies popping down and having a go email openmic@srws.org.uk 7 pm Showroom Cinema 15 Paternoster Row, Sheffield City Centre Sheffield S1 2BX 28 May 2026 Click to go the Showroom website PUBLISHED Click to go the Showroom website Pen Power! Creative Writing Workshops 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 28 May 2026 Click to go to the Eventbrite page PUBLISHED Click to go to the Eventbrite page Busy Corner Cabaret Music, poetry, theatre, cheap beer and more! Can there be more? There’s only one way to find out. Come and perform on our open mic. Enjoy the guest acts. Meet interesting people. Hosted by Jimmy Andrex! PAYF 7.00 pm to 9.30 pm Brook House WMC 221 Barnsley Road Wakefield WF1 5NU 28 May 2026 Click to go to Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to go to Facebook page Jackanory: - Friday prompts! Jackanory is now on a summer break until then follow the Friday prompts! Tap or click the the link to find out this this Friday's prompt. In-person Jackanory will be returning for the 13th year anniversary on Saturday 5th September, 2026. Guests to be announced 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 29 May 2026 Click to visit Jackanory's ko-fi page PUBLISHED Click to visit Jackanory's ko-fi page SisterVerse Open Mic 2026 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 29 May 2026 Click to go to the Eventbrite page PUBLISHED Click to go to the Eventbrite page Chemistry 25: FR (aka Fay) Kesby and Megan Pattie and the theme is Mn for Manganese. 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 7.15 pm for a 7.45 pm start. I hope you can join us! The Chemic Tavern 9 Johnston Street Leeds LS6 2NG 29 May 2026 Click to visit the Chemistry webpage PUBLISHED Click to visit the Chemistry webpage Slam of the North 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 29 May 2026 Click to go to the event webpage PUBLISHED Click to go to the event webpage Jackanory presents: Lucky 13 I am asking people to think about this: I know some people think 13th is unlucky? So I was wondering if you have lucky socks or something. Send me photos of your lucky objects. Write a bit about it, be as creative as you want. Write a poem, story etc. Then I plan to do a photography exhibition at CoActive Maker Space. Message me on Facebook at Halima Mayat (click link below) or email at jackanory12@myyahoo.com . The deadline is end of July. 30 May 2026 Click to go to Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to go to Facebook page URM Unrehearsed Mayhem Musical Improvisation With Added Poetry (laid back and chilled) Featuring: Elliott Pelucci Graham Rhodes Bryn Andrews 5.00 pm to 7 pm. Tamby's Bar 77-79 Castle Rd Scarborough YO11 1BH 30 May 2026 Click to go to the Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to go to the Facebook page Talking Zebras on Zoom 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 Every month when there is a fifth Saturday the group, which usually meets in The Liversedge in Liversedge, meet in an online Zoom group. Please go to the Talking Zebras website and email for the link. It usually happens around 7pm, but the exact time is to be confirmed, 30 May 2026 Click to visit Talking Zebras website PUBLISHED Click to visit Talking Zebras website First Draughts: Poetry & Spoken Word Monthly at Hop Hideout Introducing: First Draughts Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or someone who’s been scribbling in a journal and waiting for the right moment to share, this is for you. First Draughts is all about community, craft (beer and verse!), and creating a space that is genuinely open, friendly, and supportive. No judgment—just good vibes and great lines. • Where: Hop Hideout • Guest Host: tbc How to Get Involved 🎟️ Want the mic? 🎤 To secure your spot on stage, slide into the DMs of @HopHideout Or send an email (contact on our Instagram). Whether it’s a poem, spoken word, a short story, or a rhythmic rant, we want to hear it. Want to listen? 🍻 Audience tickets are FREE, but space is limited! Please grab your ticket via Eventbrite (click below) so we can keep track of numbers. We've also added a donation option if you feel you would like to support. Any donations raised will go to the event itself, for example, in the future we'd like to book a headline slot and make that paid. Open mic slots are available now. • When: Sat 30th May | 8pm to 10 pm Hop Hideout #G11 22 Cambridge Street Leah’s Yard Sheffield City Centre S1 4HP 30 May 2026 Click to go to Eventbrite page PUBLISHED Click to go to Eventbrite page Becky's Writing Hour 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 31 May 2026 Click to go to the Eventbrite page PUBLISHED Click to go to the Eventbrite page Brave Words - Write Club 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 - 12.30 pm Ages 18+ FREE Space2 The Old Fire Station, Gipton Approach, Leeds LS9 6NL 1 Jun 2026 Click to go to Brave Words website PUBLISHED Click to go to Brave Words website Monthly Poetry Night 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) 1 Jun 2026 No online page PUBLISHED No online page Batley Poets Open Mic 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 2 Jun 2026 Click to go to Batley Poets' Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to go to Batley Poets' Facebook page Poet's Nest Wring Club By Rachael Hill 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 £5 Saison 236 Burton Road West Didsbury M20 2LW 2 Jun 2026 Click to go to Eventbrite page PUBLISHED Click to go to Eventbrite page Spread the Word Poetry Open Mic - Wath Tap 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. 2 Jun 2026 Click to go to Spread the Word website PUBLISHED Click to go to Spread the Word website Spread the Word Poetry Writing Session with Ray Hearne – June 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 2 Jun 2026 Click to go to the Spread the Word Website PUBLISHED Click to go to the Spread the Word Website WordSpace Open Mic 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 3 Jun 2026 Click to visit the WordSpace Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to visit the WordSpace Facebook page Bradford Open Mic 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 3 Jun 2026 Click to visit the Bradford Open Mic Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to visit the Bradford Open Mic Facebook page Northern Voices 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) 3 Jun 2026 Click to go to Roadhouse Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to go to Roadhouse Facebook page Brave Words: Write Club 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 3 Jun 2026 Click to go to the ticket source website PUBLISHED Click to go to the ticket source website Otley Poets Live 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 4 Jun 2026 Click to see the Otley Poets Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to see the Otley Poets Facebook page More Song Workshop A workshop facilitated by Faber New Poet Rachel Curzon to raise funds for More Song. Join us on June 4th for an afternoon workshop led by Rachel Curzon from 2-4pm in The 1 in 12 Club Library. ‘Poetry and “the Between”’ is a workshop that explores some of the ways in which poetry can respond to and enact 'betweenness'. In the session, we will be looking at ghosts and hauntings, at points of slippage between worlds, at transitions and liminal spaces, and at the unsaid. We will also spend some time exploring the way in which we can create new meaning from fixed forms through erasure. Rachel Curzon is based in North Yorkshire. Her debut pamphlet was published in 2016 under the Faber New Poets scheme, and more recent work has appeared in The Poetry Review, The London Magazine, The Rialto, Magma, and elsewhere. She has been shortlisted for the Bridport, Oxford and London Magazine Poetry Prizes, and won the 2025 Poetry London Prize. Rachel was a New Northern Poet for 2025. Tickets for Rachel’s workshop are £7 and include entry to the evening’s readings where Rachel will read with Jake Wild Hall and Kate Noakes. Priority for the open mic will go to those in the workshop! 4th June 2 pm to 4 pm The 1 in 12 Club Library 21-23 Albion Street Bradford West Yorkshire BD1 2LY Poster by @ben_brumpton 🖋️ 4 Jun 2026 Click to go to More Song website PUBLISHED Click to go to More Song website Spread the Word Poetry Writing Session with Jodie Platts 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 4th June, There is a further session with Jodie Platts at the same location on 18th June, 9th July 1:30 pm - 3 pm Kimberworth Library 125 Church St, Rotherham S61 4EA Note: photograph by James Mulkeen. 4 Jun 2026 Click to go to Spread the Word website PUBLISHED Click to go to Spread the Word website The York Howlers 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 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 4 Jun 2026 Click to go to Instagram page PUBLISHED Click to go to Instagram page More Song 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 4 Jun 2026 Click to visit the More Song website PUBLISHED Click to visit the More Song website Talking Zebras 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 5 Jun 2026 Click to go to the Talking Zebras website PUBLISHED Click to go to the Talking Zebras website Beehive Poets Open mic group. With guest reader First Friday of the Month. 7pm to 9pm City Library Bradford, 9 Aldermanbury, The Broadway, Bradford, BD1 1SD 5 Jun 2026 Click to go to Beehive Poets Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to go to Beehive Poets Facebook page Write Now 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 5 Jun 2026 Click to visit Northlight Arts Centre webpage PUBLISHED Click to visit Northlight Arts Centre webpage Leeds Lit Fest 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 6 Jun 2026 Click to go to Leeds Lit Fest website PUBLISHED Click to go to Leeds Lit Fest website Wakey Wild Ones 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! 6 Jun 2026 Click to go to Chapel FM PUBLISHED Click to go to Chapel FM Soundbites This month SOUNDBITES and HEARTLINES writers are hosting a Leeds themed open mic. Bring your poem (1 per person) about Leeds to read and share. First timers or experienced, all are welcome. OPEN MIC We supply the mic – you supply the poetry 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 8 Jun 2026 Click to visit Soundbites' Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to visit Soundbites' Facebook page Cardigan Arms Open Mic Every second and fourth Monday of the month. Hosted by a rotating roster of local songwriters, the Open Mic at the Cardigan Arms is a welcoming and inclusive space for performers looking to try something new, old, borrowed or blue or none of the above. All performance types welcome. Free half pint for all performers. Performance slots can be booked in advance via events@cardiganarms.co.uk . There will also always be space for those turning up on the door - just make sure you get down for 7:30pm if you'd like to secure your preferred time slot! (Though this is primarily a music open mic, spoken word is welcome, too - Bob.) 7.30 pm 364 Kirkstall Rd, Burley, Leeds LS4 2HQ 8 Jun 2026 Click to go to the Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to go to the Facebook page Shared Stories Storytelling Night at Terminus (Meanwood) Our storytelling nights aren’t about well-honed, perfect performances. You don’t need to be a performer at all to share authentic experiences from your life. 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. 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 . Event Details: 9th June, 2026 Starts at 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm Please go to the website to check more details. Location Terminus Tap Room and Bottle Shop Leeds LS6 4HY 9 Jun 2026 Click to go to Brave Words website PUBLISHED Click to go to Brave Words website Patch City: a poetry reading Poets reading: Jay Gao, Maria Sledmere Alycia Pirmohamed Bonnie Hancell 7:30 pm, 10th June – Patch City: a poetry reading, SERF, 23-25 Wharf St, Leeds LS2 7EQ Unticketed. 10 Jun 2026 No website PUBLISHED No website Under the Lobby Lights Spoken Word Night. Open Mic. plus guests: Susan Darlington Pip Fowler Laura Graham email: underthelobbylights@gmail.com to book an open mic slot From 7.30pm The Lobby 1867, Westgate Wakefield WF1 1EP (Opposite the Theatre Royal) 10 Jun 2026 Click to visit Under the Lobby Lights Insta page PUBLISHED Click to visit Under the Lobby Lights Insta page Other Poets Our next session of Other Poets will be on Thursday 11 June, 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 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 11 Jun 2026 Click to go to the Facebook Event page PUBLISHED Click to go to the Facebook Event page Hinterland Poets Open Mic + Guest Poets 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 9.30pm Hinterland Alcohol-Free Bar and Café 16-20 Turner Street Manchester M4 1DZ 11 Jun 2026 Click to visit the Hinterland Eventbrite page PUBLISHED Click to visit the Hinterland Eventbrite page Manthology & More 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 11 Jun 2026 Click to go to Leeds Lit Fest website PUBLISHED Click to go to Leeds Lit Fest website Well Spoken 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 11 Jun 2026 Click to visit the Well Spoken website PUBLISHED Click to visit the Well Spoken website The Comedy Café The Comedy Café Bradford is back - and we're bringing the noise. Join us on Friday 12th June 2026 at 6:30pm at Azka Lounge, Bradford for a night packed with stand-up comedy from some of Bradford and Leeds' sharpest local voices, plus acts from across the UK. Your host for the evening is the brilliant DeeJay Khalda, keeping things rolling alongside a line-up that includes: 🎤 Bobby Jethro 🎤 Kash Kureshi 🎤 Amir Bux 🎤 Daniel Innis 🎤 Maxine Wade And if you've got something to say, sing, perform or confess — we're opening the mic. Comedy, poetry, spoken word, music — sign up on the night. This is a fully alcohol-free event in a welcoming, relaxed space. Whether you're coming solo, with family, or dragging your mates — everyone's welcome. 6.30 pm 📍 Azka Lounge 1260 Leeds Rd Laisterdyke Bradford BD3 8LF 12 Jun 2026 Click to go to the Ticketsource page PUBLISHED Click to go to the Ticketsource page Black-Led Arts Sub-Network Open Mic Night! Calling all Black creatives living and working in Bradford! Join us for a special Open Mic Night hosted by the Black-Led Arts Sub-Network, part of Bradford’s Cultural Voice Forum. This is your space to share your talent, connect, and network with other Black creatives in the city. Would you like a 5-minute slot to sing, read poetry, dance, or showcase something else? Get in touch and let your voice be heard. RSVP to tricia @ swirleducation.co.uk to book a slot or attend. Light refreshments available (please eat beforehand). 🗓️ Friday 12th June 2026 🕡6.30 pm-8.30 pm Theatre in the Mill Café area University of Bradford Bradford BD7 1DP Find the entrance from Shearbridge Road, opposite Mumbai Bites. It’s tricky to find so use the link below. 12 Jun 2026 Click to go to the Theatre In the Mill website PUBLISHED Click to go to the Theatre In the Mill website Poets Talking Bollocks Poets Talking Bollocks Presents is a vibrant and diverse spoken word event hosted by Keith Fenton, featuring three showcase acts and 18 open-micers from a welcoming and growing community. A spin-off from the legendary Poets Talking Bollocks podcast, hosted by local poet Keith Fenton since February 2024, it has developed its own growing and vibrant community, and given rise to connections and collaborations across the northern poetry scene and, thanks to a policy of bringing showcasers through from within the community, has been a springboard for developing poets across the region. Despite its raucous, "bear-pit" vibe, it boasts a knowing, welcoming and poetry-daft crowd which combines irreverent Northern humour with real support and compassion for readers who are at their most vulnerable. Open mic spots must be booked in advance by contacting Keith by email at keithfenton32@hotmail.com or via the Instagram page at instagram.com/poets_talking_bollocks Free but this month booking is required. 3:45 pm — 6:30 pm Note the one-off change in venue: Hyde Park Book Club 27-29 Headingley Lane Leeds LS6 1BL 14 Jun 2026 Click to go to the Leeds Lit Fest website PUBLISHED Click to go to the Leeds Lit Fest website Grand Plans Event by Sarah L Dixon Special guest: and open mic 6.15pm to 8pm 139 Lane Top, Linthwaite, Huddersfield, United Kingdom, HD7 5SG 14 Jun 2026 Click to visit Grand Plans Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to visit Grand Plans Facebook page Spread the Word Poetry Session with Vic Leeson – June 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 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! 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 to be confirmed Note: Photograph by James Mulkeen. 16 Jun 2026 Click to go to their website PUBLISHED Click to go to their website Folk & Word FOLK & WORD A free open mic session for all kinds of spoken word & acoustic music in York Dates: 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! Sign up at 7pm starts at 7.30pm Black Swan, 23 Peasholme Green, York YO1 7DE 16 Jun 2026 Click to visit Folk & Word website PUBLISHED Click to visit Folk & Word website Word Central Presented by Flapjack Press & Manchester Libraries Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word hosted by Tony Curry Next: Tuesday 16th June, 2026 , With special guest Ann Grant Our special guest is Barrow-born Ann Grant, the co-founder and host of Verbalise at Kendal’s Brewery Arts. She has been the South Cumbria Poet Laureate, and is a workshop facilitator who enjoys writing for wellbeing. Her poems have been included in exhibitions and music collaborations, and most recently in Survivor UK Zine, Ink, Sweat & Tears and Under the Radar. Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 2nd June via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk N.B. Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer - it is essential that you stay within this timeframe Performance slots are allocated on a 'first come, first served' basis from the stated booking time If they are already filled you will be offered a place on the reserve list A free event 6.00 pm - 7.45 pm (doors open 5.40 pm) Ground Floor Performance Space Manchester Central Library, St Peter's Square, Manchester M2 5PD 16 Jun 2026 Click to go to Word Central's web page PUBLISHED Click to go to Word Central's web page Happy House Poetry Night 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 7.30pm to 9pm The Gallery 24 Market Place Masham HG4 4EB 16 Jun 2026 Click to visit the Happy House Eventbrite page PUBLISHED Click to visit the Happy House Eventbrite page Poetry Workshops By Rachael Hill 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. 6.30 pm to 8 pm Online event 16 Jun 2026 Click to go to the Workshops Eventbrite page PUBLISHED Click to go to the Workshops Eventbrite page Albert Poets 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 17 Jun 2026 Click to visit Albert Poets website PUBLISHED Click to visit Albert Poets website Gobsh!te Hello you beauties! 🎉 We’re very happy to announce our next event, taking place this coming June 17th 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. Guest reader Poet, Chad Campbell 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 17 Jun 2026 Click to to Gobsh!te's Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to to Gobsh!te's Facebook page Urdu Shurdu 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: 18th June 2026 6.30 pm to 8 pm Chaiiwala 854 Leeds Road Bradford BD3 9TX urdushurdubradford @ gmail.com 18 Jun 2026 There is no online link PUBLISHED There is no online link Otley Poetry Gym 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 (Please do check the website as this date has not been confirmed with the organiser at this point) 18 Jun 2026 Click to go to Otley Poets Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to go to Otley Poets Facebook page Ink Spill #45 Poetry Workshop and Open Mic Ink Spill #45: 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 19th June, 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 19 Jun 2026 Click to visit Ink Spill Eventbrite page PUBLISHED Click to visit Ink Spill Eventbrite page Wordsmiths Open Mic 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 21 Jun 2026 Click to go to Craft Bar's Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to go to Craft Bar's Facebook page The Space Poetic Writing Club 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 7 pm Terrace NQ 43 Thomas Street Manchester M4 1NA 24 Jun 2026 Click to go to the Writers Club Eventbrite page PUBLISHED Click to go to the Writers Club Eventbrite page Rhubarb at The Triangle Rhubarb #93 + open mic Wednesday 24th June, 2026 Guest + Open Mic Pay-as-you-feel Join us for our 93rd 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 7 pm for 7.30 pm start. Finishes at 9 pm The Triangle, 47 Bradford Rd Shipley BD18 3DS (This date is yet to be confirmed. The poster is for last month's event.) 24 Jun 2026 Click to see Rhubarb's Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to see Rhubarb's Facebook page The Space Poetic 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). 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm Terrace NQ 43 Thomas Street Manchester M4 1NA (the poster is for last month's event) 24 Jun 2026 Click to go the Open Mic Instagram page PUBLISHED Click to go the Open Mic Instagram page Spread the Word – Open Mic Night June 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. 25 Jun 2026 Click to go to the Spread the Word website PUBLISHED Click to go to the Spread the Word website Spread the Word: Poetry Open Mic This regular event is 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 Cutlers Arms 29 Westgate, Rotherham S60 1BQ Note: Photograph by James Mulkeen 26 Jun 2026 Click to go to the Spread the Word Website PUBLISHED Click to go to the Spread the Word Website Leeds Caribbean & African Centre Open Mic Leeds Caribbean & African Centre are hosting an Open Mic Night at the Centre on Sunday 28th June, 6–10pm. Music, poetry, comedy, spoken word, all welcome. Free entry. If you’d like to perform, add your details here so we can include you in the line-up: Click the link below. Leeds Caribbean & African Centre 10 Laycock Pl, Leeds LS7 3JA 28 Jun 2026 Click to go to Google sign-up form PUBLISHED Click to go to Google sign-up form URM Unrehearsed Mayhem Musical Improvisation With Added Poetry (laid back and chilled) Featuring: Elliott Pelucci Graham Rhodes Bryn Andrews 7.00 pm to 9 pm. Craft Bar 7 Northway Scarborough YO11 1JH 28 Jun 2026 Click to go to the Craft Bar's Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to go to the Craft Bar's Facebook page Verbose MCR One of Manchester’s longest running spoken word events, Verbose, returns on Monday 29th June 2026 at the Kings Arms. Introducing our headliners for June! David Okodeh David Okodeh is an 18-year-old poet, actor and writer from Greater Manchester. Since winning The Poetry Place Slam at 16, he has since had poetry published in the British Library, gone on to win The Wirral Poetry Festival slam and has been a commissioned poet for The National Trust, BBC Film and The Imperial War Museum. Having performed at both the National Theatre and the West End, his writing taps into his youthful lens and Black-British perspective of today’s world. @davidokodeh Ty’rone Haughton Ty’rone (tuh- rone) Haughton is a poet, arts leader and campaigner whose work explores identity, social justice, and lived experience. Born in Jamaica and based in Leicester, he is the founder of Literati Arts and currently serves as Associate Artistic Director at Apples and Snakes. An exponent of spoken word, Ty’rone is known for blending powerful storytelling with activism. His acclaimed poetry show Made You Look challenges perceptions and celebrates Black identity. He has been commissioned by organisations such as The Trussell Trust, Deliveroo, and the Police Violence Reduction Network, and is working with Art Not Evidence to campaign against the use of rap lyrics as legal evidence. A long-time producer and organiser of live poetry events and development projects, Ty’rone plays a key role in nurturing new voices and growing the UK’s spoken word scene. Named one of BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Future Figures, he also uses his lived experience of growing up in care to advise fostering services, schools, and charities including Become and Barnardo’s. Through poetry, advocacy, and leadership, Ty’rone Haughton is driving cultural and systemic change. @thaughtonpoetry Photo credit – Paul Stringer To enter the draw for a limited open mic slot, please email us on verbosemanchester@gmail.com between 1st and 6th June Doors open: 7.15 pm Event: 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm The King's Arms 11 Bloom Street Salford M3 6AN 29 Jun 2026 Click to visit Verbose MCR on Instagram PUBLISHED Click to visit Verbose MCR on Instagram Word Up! WORD UP NO FILTER> NO APOLOGIES. Alternative Spoken Word Night Special Guests: Quirky banjo fuelled madness from Orangibanji and Leeds poet, Tom Priestley Open mic slots on the night. Poetry with bite Music with meaning Voices that don't stay quiet Hosted by Sheffield's own Darren Pickering (aka Goodnight D) 8 pm to 11 pm Every last Tuesday of the month Crookes Club Mulehouse Road Sheffield S10 1TD (Poster is last month's event, date of this next event to be confirmed) 30 Jun 2026 Click to go to Crookes Club website PUBLISHED Click to go to Crookes Club website Speak Easy 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 2 Jul 2026 Click to go to Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to go to Facebook page The Barnsley Word Circle 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 10 Jul 2026 Click to go to their Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to go to their Facebook page The Poetic Off-Licence Back in July! A space for poetry & live music in Leeds Alternating Mondays. From 6 pm to 10 pm Holding Patterns 2A Albion Place, LS1 6JL (Note this date is not confirmed) 13 Jul 2026 Click to go to Instagram page PUBLISHED Click to go to Instagram page Cloth and Coal Poetry and spoken word 8pm onwards Morley Live 1 Beryl Burton Gardens Morley LS27 9FN 23 Jul 2026 Click to visit the Cloth and Coal Instagram page PUBLISHED Click to visit the Cloth and Coal Instagram page Bar One Poetry Open Mic 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 7.30 pm. Sign up in advance via Poetry Soc, or sign up on the night. Bar One Sheffield Students' Union Western Bank Sheffield S10 2TG Bar One aims to be back in October! *** Note the 20th October date is not confirmed *** 20 Oct 2026 Click to visit Bar One Poetry's webpage PUBLISHED Click to visit Bar One Poetry's webpage Click to see Events A to Z Click to see the Events Map Please Read If you would like to see your open mic or any poetry or spoken word event listed on this page please do get in touch. Equally if you would like me to remove the information please do get in touch. If you spot any inaccuracies, please get in touch and I will put them right. This page is run purely for the love of poetry so all listings are free with no strings attached. Please note this website has no direct link to any of the events included, so you attend at your own risk. This said you might see me at one of them, if so, please do say, 'hello'! If the event does not take place there really is nothing I can do about it (sorry!). I recommend that you attempt to contact the event via the direct link on the night if possible. Most recent update: 28th May, 2026

A to Z Regular events in the Leeds and Yorkshire area - and beyond! As I am based in Leeds, it would be difficult to accurately report on poetry events throughout the country. So have divided this page up into three parts which I update most days. Firstly there is the Leeds Poetry Events , followed by Yorkshire Poetry Events , then poetry events from Events Outside of Yorkshire. If you are uncertain which city/town your event is in go to the A to Z Finder at the bottom of the page Events in Leeds (Including Ben Rhydding, Burley, City Centre, Headingley, Horsforth, Ilkley, Morley, Otley, Woodhouse) Bone Down Our open mics reclaim public spaces and take an informal approach to poetry and spoken word. Venues vary - includes outdoor events. Last event: 29 April 2026, 6.30 pm to 9 pm at West Park Orchard, Leeds LS16 5 HT Links: Facebook ; Instagram ; Twitter The Bookish Type Writes Queer Indie Bookshop in Leeds with writing time events The Bookish Type, 77a Great George Street, LS1 3BR Next event: 28th May, 2026, 6.30pm to 8.30pm. £5 (Sold Out) Links: Instagram , The Bookish Type - Independent Queer Bookshop in Leeds Brave Words Storytelling Our storytelling nights aren’t about well-honed, perfect performances. You don’t need to be a performer at all to share authentic experiences from your life. Hoc Loco, Horsforth, LS18 4QB. Third Tuesday of the month. Last meeting: 19th May, 7,30pm. Terminus Tap Room and Bottle Shop (The Meanwood Brewery), Leeds, LS6 4H. Next meeting: 9th June, 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. See links / Events page . Write Club : Creative prompts to get you writing in a supportive creative writing group led by a professional poet and playwright' Open to all levels of experience! Online Monthly ; Usually first Wednesday of the month. Next meeting 3rd June, 2026, 6pm to 7pm. See links / Events page . In person - Weekly on Mondays, 11am -12.30pm. Next meeting: 1st June, 2026. See links / Events page . Space2, The Old Fire Station, Gipton Approach, Leeds, LS9 6NL Links: www.bravewords.co.uk , Facebook, Instagram. Cardigan Arms Open Mic Open mic. This is mostly music based, but spoken word is welcome, too. The Cardigan Arms, 364 Kirkstall Road, Leeds, LS4 2HQ Second & fourth Monday of the month, 7.30pm for 3 hours. Next meeting 8th June, 2026. See links / Events page Links: Cardigan Arms website, Open Mic | Cardigan Arms | Facebook Chemic Tavern open mic Open mic for music & spoken word. House guitar and piano available. This is mostly a music event. Free drink for all performers. The Chemic Tavern The Chemic Tavern (Woodhouse), 9, Johnson Street, Leeds, LS6 2NG Weekly; Thursday nights Links: Facebook ; Instagram Chemistry Featuring headline sets from established and emerging poets, plus an open mic The Chemic Tavern (Woodhouse), 9, Johnson Street, Leeds, LS6 2NG Bi-Monthly; last Friday of every other month Next Meeting: 29th May, 2026, 7.15 pm for a 7.45 pm start. See links / Events page . Links: Facebook ; organiser Joe Williams’ website Cloth and Coal Poetry and spoken word open mic Morley Live!, 1 Beryl Burton Gardens, Morley, LS27 9FN Every other month; the third Thursday, 8pm. Next meeting 23 July, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Instagram Crooner Club Open mic Bridge End Social, 24-32 Bridge End, Leeds LS1 4DJ Monthly: 3rd Thursday of the month Links: Bridge End Social , I nstagram Hyde Park Book Club Lots of music, comedy and poetry events. Check the link for the latest. Open Mic for music and poetry. Hyde Park Book Club, 27-29 Headingley Lane, Leeds, LS6 1BL Links: Hyde Park Book Club Leeds Stanza We are Leeds Stanza - a monthly meeting linked to @thepoetrysociety For details contact leedsstanza@gmail.com Meetings alternate between in-person and Zoom. All welcome. Meet last Tuesday of every month, from 7pm to 8pm. Next meeting: 26th May, 2026 in person. Reading 'Fiere' by Jackie Kay. Links: Instagram The National Poetry Centre The National Poetry Centre exists to provide a national home for poetry in the UK – connecting people from all backgrounds and cultures to poetry. The new centre is due to be opened in Leeds in 2029. For events see the links. National Poetry Centre address is 169B Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT Links: National Poetry Centre , Leeds , Facebook , Instagram Northlight Arts Centre, Café and Event Space 31 Potternewton Lane, Leeds, LS7 3LW Write Now : 1st and 3rd Friday of each month there is a meet up for creative writing at 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm. Next meeting: 5th June, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Classes in Leeds — Northlight Open Mind Unplugged open mic Previously Canalside Community Music Space Weekly; Wednesdays from 7.30pm. Next meeting: Awaiting new location Links: Facebook Otley Poets Otley Poets run three groups: 1) Otley Poets Live Read around + occasional guest poet The Black Horse, 2 Westgate, Otley, LS21 3AS Monthly; first Thursday of the month, 19.30 hours to 21.30 hours Next meeting: 4th June 2026. See links / Events page . 2) Other Poets Meets to read and discuss the work of published poets The Black Horse, 2 Westgate, Otley, LS21 3AS + online (via Zoom) Monthly; second Thursday. Next meeting: 11th June, 2026. See links / Events page . 3) Otley Poetry Gym An informal group offering constructive criticism on poetry work in progress The Black Horse, 2 Westgate, Otley, LS21 3AS Monthly; third Thursday of the month. Next meeting: 18th June, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Otley Poets website , Otley Poets | Facebook Otley Stanza Discuss all things poetical and sometimes have special events, readings etc. Otley Courthouse About every two months Links: Otley Poets Website Pen Power! Creative Writing Workshops with D3 The Wardrobe, 6 Saint Peter's Square, Leeds LS9 8AH Next meeting: 28th May, 2026 18.30 hours. See links / Events page . Cost £8.83-£15. Links: Pen Power Tickets,Eventbrite Poetic Off Licence A space for poetry & live music in Leeds Holding Patterns 2A Albion Place, LS1 6JL Alternating Mondays. Next Meeting: Back in July, 2026! From 6pm to 10 pm, see links. Links: Instagram , Holding Patterns – Leeds' listening bar Poets Talking Bollocks Open mic with guest headliners - (message on Instagram for open mic slot) Usually - The Chemic Tavern, (Woodhouse), 9, Johnson Street, Leeds, LS6 2NG, but not in June 2026 when it will be held at Hyde Park Book Club, 27-29 Headingley Lane, Leeds, LS6 1BL. Monthly, second Sunday of the month, 2.15pm to 5.15pm Next month PTB will be featured in Leeds Lit Fest: see Poets Talking Bollocks – Leeds Lit Fest 2026 Next meeting 14th June, 2026, booking required See links / Events page . Links: Instagram , Poets Talking Bollocks | Podcast on Spotify The Purple Room The Purple Room is a space for words and music in Ben Rhydding, Ilkley. St John's Ben Rhydding, Bolling Road, Ilkley, LS29 8PN Links: The Purple Room | Facebook, Runcible Spoon Open mic + two guest poets The Carriers Arms (Morley) Monthly (third Tuesday) Next meetings: Currently no new date. Links: Facebook Soundbites Regular night featuring a guest poet + open mic Heart Assembly Bar + Kitchen, Headingley Arts Centre, 9 Bennett Road, Leeds, LS6 3HN 2nd Monday of the Month. Open mic list begins at 6.30 pm for a 7 pm start with the guest poet. Next meeting 8th June, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Facebook Speakeasy Join us on the mic, or simply immerse yourself in the creativity! Everyone is welcome at our FREE event! The Hive, Portland Building, Portland Way, City Space, Leeds, LS1 ЗНЕ. Last meeting: 7th May 2026. 6.00 pm to 8 pm. See links. (This is the last meeting till next term.) Links: Instagram Spoken Word Night @ Vitello Lounge A friendly evening of spoken word at Vitello Lounge. Sign up for a 5-minute reading slot, put your name in the hat, or come and watch. You're welcome to read fiction, poetry, or creative non fiction. (Mostly prose.) Vitello Lounge, 1-2 Station Plaza, Brook St, Ilkley, LS29 8DE Last meeting: 21st May 2026. 7.00 pm arrival, 7.45 pm to 9.45 pm. Cost £6.50. See links / Events page . Links: I Spoken Word Night Tickets, Thursday 21 May • 7:30 PM - 9:45 PM | Eventbrite Wordspace Monthly Variety Open Mic. For Prose, Poetry, Comedy, Music. all sorts. Horsforth Brewery and Taproom, 143 New Road Side, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4QD Monthly; first Wednesday of the month. Next meeting 3rd June, 2026, 7.00 pm - 9.30 pm. See links / Events page . Links: Facebook Events in Yorkshire I have put these events into an A to Z of cities and towns within Yorkshire. Currently there are events from Barnsley, Batley, Bradford, Dinnington, Doncaster, Halifax, Harrogate, Holmfirth, Huddersfield, Hull, Liversedge, Masham, Rotherham, Sheffield, Sowerby Bridge, Scarborough, Todmorden, and Wakefield. Please keep scrolling to the end! Events in Barnsley The Barnsley Word Circle 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. Batley Library14 Market Place, Batley, WF17 5DA Second Friday of the month. Next meeting: 10th July, 2026. 7 pm to 9.30pm. See links / Events page . Links: Facebook Events in Batley Batley Poets Open Mic Join us to share your poetry, favourite poems, or just listen and have a wonderful evening! Batley Library14 Market Place, Batley, WF17 5DA First Tuesday of the month. Next meeting: 2nd June, 2026. 7 pm to 9.00 pm. See links / Events page . Links: Instagram, Facebook, BatleyPoets.co.uk Events in Bradford Aletheia Creative Writing Group with Elizabeth Taj-Radice Bradford Quaker Meeting House, 9 Russell Street, Bradford BD5 0JB Last meeting: 8th May, 2026, 7pm to 10pm. On the subject of origin. See links / Events page . Links: Aletheia Creative Writing Group-On the concept of Origin Tickets, Friday 8 May • 19 - 22 | Eventbrite Beehive Poets Open mic group. City Library Bradford, 9 Aldermanbury, The Broadway, Bradford, BD1 1SD First Friday of the Month. Next meeting: 5th June, 2026, 7pm to 9pm. See links / Events page . Links: Beehive Poets | Facebook Bradford Open Mic Share your words or just listen. And if you're feeling brave take part in the Timed Poetry Challenge! Write a poem of 60sec or 30sec to take part in the Timed Poetry Challenge. City Library Bradford, 9 Aldermanbury, The Broadway, Bradford, BD1 1SD First Wednesday of the Month. 7pm to 9pm. Next meeting 3rd June, 2026. Subject for challenge 'Going Somewhere'. See links / Events page . Links: Facebook The Comedy Café The Comedy Café hosts joyful comedy and poetry events in relaxing non-alcoholic spaces, with a focus on talent from BME communities. Azka Lounge, 1260 Leeds Road, Laisterdyke, Bradford, BD1 2JL Next meeting: 12th June, 2026, 6.30 pm Links: Facebook, Instagram , The Comedy Cafe event tickets from TicketSource. More Song More Song is an innovative and experimental poetry reading series in Bradford. The 1 in 12 Club Library, 21-23 Albion Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 2LY Usually 1st Thursday of the month, check the links. (Small entry fee and booking recommended.) Next meeting: 4th June, 2026, 7pm to 9pm. See links / Events page . Prior to this event there will be 2 hour workshop by Rachel 2pm to 4 pm, same venue. Workshop and event £7, event £3 (Pay what you can) Links: More Song, ‘ Poetry and “the Between”’: A Workshop by Rachel Curzon Tickets, Thursday, June 4 • 2 PM - 4 PM | Eventbrite More Song with Jake Wild Hall, Rachel Curzon and Kate Noakes — More Song Rhubarb Writers There are two events linked toi the Rhubarb Writers: Rhubarb Book Club Our poetry reading group meets to chat about a new pamphlet, anthology or collection recommended by one of our readers. The Triangle, 47 Bradford Rd, Shipley, BD18 3DS Bi-monthly usually the third Wednesday of the month Rhubarb Open Mic Performers and listeners welcome. Pay as you feel open mic event with invited guest readers. The Triangle, 47 Bradford Rd, Shipley, BD18 3DS Monthly. Last Wednesday of the month. 7 pm for a 7.30 pm start. Next meeting 27th May 2026. See links / Events page . Links: RhubarbWriters.co.uk , Facebook SisterVerse Open Mic A chill space where creativity flows and stories come alive. Whether you’re a poet, singer, spoken word artist or storyteller, this is your moment to shine. Join us, in a supportive, local welcoming space. Come and experience the magic up poetry. Female only. City Library Bradford, 9 Aldermanbury, The Broadway, Bradford, BD1 1SD Next meeting: 29th May, 2026, 6.45 pm for a 7pm start. Until 9pm. See links / Events page . Links: SisterVerse Open Mic Tickets, Friday 29 May • 6:45 PM - 9 PM | Eventbrite Urdu Shurdu 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. Chaiiwala, 854 Leeds Road, Bradford, BD3 9TX Next meeting: 18th June, 2026. 6.30 to 8 pm. Links: See Events page . Events in Dinnington Northern Voices Open Mic - local prose, poems, stories. Make yersen at 'ome. Roadhouse Bar & Bottles, 25 Laughton Road, Dinnington, S25 2PN Usually last Wednesday in the month, but next event is held back a week. Next Meeting: 3rd June. 7 pm to 10pm' See links / Events page . Links: Facebook Events in Doncaster Well Spoken Spoken Word Event. 2nd Thursday of the month. Start time: 7.30pm. Doncaster Brewery, 7 Young Street, Doncaster, DN1 3EL Next meeting: 11th June, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Doncaster Brewery | Well Spoken Events in Halifax The Grayston Unity Open Mic-less Mic Night In the bar, we are celebrating 10 years of the unplugged open mic with your host Mick Shaw. Mostly music, but can be song, comedy set or poem. The Grayston Unity, 8 Horton Street, Halifax, HX1 1PU (Note: put this address in the satnav as the place name may take you to a former address) Next Meeting: 27th May, 2026, 7.30 pm. Link: Whats On - The Grayston Unity Yea, Write Poetry, Spoken Word, Open Mic Looking for new venue. Next meeting: (No online details at present) Events in Harrogate Monthly Poetry Night Bring your poems to read and share. Bring your friends to come and listen. In the upstairs room at the Empress, 10 Church Square, Harrogate, HG1 4SP . Contact Ray Black (see link). Admission free. First Monday of the month, 7.30pm to 10pm Next Meeting: 1st June, 2026. See links / Events page . . Links: Facebook Events in Holmfirth Poetry Readaround Honley Library 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. Honley Library, West Avenue, Honley, Holmfirth, HD9 6HF Next Meeting: 26th May, 2026. 7 pm to 9 pm. £3 donation appreciated. See links / Events page . . Links: Poetry Read-around - Friends of Honley Library Events in Huddersfield Albert Poets The Albert Poets’ readings are back. More events planned. The Rat And Ratchet,40, Chapel Hill,Huddersfield,HD1 3EB Next Meeting: 17th June 2026, 7.30 pm to 10 pm. See links / Events page . Links: Facebook Grand Plans Open mic spoken word - poetry, prose, creative non-fiction, travel & music writing, plays , comedy etc. 5 minute spots. The Sair Inn, 139 Lane Top, Linthwaite, Huddersfield, United Kingdom, HD7 5SG Every second Sunday. 6.15 pm to 8 pm. Next Meeting 14th June, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Facebook Ink Spill A growing poetry project which started with a monthly poetry night - half workshop, half open mic - but now hosts an annual festival and a podcast as well. Head of Steam, Saint George's Square, Huddersfield HD1 1JB Every third Friday, 7pm to 10pm. Next Meeting 19th June, 2026, workshop theme 'Growth. See links / Events page . Links: Facebook , Instagram, Upcoming Ink Spill nights by Ink Spill | Eventbrite Events in Hull All Write Now Valente, Lynda Harrison and Louise Beech for two hours of creative writing, sharing (optional) and discussion 5.30 to 7.30pm Reading Room, Hull Central Library, Albion Street, Hull Last Wednesday of every month Links: Monthly Meeting at Hull Central Library Events in Liversedge Talking Zebras We were founded in 2012 to promote enjoyment of the spoken word. At our core, we have our friendly meetings, lasting about 2 hours, held twice a month on a Saturday afternoon. The Liversedge, 64 Leeds Road, Liversedge, WF15 6HX Our meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday in person, and on the 5th Saturday of the month on Zoom 2 pm for a 2.30 pm start to 4.45pm. Next meeting in person: 5th June 2026. On Zoom: 30th May 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Talking Zebras (West Yorkshire) - Home, Facebook - The Liversedge, T alking Zebras | Facebook Events in Masham Happy House Poetry Night Bring a poem or two - your own or your favourites Share them with your fellow poets & poetry lovers. If you’d like you can bring something to drink (we’re not licensed). The Gallery, 24 Market Place, Masham HG4 4EB Next Meeting : 16th June 2026, 7.30pm to 9pm. See links / Events page . Links: HAPPY HOUSE MASHAM - Happy House Masham Home , Happy House Poetry Night - In Person Ticket Tickets, Tuesday, June 16 • 7:30 PM - 9 PM | Eventbrite Events in Rotherham Spread the Word Spread the Word is about creating a safe space to share stories and begin to express those stories through talking, listening and writing. No prior experience is needed, and if you are thinking “I can’t write” then this space might be just for you. Poetry Session with Vic Leeson Summer location to be announced Winter location: Mowbray Gardens Community Library, Herringthorpes Valley Road, Rotherham, S65 2UH 10am to 12 pm. See links / Events page . Next meeting: 16th June, 2026 at the unannounced Summer location. Spread the Word Poetry Writing Session with Jodie Platts Kimberworth Library,125 Church St, Rotherham, S61 4EA 4th June, 2026,1:30pm - 3pm, free. See links / Events page . Poetry Writing Session with Mike O’Brien Wickersley Library, 286 Bawtry Rd, Rotherham, S66 1JJ 26th May, 2026.10 am to 12 pm. Free. See links / Events page . Spread the Word Poetry Writing Session with Ray Hearne Swinton Library, Station St, Mexborough, S64 8PZ 2nd June 2 pm to 4 pm. Free. See links / Events page . Open Mics Wath Tap Pub, 49 High St, Rotherham, S63 7QB Next meeting: 2nd June, 2026, 8 pm to 10 pm. See links / Events page . Cutler's Arms,29 Westgate, Rotherham S60 1BQ Next Meeting 25th June 2026, 7pm to 9 pm Rotherham Minster, Church St, Rotherham S61 1 Next meeting: 27th August, 2026, 7 pm to 9 pm Links: Spread the Word - Flux Rotherham (Go to the What's On page) Events in Scarborough Unrehearsed Mayhem - URM Musical improvisation with added Poetry (laid back and chilled). Featuring: Elliott Pelucci, Graham Rhodes, Bryn Andrews Craft Bar, 7 Northway, Scarborough, YO11 1JH Third Sunday in the month, 7 pm to 9 pm. Next Meeting: 28th June, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Facebook Wordsmiths Open Mic Featuring local writers and poets. Bring your own writing and join in or just come along and listen Craft Bar, 7 Northway, Scarborough, YO11 1JH Third Sunday in the month, 5 pm to 7.30 pm. Next Meeting: 21st June, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Facebook Events in Sheffield Bar One Poetry Open Mic Two hours of creative writing, sharing (optional) and discussion with Valente, Lynda Harrison and Louise Beech. Bar One, Sheffield Students' Union, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TG Third Tuesday of every month, 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm, Next meeting: will be in October when the new academic year begins. See links / Events page . Links: Bar One Poetry Open Mic Night tickets | FoundrySU The Words Are Coming We’ve got 12 slots (with a very loose 5 minutes each) available so if anyone fancies popping down and having a go email openmic@srws.org.uk Showroom Cinema, 15 Paternoster Row, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield, S1 2BX Last Thursday of every month. 7 pm. Next meeting: 28th May, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: The Words Are Coming | Showroom Cinema Word Up Alternative Spoken Word Night. Special Guests. Open mic slots on the night. Poetry with bite. Music with meaning. Voices that don't stay quiet. Hosted by Sheffield's own Darren Pickering (aka Goodnight D). Crookes Club, Mulehouse Road, Sheffield, S10 1TD Last Tuesday of every month, 8 pm to 11 pm. Next meeting: 26th May, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Events | Crookes Club Events in Sowerby Bridge Soul Open Mic We welcome all ability levels - from polished performers to absolute amateurs. Bring what you've got - storytelling, poetry, comedy, music, spoken word, dance, cabaret and everything in between. Soul Awareness Hub, Burnley Road, Sowerby Bridge, HX6 2TL Last meeting: 9th January, 2026. Links: EVENTS | SOUL Wellness Hub & Café Events in Todmorden GobSh!te A literary community and monthly spoken word open mic at the iconic Golden Lion, Todmorden. Golden Lion, Fielden Square, Todmorden, West Yorkshire, OL14 6LZ Last Wednesday of the month, 7.30 pm start. Next meeting: 17th June, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Facebook Events in Wakefield CoffeeWrite Your Local Creative Coffee Shop 4 Marygate, Wakefield, WF1 1NX Check the link for poetry events. Links: CoffeeWrite Wakefield – Wakefield's Only Creative Coffee Shop Jackanory 2 hour open mic spoken word event CoActive Maker Space, The Ridings, Almhouse Lane, Wakefield, WF1 1DS Contact: jackanory12 @ my.yahoo.com Next meeting: 5th September, 2026. 2 pm to 4 pm. See links / Events page . Links: Facebook, Jackanory (in the merrie city) - YouTube Soul Shed Music Poetry and comedy WX Wakefield Exchange, Union Street, Wakefield, WF1 3AD Monthly. Last meeting 2nd May 2026 Links: see updates at Welcome to Wakefield Exchange Under The Lobby Lights Poetry open mic night hosted by Tim Brooke and Faye Marshall The Lobby 1867, Unity Hall, Westgate, Wakefield, WF1 1EP (Opposite the Theatre Royal) Monthly; second Wednesday of the month. Next meeting 10th June, 2026, from 7.30 pm. See links / Events page . Links: Instagram Events in York Folk and Word Welcomes writers and wordful acoustic musicians who'd like to share their work in a warm and appreciative environment. We'll invite a writer and a musician to be co-hosts 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). Black Swan, 23 Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7DE Every third Thursday, sign up for 7 pm for a 7.30 pm start. Next meeting: 16th June, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: FOLK & WORD Open Mic (FREE / No booking required) at The Artful Dodger event tickets from TicketSource The York Howlers Spoken word open mic. The Blue Boar, 5 Castlegate, York, YO1 9RN Usually Every 2nd and 4th Thursday - but not until August 2026, due to changes. 7 pm sign up for a 7.30pm start. Next meeting: 4th June, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Instagram Events Outside Yorkshire Some events outside Yorkshire, are closer to Leeds than some places in Yorkshire! Anyway, I have listed them here. So far I have included events in Manchester and Salford. Events in Manchester The Barking Dogs Poetry Open Mic poetry and spoken word night. Message us if you want to participate. Free entry. Full bar and food service 9A Higher Road, Urmston, Manchester. Second Thursday of the month. 7.30 meet for poetry 8-9pm. Last (confirmed) meeting: 12th March 2026. Links: Facebook Hinterland Poets Join us for a evening of open mic poetry hosted by Dominic Berry with a different Guest Poet each month! Whether you're a seasoned poet or just looking to enjoy some spoken word, this event is for you. Hinterland Alcohol-Free Bar and Café, 16-20 Turner Street, Manchester M4 1DZ Poetry nights will take place on the 2nd Thursday of each month. 7pm. Next Meeting: 11th June, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Facebook - Hinterland , Hinterland Poe and the linkets + Open Mic Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite Poet's Nest Writing Club '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.' Saison, 236 Burton Road, West Didsbury M20 2LW Tuesday of the month. 6.00pm - 7.30pm. Cost £5. See link / above Next meeting: 2nd June, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Poet's Nest Writing Club Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite The Space Poetic Join us for some fun and focused writing before The Space Poetic open mic Terrace NQ, 43 Thomas Street, Manchester M4 1NA Typically held on the final Wednesday of the month, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Writing Group 6pm to 7pm. Next meeting: 27th May 2026. See links / Events page . Links: The Space Poetic Writing Club Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite, Instagram Also see: New Year: New Poetry Workshops - by Rachael Hill Speak Easy Spoken Word @ Dulcimer, Chorlton. First Thursday of the month. Free, friendly and supportive. Poetry, fiction, performance. First-timers encouraged! Dulcimer, 567 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton, Manchester M21 0AE Third Tuesday every month. 6.00pm - 7.45pm (doors open 5.40pm) Next meeting: 2nd July, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Facebook The Word Central An Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word event hosted by Tony Curry. Presented by Flapjack Press & Manchester Libraries. Manchester Central Library, Ground Floor Performance Space, Manchester M2 5PD Third Tuesday every month. 6.00pm - 7.45pm (doors open 5.40pm) Next meeting: 16th June, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Facebook , Word Central Events in Salford Verbose MCR Verbose is one of Manchester's longest running spoken word events, having been born in the suburbs its current regular venue is Kings Arms, Salford. Typically held on the final Monday of the month (see social media for details). Open mic slots are 4 minutes and sign up is open the first week of every month here The King's Arms, 11 Bloom Street, Salford, M3 6AN Next Meeting 29th June, 2026, 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. See links / Events page . Links: VerboseMCR, Instagram Other useful links Other sites that offer useful links to events that are currently on in the Leeds and Yorkshire area include: The Birmingham Poetry Map – Google My Maps You can find events in Birmingham from this Google Map. Created by BPN. (Birmingham Poetry Network). Bilal Akram has been very encouraging in the formation of the Manchester Poetry Map and my own. Thank you Bilal. Eventbrite | Discover Poetry Events & Activities in Leeds This links to a search for poetry events in Leeds, but you can use the search button for wherever you like The Manchester Poetry Map – Google My Maps You can find events in Manchester from this Google Map. I have used John Clifford's headings as a standard for my own map page. Open Mic Finde r This mostly covers music nights at present, but technically covers poetry nights, too Open Mics in Sheffield | Facebook Again mostly music events Leeds Poetry Activity Katya Keyzerova's inspiration for my own map page. Thank you Katya. Yorkshire Poetry/Spoken Word Events | Facebook Excellent Facebook version of this site, well worth checking out. Online Open Mics There is also a number of online open mics available to join. Here is the links to the ones I know about and some of which I have attended in the past. These may require an advance ticket, which may have small fee. Cheltenham Poetry Festival - Online Events and Poetry Lounges Fire&Dust Poetry | Twitter, Facebook | Linktree Happy House Masham Events - 11 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite JournalExpressWrit - Open Mic (journalofexpressivewriting.com) (U.S.) Ó Bhéal - Fáilte go dtí Ó Bhéal (obheal.ie) (Republic of Ireland) Poetry Lit! - Online Reading Series Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite Rattlecast - Rattle: Poetry Speak the Word: online open mic night Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite Speak Your Truth ~ Spoke open mic Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite Talking Zebras (West Yorkshire) - Home Every fifth Saturday of the month, a regular spoken word group based in Liversedge. Wildfire Words Online Poetry Workshops Again, there are online poetry workshops, I will add to this list as I find them. Here is the links to the ones I know about. These will require an advance ticket, and have small fee. Becky's Writing Hour Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite With Becky May Creative Workshops — BRAVE WORDS Write Now monthly group Otley Poets | Facebook Weekly group on Wednesday morning via Zoom. Contact Otley Poets for more details. Also see Otley Poets Poetry Workshop Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite W ith Rachael Hill A to Z Finder Index If the town/city is outside of Leeds presume it is in Yorkshire unless stated. A Albert Poets - Huddersfield Aletheia - Bradford All Write Now - Hull B The Barking Dogs Poetry - Manchester (Outside Yorkshire) The Barnsley Word Circle - Barnsley Bar One Poetry Open Mic - Sheffield Batley Poets Open Mic - Batley Beehive Poets Open Mic - Bradford Bone Down - Leeds The Bookish Types - Leeds Bradford Open Mic - Bradford Brave Words - Leeds The Brewery Taps - See Wordspace (Leeds) C Cardigan Arms Open Mic - Leeds Chemic Tavern Open Mic - Leeds Chemistry - Leeds Cloth & Coal - Leeds CoffeeWrite - Wakefield The Comedy Caf é - Bradford Crooner Club - Leeds D E F Flux Rotherham - Rotherham Folk and Word - York G GobSh!te - Todmorden Grand Plans - Huddersfield The Grayston Unity - Halifax H Happy House Party - Masham Heart Assembly Bar - See Soundbites (Leeds) Hinterland Poets - Manchester (Outside Yorkshire) Holding Patterns - See Poetic Off Licence (Leeds) Honley Library - Holmfirth Hyde Park Book Club - Leeds I Ink Spill - Huddersfield J Jackanory - Wakefield K L Leeds Stanza - Leeds M Manthology - Leeds Monthly Poetry Night - Harrogate More Song - Bradford N The National Poetry Centre - Leeds Northern Arts Centre, Café and Event Space - Leeds Northern Voices - Dinnington O Open Mind - Leeds Other Poets - See Otley Poets (Leeds) Otley Poets - Leeds Otley Open Mic - See Otley Poets (Leeds) Otley Poetry Gym - See Otley Poets (Leeds) Otley Stanza - Leeds P Pen Power! - Leeds Poetic Off-Licence - Leeds Poet's Nest Writing Club - Manchester (Outside Yorkshire) Poets Talking Bollocks - Leeds PTB - See Poets Talking Bollocks (Leeds) The Purple Room - Leeds Q R Rhubarb Book Club - See Rhubarb Poets (Bradford) Rhubarb Open Mic - See Rhubarb Poets (Bradford) Rhubarb Poets - Bradford Roadhouse Basr & Bottles - Northern Voices (Dinnington) Runcible Spoon - Leeds S Shared Stories - Brave Words (Leeds) SisterVerse - Bradford Soundbites - Leeds Soul Open Mic - Sowerby Bridge Soul Shed - Wakefield The Space Poetic - Manchester (Outside Yorkshire) Speak Easy (Chorlton) - Manchester (Outside Yorkshire) Speakeasy (Spoken Word Society) - Leeds Spread the Word - Rotherham Storytelling - Brave Words (Leeds) T Talking Zebras - Liversedge U Under The Lobby Lights - Wakefield Unrehearsed Mayhem (URM) - Scarborough Urdu Shurdu - Bradford V Verbose MCR - Salford (Outside Yorkshire) Vitello Lounge - Leeds W Well Spoken - Doncaster The Word Central - Manchester (Outside Yorkshire) The Words Are Coming - Sheffield Wordsmiths Open Mic - Scarborough Wordspace - Leeds Word Up - Sheffield Write Now - See Northern Arts Centre, Café and Event Space (Leeds) X Y Yea, Write - Halifax The York Howlers - York Z Please Read If you would like to see your open mic or any poetry or spoken word event listed on this page please do get in touch. Equally if you would like me to remove the information please do get in touch. If you spot any inaccuracies, please get in touch and I will put them right. This page is run purely for the love of poetry so all listings are free with no strings attached. Please note this website has no direct link to any of the events included, so you attend at your own risk. This said you might see me at one of them, if so, please do say, 'hello'! If the event does not take place there really is nothing I can do about it (sorry!). I recommend that you attempt to contact the event via the direct link on the night if possible. Many thanks to Ian Harker and Keith Fenton for the information to get this list started. Thank you very much to every one who has offered updates and suggestions so far, especially Agnieszka Stachura, Bilal Akram, Ella, Joe, John Clifford and Keith (again). Very many thanks to all the event organisers who have trusted me with their information and allowed me to post it on this page. Most recent update: 26th May, 2026 Click to see the Events Map CLick to go to Poetry Events

There is an awful lot of poets online, to be fair. Here Bob has collected links to his favourite poets and further links to find others he doesn't know about yet! Please do get in touch if you want Bob to add a link to your page. Regularly checked for broken links. Links to: Poets Own Pages Ok...there is lots of poets, many with an online presence. My intention is to add them slowly over time as they crop up on the news page. Please contact me, though if there is someone you are just itching to see in this list sooner... Scroll down to see a list of Poet Lists! Click the underlined words to go to that poet's page. A-Z of poet webpages J.S. Absher Dilruba Ahmed Connor Allen Moniza Alvi Abeer Ameer (@hijjabi) / Twitter Rowyda Amin Annie's Acre Anthony Anaxagorou Romalyn Ante Raymond Antrobus Simon Armitage Mona Arshi Polly Atkin - Shadow Dispatches Cameron Awkward-Rich Chrissy Banks Khairani Barokka Simon Barraclough Nnimmo Bassey Jeffery Beam Louise Bennett Coverley Emily Berry i hope crispin best is still alive The William Blake Archive Allison Blevins John Bolland - A View From the Long Grass Janine Booth Pat Boran Rachel Bower Frances Boyle Jo Brandon LiLi Kathleen Bright I Z Z Y B R I T T A I N Rachel Bruce James Bussell Lewis Buxton Hugh Bryden Chaucer Cameron Jen Campbell Susie Campbell Sarah K Carey Charles Causley Eleni Cay Victoria Chang Ellen Chang-Richardson Marian Christie Regi Claire Thomas A Clark Gillian Clarke Jane Clarke Stephen Claughton Ken Cockburn Claire Collison Sarah Connor Suzanne Conway The Poetic Pursuit of Juliet Cook Josephine Corcoran – never knowingly without a pen Brittney Corrigan Sally Crabtree Virginia Crawford – questions for water Tom Crompton Martyn Crucefix Barbara Cumbers D3 Creations – Ra-poet Jenny Danes Jonathan Davidson Beth Davies Todd Davis Hélène Demetriades Melissa Diem Chase Dimock Isobel Dixon Sarah Dixon: The Quiet Compere Damien B. Donnelly Jane Dougherty: The Four Swans Cath Drake Linda Drattell Nikki Dudley Matt Duggan (Facebook) Aidan Andrew Dun Helen Dunmore Antony Dunn Mari Ellis Dunning Adref - Menna Elfyn Mohammed El-Kurd Helen Evans Rowan Evans Suzannah Evans Bernardine Evaristo Fiona Farrell Mike Farren Katie Farris Joseph Fasano Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez Martin Figura Sue Finch Tamsin Flower Jonny Fluffypunk Michael Foley SJ Fowler Linda France Lucy Furlong Dai George Harry Josephine Giles The Allen Ginsberg Project Dana Gioia Dawn Gorman Rebecca Goss Kathryn Gray Thomas Gray Archive Mish Green Paula Green: See Poetry Box and NZ Poetry Shelf Lavinia Greenlaw Bill Greenwell Philip Gross Joanna Guthrie Mandy Haggith Janice N. Harrington Paula Harris Milla van der Have Megs hegdekar Diana Hendry Paul Henry Hannah Hodgson Danielle Hope Tallulah Howarth Zoë Sîobhan Howarth-Lowe Sue Hubbard Amorak Huey Kit Ingram Helen Ivory Major Jackson Rosie Jackson Sarah James Emilie Lauren Jones - Coventry Poet Laureate Tom Jenks Pierre Joris Meena Kandasamy Rupi Kaur Patrick Kavanagh Centre Keats-Shelley Memorial Association Victoria Kennefick Shamshad Khan John Kinsella - Mutually Said: Poets Vegan Anarchist Pacifist Karl Knights (@Inadarkwood) / Twitter Michael Laskey Sarah Law Len Lawson Shanhu Lee Jenny Lewis Simon Lewis Tim Liardet Stephen Lightbown Timothy Liu Feliform Spleen Vehicle | Fran Lock | Substack Adam Lowe Hannah Lowe Hugh Macdiarmid Somhairle MacGill-Eain Lila Matsumoto Glyn Maxwell Silly Games to Save the World | glynmaxwell@gmail.com | Substack Fokkina McDonnell (Acacia Publications) Karen J McDonnell Michael Mckimm Mouse & Muse by Trevor Millum Otis Mensah Christopher Meredith U-Meleni Mhlaba-Adebo Edwin Morgan Trust Helen Mort Valzhyna Mort JLM Morton Chris Murray Steve Nash Writes Andrew Neilson Camilla Nelson Matt Nicholson Lorine Niedecker D. Nurkse Mike O’Brien | Substack Jessamine O Connor Carolyn Oliver Ruth Padel Caleb Parkin | Bristol City Poet Stuart Paterson Pascale Petite m. norbeSe philip Gervase Phinn Bohdan Piasecki Vic Pickup Clare’s Poetry Circle | Clare Pollard Clare Pollard (The archived old site) Nina Mingya Powles Notes From the Margin with Wendy Pratt | Substack Joy Priest - Home The Bibliography of J.H. Prynne Chelsea Rathburn Juanita Rea Marcella Remund Dimitri Reyes Elizabeth Rimmer Fay Roberts Stevie Ronnie Michael Rosen Carol Rumens Sarah Salway Leslie Scalapino Michael Schmidt Seni Seneviratne Elisabeth Sennitt Clough Penny Sharman Jane Sharp Thomas Sharp Robert Sheppard Terri Simon Lemn Sissay Merrild Smith Yomi Sode Saradha Soobrayen David Spittle Joyce Sutphen Kenneth Steven Anne Stevenson Degna Stone Anne Tannam Joelle Taylor Dylan Thomas The Official Dylan Thomas website Harry Ransom Centre: Dylan Thomas Digital Collection The Dylan Thomas Centre BBC: Dylan Thomas The Edward Thomas Fellowship - Edward Thomas (1878-1917) Luke Thompson Steven Toussaint Claire Trevien Julian Turner upfromsumdirt Han VanderHart Derek Walcott Waringwords - Paul Waring June Wentland Jo Weston Alice White Jay Whittaker Hamish Whyte Joe Williams Alice Willitts Emily Wills Anthony Wilson Shelley Wong Wordsworth Grasmere W.B.Yeats Society Sligo | The Official Yeats Website Don Yorty Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe Benjamin Zephaniah Lists of Poets All Poetry along with being a self-publishing site has nearly 200 famous poets listed Best Poems (best-poems.net) 7183 poets listed by nationality Electronic Poetry Center a highly alternative list (Be careful of old links on old sites that can be hijacked - this happened to me on one site linked from one poet, but I cannot trace which poet, the links to the poets themselves are safe.) Famous Poets and Poems 631 of them From The Fishouse 32 pages of emerging poets Lannan Foundation 291 Lannan Prize and Award winners till 2022, though admittedly not all poets Lyricline 1701 poets Index – Moving Poems 2452 videopoems here listed by poet Hello Poetry 284 (I counted them) Classic poets Poem Analysis 1167 poets Poem Hunter The Explore Poets page has 3004 poets and there are 400,000 site member poets, too Poet Seers Over 150 'Great Poets' Poetry Archive 565 poets Poetry Foundation 5,825 poets Poetry International p! Over 1,736 poets on 73 pages Poetry Out Loud 67 pages of poets Poetry Soup - Top 100 Famous Poets - All Time Well, 100. Plus over 46,000 member poets Poetry Super Highway 1493 individual poets websites Poets .org | Academy of American Poets 3000+ poets I read somewhere RPO (Representative Poets Online) - Poets 723 poets to search for. Sixty Odd Poets | Mike O’Brien | Substack Tears in the Fence 65 bloggers, poets and writers Wikipedia - List of poets 'This is an alphabetical list of internationally notable poets' Wikipedia - List of years in poetry Fascinating year by year history which shows poets in historical context Also see Portal:Poetry - Wikipedia This is the link to all Wikipedia's poetry pages, and is the index for many of the links I have still listed individually here. List of poetry groups and movements - Wikipedia National poetry - Wikipedia which links to poets of different named nations A to Z (Sometimes it's hard to pinpoint Wiki pages so the shortcuts here are ones I personally wanted quick links to) (From the) Apocalypse to the Movement (warwick.ac.uk) 15 Arab Poets of the 21st Century - Arab America Arabic poetry: 10 writers, classic and modern, you need to read | Middle East Eye Black Mountain poets - Wikipedia Concrete Poetry Concrete Poetry Movement Overview | TheArtStory Concrete Poetry | Getty Research Institute | The Getty Research Institute Concrete poetry - Wikipedia Female poets Female poets - Wikipedia Po ethead - Index of Women Poets 2008-2021 (Now a closed archive) Feminist poets - Wikipedia Georgian Poets - Wikipedia Imagist Poets - Wikipedia Lake Poets - Wikipedia Liverpool poets - Wikipedia Metaphysical poets - Wikipedia New York School (art) - Wikipedia Oulipo Poets - Wikipedia Poets by language - Wikipedia Scottish Poets - Scottish Poetry Library 44 pages of Scottish poets Scots-language poets - Wikipedia Symbolism (movement) - Wikipedia Thirty-Six Immortals of Poetry - Wikipedia U.S. states' poets laureate - Wikipedia Visual Poetry - UbuWeb Waka Poets Waka (poetry) - Wikipedia Waka Poets on www.wakapoetry.net Welsh-language poets - Wikipedia Disclaimer: I have absolutely no connection with any of the sites reported above and only pass them on because they sounded interesting to me. I do not gain financially or in any other way from any of the sites I have offered links to. If the sites fail to deliver in some way, this will need to be taken up with that site. I cannot guarantee the safety of the sites I link to, though I do test every site out prior to listing it here; if you do follow the link you do so entirely at your own risk. So what I am saying is please don't sue me, or shoot me as the messenger, though I absolutely would love to hear any positive or negative feedback about any of the sites I link to. If you are the owner of a site that I have linked to and object to me including a link here please do let me know and I will remove it as soon as possible. Equally if you want to be linked then just ask and I will be very happy to do so. Last complete page update: 31 March 2025, last minor update 27th May, 2026

Leeds Stanza February 2025 choice : June Jordan 'Haruko/Love Poems' 'Haruko/Love Poems' by June Jordan The story of this book begins with me ordering a copy that was almost full price and sold as 'very good' but the condition was awful. I wrote to the company that I bought it from and demanded a rebate. In the mean time I thought I'd better get on and read it, or I wouldn't get it read in time for February's feedback. Truth is, I did not enjoy it at first. I found the poems so personal, but not universal. I mean fine if this poem had be written for me, as I would get the references and would love the attention. so, I began to consider the poems solipsistic, and only available in the book because of the reputation of the author, whom I have no doubt deserves her reputation, but her love poetry, really? There is nothing complicated about the language, there were no words to look up, but truthfully I just didn't get it. In the mean time the company who mis-sold me the book, were bartering with me saying they would return 30%, and I was thinking but my book is tatty, I'm not enjoying it, give me all the money back so I can get a new copy! It was water damaged, stained and had dints in the cover. I was hating the experience. Then, I read 'Poem For Mark' with its reference to the UK and its quaint 1950s Cockney language, and I smiled and I had a reference point. It occurred to me that I was not really getting into the mind of the author, and I needed to work harder at doing this. When 'Free Flight' came along she gives us the very workings of her mind at the moment the thoughts occurred to her. Then I understood all the poems more. I believe what we have is very raw poetry, not overly filtered and highly emotional, which on the one hand is the reason that, as a bloke, I'm not immediately going to get it, and I'm always going to have to work harder at love poetry. Then something else twigged. I love writing this sort of poetry myself, was I a little jealous that someone else had got there first, was getting published writing in a style that in fact I utterly relate to? I believe the poetry is much better read out aloud, it makes much more sense of the immediate simple rhymes, the illogical line breaks, and the easy language. She is in the poetry moment, somewhere closer to slam than Tennyson. It reads better out loud than read on the page. For me, anyway. I haven't tested this with watching videos of June Jordan reading her poetry, it just made sense to me as I progressed though the book. Then I got to my favourite poem, 'I Must Become a Menace to My Enemies', which uses powerful repetition and challenges you to not accept the horrors going on around you without letting others know that you do not accept it. This message is never irrelevant, but with the wars of Russia/Ukraine and Palestine/Israel so large in the news, and Donald Trump lording himself over the lot of it, I realise how little I dare to take sides in case I upset one or other of my friends at the expense of my own ideals. So by the time I got to the final epic poem 'Roman Poem Number Five' I was starting to feel the vibe. June Jordan is turning her inner experience into tangible poetry expression, and my biggest mistake is that I'm not doing the same. I went round the Cathedral of Barcelona recently, how come I didn't write a poem about my experience of it? In fact I will answer that. 1) I'm intrinsically lazy, and 2) I didn't know how. Read the book in front of you, Bob, this is how. Enter the moment and express it. This is what June Jordan is doing and I love her for it. So once I got to the final page, she had converted me. I was I love with her honesty and emotion and the whole book felt real. Then I thought, how can I get rid of this copy? How could I send it back? This very print, paper and glue got me right into the mind of another human being, and I want to savour that. I love my copy. Why exchange a lived-in book with damages that must have stories I need to invent and tell, with a starchy, dull, soulless brand new copy? I wrote to the sellers, and thanked them for the offer which had now been upped to a full refund, and said I was scared they would throw my copy away, and we should never throw anything away for simply not being perfect, after all, who of us is perfect? So I have kept my copy, and I will treasure the imperfect scruffy friend that helped me understand the wonderful June Jordan a little better.

'Read Me A Poem a Day' 9th April 2021 'Read Me A Poem a Day for the National Year of Reading.' Chosen by Gaby Morgan, pp 278-283. OK so why is a serious reader of poetry like me reading what looks like a children's book of daily poems. Well the answer is simple and quite clever. It is my doorway into starting reading. Some days, like today, I am just itching to read my next fill of Fran Lock poetry, but often I don't know where to begin, so I have my starter daily books. I began reading this book (and the Shakespeare) on 1 November 2020, which represents the first day of my retirement (two years earlier) . Every year I task myself with doing a certain number of hours of reading and I start the clock on this day. This book has been wonderful. In today's batch there was poems by Carol Ann Duffy, Grace Nichols, Robert Louis Stevenson, Jackie Kay, Langston Hughes, sat alongside a regular Anon. I had 6 days to catch up, as I had concentrated so much on writing the brand new website! That said, it only took a few minutes. I did a lot of poetry reading and listening from 2010 to 2014 (-ish), before deciding to knock it on the head to complete my pension. I have returned to reading now I am retired. Lockdown was awful, obviously. My father died from Covid-19 in March 2020 right at the beginning of it all. On the other hand, it helped me to concentrate my mind. As there was nowhere to go, I have found a place to be by reading poetry again. During that last poetry phase (there have been many but 2010-2014 was especially enjoyable) I got to see both Carol Ann Duffy and Jackie Kay. That's the wonderful thing about poetry compared with say, football or rock music, it is still relatively easy to not only see your heroes but also to go up and have a few words of chat with them afterwards! Jackie Kay's poem here is called 'Divorce' and in the wrong hands reads as a very dark tale of divorcing your parents. I am fairly certain Jackie Kay loved her adoptive parents, so perhaps this is intended as a cathartic tale where children can agree in their anger when reading the poem before bed at night only to wake up in the morning refreshed! 'Father, your breath smells like a camel's and it gives me the hump!' Seeing the Anons in this collection I always grieve for the lost name. How sad for the person that their immortalised words have become mortally detached. Here Anon is talking about an apple... 'It's nice to think, though many an eye Has seen the ruddy skin, Mine is the very first to spy The five brown pips within.'

The commission is an unusual beast, someone asks for a poem on a subject, the poet goes away and thinks about it and comes up with the goods. Today I heard Ian McMillan's poem for 'The Front Page' BBC Radio 4 programme. Asked to write about a poem for the Euro 2020 final the week before England played Italy, and lost on penalties, then delivering it week after. The poem is never going to T.S. Eliot's The Wasteland , but it did its job. I also understood it, and got it in one, unlike T.S. Eliot's The Wasteland , which I have heard many times, but in truth need academics to point out to me why it is good. In the poem, McMillan refers to Eliot, and as a reader it would enhance the experience if I knew the reference. (I didn't.). McMillan is a decent chap, he is not going to condemn me for not picking it up, but I should I condemn myself? There is so much poetry about, how can I know it all? As it so goes I have read a good deal of it, but when I am sat in a reading, am I supposed to bring my poetry history with me or simply enjoy the moment, are there two opposites, or have I constructed this myself? If I don't know my poetry history then I am freed from the challenge of acknowledging it? I know my music better, so in my world I would say - should a young rapper know the songs of Elvis and the Beatles, should they even know the history of the song the rapper may have sampled, or is it enough to know your own genre well, or even, then just live in the moment and enjoy the song? I find, a little like Classical music, there is an inbuilt elitism in poetry that is hard to shake off, even if the poet themselves tells you to shake it off. (And by Classical music I mean Mozart, Beethoven and that crowd, not Led Zep and Black Sabbath, which is how I hear the word being used now! Though, actually that has its elitism, too!) In spite of all this I can tell that McMillan's poem is no The Wasteland , so there is a difference, and getting back to the beginning commissions make for a very different, more accessible poetry. I guess this is because in this circumstance the poet is writing for the audience and not themselves. When I read Simon Armitage's Sandettie Light Vessel Automatic, a book filled with commissioned poetry I enjoyed it greatly, but ultimately it did leave me a little bit hollow by the end. What Armitage is so good at is writing in a poetic voice that is both authentic, and poetic, it feels like if you had sat down long enough thinking about it with a pen in your hand, you could have written it, too. This is a wonderful deception. As Poet Laurette, suddenly everything he writes feels like it is a commission, almost by the nature of the job. I have read his Lockdown Poem and watched the Lockdown film on television, both wonderful pieces of works, that describe explain Lockdown better than any documentary ever could. Poetry gets behind the mere facts and emphases the emotional, and though we believe we are a religion-less society, it speak in the language of our spiritual being, too. I notice, though that when presented to the World on the internet, the Lockdown poem is presented with a backbeat, and acted out images, and I wonder at the reason for this. Am I being elitist for noticing it, am I rejecting it? Or am I pleased that Armitage is doing his bit to bring poetry to the World in a populist way, surely another of the possible unwritten role of the Laureate's job. The film which intermingles poetry with talking heads, is perfect time capsule for the future. The individual stories of people affected by Covid-19, are emotional in themselves, woven into the overall arc of a poem provided by Armitage, they become a part of the poetic piece, and the emotion is turned up to 11 (a cultural reference I expect you to get, but if you don't it feels like I thought of the joke!). To help the watcher along two ethereal dancers interpret the parts where Armitage is talking as if to emphasise we are talking in poetry language now. A good trick, but once I spotted it I started to laugh at the thought that every time Armitage gives a reading in the real world two dancers would suddenly appear in the wings. Today I watched a poem which came to me via Facebook I believe, and I notice that the poet has put a backdrop of old film footage to enhance the film. I always wonder at this, it is almost as if the poet is concerned that the poem will not be entertaining enough in its own right, that there is an alternative show going on in case you don't want to listen to what's being said enough. It's a tremendous piece, as authentic as you get written by person from Glasgow, about what that experience is like. Such a great feat. Sadly no BBC4 commissions await for the poet, so we create our own film to be in. The commission as income, that's what it is there for and quite right. There is so much poetry about yet so few professional poets, it seems all wrong to the likes of me that love poetry, but look at me I prefer the free readings to the paid for ones, and I am a generous person.