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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 55 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 The Scene x The Poetic Off-Licence present: Poetry & Motion. The Scene x The Poetic Off-Licence are putting together a showcase of female and non-binary writers, dancers and musicians for our showcase at a secret location on the 9th of June. To enter, submit to us a poem or short essay that responds to the prompt 'Poetry & Motion: How do words call us to movement?". - Each person may submit one poem or one essay. - Poems will be a maximum of 100 lines long. - Short Essays will be a maximum of 1500 words. - Each piece must be original (not published elsewhere). - The deadline for application is 23:59pm on Sunday 12th of April. - You must be available to travel to Leeds on the evening of Tuesday 9th of June 2026. - This project is open to women+ and non-binary people. We will select eight poems and four essays for the Poetry & Motion project, and each finalist will have a slot to perform their piece, have it published in the Poetry & Motion zine, and have their piece recorded at Eiger Studios where it will be pressed on to the Poetry & Motion vinyl. Our twelve winners will be announced on Monday 27th of April, with further details to follow. We cannot wait to hear from you all! Thanks Maddi & Molly, The Poetic Off-Licence and The Scene. 7 Apr 2026 Click to go to the submission form PUBLISHED Click to go to the submission form 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) 13 Apr 2026 Click to read the article PUBLISHED Click to read the article 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 - 12.30pm Ages 18+ FREE Space2 The Old Fire Station, Gipton Approach, Leeds LS9 6NL 13 Apr 2026 Click to go to Brave Words website PUBLISHED Click to go to Brave Words website Soundbites SOUNDBITES – Monthly Poetry Open Mic Readings by a different local published poet each month and this month it’s Kev the Poet. Kev The Poet was born in Liverpool and began writing poetry in the early 90’s, after reading The Mersey Poets and a bout of unrequited love. He began again in 2022 as a response to the incipient rise of fascism. His work has been called poems of ‘angst, disdain and scorn, but also heart, honesty and humanity’ ‘passion, politics and a pen that pulls no punches’ and ‘sharp, soulful and utterly unmissable’. He has appeared on BBC Radio 2, BBC Devon/Cornwall GWS Radio, Express FM and contributes a weekly poem to Shaun Keavney’s show on Community Garden Radio. He has also been published in the US poetry magazine Shine and Manchester’s Urban Scrawl, which is devoted to poetry, stories, art and photography about cities. OPEN MIC We supply the mic – you supply the poetry Put your name down for a 4 minute slot (first come, first served) or just come along and listen. Open mic name listing from 6.30pm Event begins with guest poet at 7.00pm Everyone welcome. Free entry (donation appreciated) Heart Assembly Bar + Kitchen, Headingley Arts Centre 9 Bennett Road Leeds LS6 3HN 13 Apr 2026 Click to visit Soundbites' Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to visit Soundbites' Facebook page The Collaboration Collaboration is a live performance of Poets and Musicians, combined with Stop Motion Animation. The Collaboration is a live multimedia event that combines stop-motion animation, music, and spoken word. Together with projected animations, six artists share their unique experiences through live performances of their work. Artists: Jamie H. Scrutton Lence Blaze Hamlet Tom Priestley Miles and The Chain Gang Plus more Artists to be announced PLUS: 6 Open Mic slots (5 Minutes each.) Ticket: £6 Hyde Park Book Club, 27-29 Headingley Lane Headingley Leeds LS6 1BL 14 Apr 2026 Click to visit The Collaboration's Eventbrite page PUBLISHED Click to visit The Collaboration's Eventbrite page The Big Love Show - last chance today! 14th February to 14th April 2026 The exhibition is only one part of the BIG LOVE project, which explores the meaning of love in an expanded form. The other part is the BIG LOVE Book, a repository and long-lasting device that captures what love is in this present moment. So, let us show you our bleeding, beating or bestill hearts: through drawings, print, photography, poetry, sculpture and prose - Works that are love letters in the broadest sense. ... and yes - Love is most frequently used for the lovers, but BIG LOVE presents sycophantic, friendship-based and inanimate object revolving loves, as well as those that live and breathe close to us. The BIG LOVE Book expands the exhibition with a further fifty contributors into two-hundred pages full of art, prose and poetry in all imaginable forms - kept and treasured in this anthology as something possibly or impossibly sexy.   10 am to 6pm Hyde Park Book Club, 27-29 Headingley Lane, Leeds, LS6 1BL 14 Apr 2026 Click to visit webpage PUBLISHED Click to visit webpage Spread the Word Poetry Session Join us in our creative writing sessions dedicated to nurturing and celebrating stories through listening, writing and sharing. The group is well-established and friendly, and we're always welcoming new members! Pop along and say hello, there's no pressure or expectation. Each of the sessions will include a space to talk to each other as well as some really gentle creative writing exercises to help us put pen to paper. You may write a few words, you may write a full poem or even a paragraph describing something important to you. We can allow some time and space to share our writing if we choose to and we can also share how it is to be in a space sharing our stories and writing on the page. No ticket necessary, just turn up! 10am to 12 pm Mowbray Gardens Community Library Herringthorpes Valley Road Rotherham South Yorkshire S65 2UH 14 Apr 2026 Click to go to the Spread the Word Website PUBLISHED Click to go to the Spread the Word Website 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 There is also an online option. 7.30pm to 9pm The Gallery 24 Market Place Masham HG4 4EB 14 Apr 2026 Click to visit the Happy House Eventbrite page PUBLISHED Click to visit the Happy House 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! 7pm to 8pm Online 14 Apr 2026 Click to go to the Eventbrite page PUBLISHED Click to go to the Eventbrite page Albert Poets The Albert Poets’ readings are back on 15th April at 7.30pm to 22.00pm. Reading are: Victoria Gatehouse Faye Marshall Ian Parks Judith Wilson Wednesday 15 April 2026 7.30pm onwards The Rat And Ratchet, 40, Chapel Hill, Huddersfield, HD1 3EB 15 Apr 2026 Click to visit Albert Poets website PUBLISHED Click to visit Albert Poets website Manthology - Men's Poetry Writing Group Join our free sessions with writing prompts, word games, feedback (optional), and more ... Open to anyone who identifies as make and over 18 Please can you add to call Maz prior to attending - number is 0 7 4 8 - 4 9 1 1 1 4 1 Also 3 short forms need completing but can be done on first group. Thursdays 5 to 6.30pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub 190 Dewsbury Road LS11 6PF 16 Apr 2026 Click to go to Mindwell, Leeds PUBLISHED Click to go to Mindwell, Leeds Ink Spill #43 Poetry Workshop and Open Mic Ink Spill #43: 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 17 April 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! Start: 7pm to 10pm The Head of Steam, Saint George's Square Huddersfield HD1 1JB 17 Apr 2026 Click to visit Ink Spill Eventbrite page PUBLISHED Click to visit Ink Spill Eventbrite 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 17 Apr 2026 Click to visit Northlight Arts Centre webpage PUBLISHED Click to visit Northlight Arts Centre webpage Jackanory Saturday 18th April 2026 With : Bex Shields John Lake Open Mic 2-4 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 18 Apr 2026 Click to visit the Facebook event page PUBLISHED Click to visit the Facebook event page The Purple Room Evening of music & the spoken word Celebrating the poetry of Mike Farren with music for string trio played by Karen Vaughan (violin), Sarah Rushton (viola) & Keely Hodgson (cello). Mike Farren’s poems have appeared widely in journals and anthologies. He has won and been placed in several competitions. His pamphlets are ‘Pierrot and his Mother’ (Templar), ‘All of the Moons’ (Yaffle) and ‘Smithereens’ (4Word). He is part of Yaffle Publishing team, one of the hosts of Shipley’s ‘Rhubarb’ open mic and an organiser of Bradford's Beehive Poets. In 2024, he was one of Ilkley Literature Festival’s New Northern Poets and he is part of the Arvon Foundation's Advanced Writing Programme. This spoken word evening will include poetry with original music: two of Mike's collaborations with composer Keely Hodgson; 4 pieces for poet, violin and cello from his collection "All of the Moons", and a sequence from his "Northcliffe Poems" for poet, violin, viola and cello. DOORS OPEN 7.30pm. £7 on the door (card payments accepted) & BAR. St John's, Ben Rhydding, Bolling Road, Ilkley LS29 8PN Ilkley 18 Apr 2026 Click to go to Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to go to Facebook page Shared Stories Storytelling Night at Hoc Loco (Horsforth) You’re invited to an evening of authentic stories & connection, where you can share your experiences and listen to others. Hosted by Brave Words, we set a loose theme and create a relaxed, conversational space to chat, share stories and laugh together. By the end of the night you’ll have travelled through tales, empathy and connection to feel like a group of friends in someone’s living room. This month’s theme is: Journeys! We’ll be chatting everything from worldwide travels to personal discoveries; your favourite bus route to life-changing departures; emotional journeys, spiritual pilgrimages, turning points, first steps or dreams of the stars. All stories are welcome. You don’t need to be a performer – we won’t make you stand up or put you on the spot. It’s a super-relaxed evening of sharing with no pressure to speak. Tickets are Pay-What-You-Feel, suggested donation £5-£10. Card & cash payment available on the night. All donations go back to Brave Words' work running theatre activities across the most disadvantaged communities of Leeds: www.bravewords.co.uk . 7.30 start. Finish 9.30 latest. Third Tuesday of the month Location Hoc Loco, Horsforth, LS18 4QB 21 Apr 2026 Click to of to the Brave Words website PUBLISHED Click to of to the Brave Words website Folk & Word FOLK & WORD A free open mic session for all kinds of spoken word & acoustic music in York Dates: 21 Apr - 21 May - 16 June - 21 July All welcome. SAFE, DIVERSE AND FRIENDLY. Entry is free with a purchase from the bar. Sign up from 7 pm. Welcoming writers and wordful acoustic musicians with original material who'd like to share their work in a WARM, APPRECIATIVE ENVIRONMENT. We'll invite a writer and a musician to play host each month, and they'll bring a guest to perform as well. Then the floor is open to everyone for an open mic session (sign up from 7 pm). Bring a poem, a song, some new jokes, a monologue, a guitar, a voice. Try out fresh material or revive an old fave. Or just sit and enjoy the others! NOTE: access is by stairs only, sorry: it's a listed building. Sign up at 7pm starts at 7.30pm Upstairs at The Artful Dodger Micklegate York YO1 6LJ 21 Apr 2026 Click to visit Folk & Word website PUBLISHED Click to visit Folk & Word 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! 21 Apr 2026 Click to go to Chapel FM PUBLISHED Click to go to Chapel FM 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 7.30pm. Sign up in advance via Poetry Soc, or sign up on the night. Bar One Sheffield Students' Union Western Bank Sheffield S10 2TG 21 Apr 2026 Click to visit Bar One Poetry's webpage PUBLISHED Click to visit Bar One Poetry's webpage Poetry Workshops Fun and friendly online creative writing workshops every month in 2026 These workshops are an invitation to pause and make time to play with poetry, write and connect with other writers, and nourish and expand your creative practice. Join me on the 3rd Tuesday of each month for an hour and a half of exploratory writing fun. Each workshop will be themed and we’ll look at three poems on that theme by poets we love, and have a go at some our own writing in response. These workshops aren’t sequential, so you can come to as few or as many as you like. Each one will open with a short freewrite, followed by our first poem, a short discussion, and an associated writing exercise, our second poem, discussion, and writing exercise, and our third poem, discussion, and writing exercise. I’ll be writing along with you and there’ll be an optional sharing circle at the end for us to read out anything we’ve written, or share any other thoughts. You’ll finish each workshop with three drafts to take away and work on, and some fresh ideas and inspiration. 6.30pm to 8pm Online event 21 Apr 2026 Click to go to the Workshops Eventbrite page PUBLISHED Click to go to the Workshops Eventbrite page Head of Steam Open Mic Night Open Mic Night - Head of Steam, Mill Hill (Leeds) Got a song to share? A poem? A few tunes you’ve been dying to try out live? Come down to Head of Steam, Mill Hill tonight for our open mic! ✨ Sign-up from 7PM 🎶 Music starts at 8PM All abilities welcome - whether it’s your first time on stage or you’re a seasoned performer. Bring your mates, grab a drink, and let’s fill the room with some great live music. Head of Steam 6-7 Park Row, Leeds LS1 5HN 22 Apr 2026 Click to see the Head of Steam website PUBLISHED Click to see the Head of Steam website Cloth and Coal Poetry and spoken word 8pm onwards Morley Live 1 Beryl Burton Gardens Morley LS27 9FN 23 Apr 2026 Click to visit the Cloth and Coal Instagram page PUBLISHED Click to visit the Cloth and Coal Instagram 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 26 Apr 2026 Click to go to Craft Bar's Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to go to Craft Bar's Facebook page URM Unrehearsed Mayhem Musical Improvisation With Added Poetry (laid back and chilled) Featuring: Elliott Pelucci Graham Rhodes Bryn Andrews 7.30pm onwards following Wordsmith's open mic. Craft Bar 7 Northway Scarborough YO11 1JH (The poster is for last month's event) 26 Apr 2026 Click to go to the Craft Bar's Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to go to the Craft Bar's Facebook page Verbose MCR Verbose is Manchester's longest running spoken word night, based at the King's Arms in Salford. April Guest speakers: Maureen Onuwunali Kamran Sajid It has a proud history of bringing together a vibrant mix of live literature from poetry, prose and everything in between. Verbose welcomes new talent to the open mic alongside established writers and performers wanting to showcase new material, giving audiences the chance to hear work that is on its way to be published or perhaps feature at festivals including Glastonbury & Edinburgh Fringe. Verbose has two headliners every month & slots for open mic-ers. It usually takes place on the last Monday of each month, from 7.30pm - 9.30pm. It's PWYC & tickets are available on the Insta bio. All funds go directly to the headliners. Sign up for the open mic is via email- verbosemanchester@gmail.com . It is usually open for sign up between the 1st & 6th of each month & your name then goes into a draw. You'll be told about a week later if you got a slot. If you don't, try again the next month. 7.30pm - 9.30pm The King's Arms 11 Bloom Street Salford M3 6AN 27 Apr 2026 Click to visit Verbose MCR on Instagram PUBLISHED Click to visit Verbose MCR on Instagram Bone Down Poetry Open Mic Bone Down is a literary affinity group organising experimental spoken word/poetry events. Reclaiming public spaces. Hello all! Summer is here and so is Bone Down! Yayyyy! We've got two excellent headliners that will be announced soon and if it's picnic weather, then I encourage you to bring your own picnic because why not bring one on a nice summer evening? 🧺 Message Bone Down or @poetry_ditties to sign up to the open mic! Be there or don't be there, I guess 6.30 pm to 9 pm Bone Down Poetry Open Mic West Park Orchard, Leeds, LS16 5HT 29/04/26 29 Apr 2026 Click to go to the Bone Down Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to go to the Bone Down 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 7pm Terrace NQ 43 Thomas Street Manchester M4 1NA 29 Apr 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 #91 + open mic Wednesday 29th April 2026 Tom Branford + Open Mic Pay-as-you-feel Join us for our 91st Rhubarb at The Triangle. New readers are always welcome at our poetry & prose open mic, so if you've made it your new year's resolution to hear or share exciting new writing, you've come to the right place! Rhubarb is a pay-as-you feel event that welcomes poetry & prose readers on an open mic in the first half, followed by a headline set from an invited guest. If you want to read on the open mic, please book with us when you arrive. We generally offer 10 open mic slots of up to 4 minutes (squeezing in a few extras when we can). As always, listeners are also very welcome 7pm for 7.30 start to 9pm The Triangle, 47 Bradford Rd Shipley BD18 3DS 29 Apr 2026 Click to see Rhubarb's Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to see Rhubarb's Facebook page Gobsh!te Spoken Word Open Mic Guest reader: Sign up on the night 7.30 pm @ The Golden Lion Fielden Square Todmorden OL14 6LZ 29 Apr 2026 Click to to Gobsh!te's Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to to Gobsh!te's Facebook page Spread the Word: Poetry Open Mic This regular event takes places in venues across Rotherham, the April event will take place ar The Three Cranes on High Street. It's open to poets of all abilities and you're welcome to come and listen or perform your poetry. You will be able to perform your own poetry at the Open Mic Night! This opportunity is for all abilities, we hope everyone feels comfortable enough to share in our space. As you arrive, let the host know you would like to perform. General admission tickets are pay as you feel - £5/£3/Free tickets available. This event is part of Spread The Word, a poetry project run by Flux Rotherham, including poetry writing sessions and open mics. 7pm to 9pm The Three Cranes 25-27 High Street Rotherham S60 1PT 29 Apr 2026 Click to go to the Spread the Word Website PUBLISHED Click to go to the Spread the Word Website 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). 7.30pm to 9.30pm Terrace NQ 43 Thomas Street Manchester M4 1NA 29 Apr 2026 Click to go the Open Mic Instagram page PUBLISHED Click to go the Open Mic Instagram page 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 30 Apr 2026 Click to go to the Eventbrite page PUBLISHED Click to go to the Eventbrite 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. New dates coming soon! Suitable for all ages - all under 18s require a parent or guardian Chaiiwala, 854 Leeds Road Bradford BD3 9TX 1 May 2026 There is no website to link to PUBLISHED There is no website to link to Beehive Poets Open mic group. With guest reader, Ian Parks First Friday of the Month. 7pm to 9pm City Library Bradford, 9 Aldermanbury, The Broadway, Bradford, BD1 1SD 1 May 2026 Click to go to Beehive Poets Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to go to Beehive Poets Facebook page 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) 4 May 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 5th May 7-9pm Batley Library 14 Market Place Batley WF17 5DA (Note the poster is for last month's event) 5 May 2026 Click to go to Batley Poets' Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to go to Batley Poets' Facebook page Spread the Word Poetry Writing Session with Mike O’Brien Come and joining us for some guided Creative Writing sessions, led by poet Mike O’Brien. A designed image featuring a photo of Mike O'Brien performing with a microphone, next to an image of a hand writing and the Spread the Word Logo. Mike O'Brien Mike O'Brien is a poet and the creator of Sixty Odd Poets, a collection of poems and thinkings. "Some of the poems are published, some of them are not, but all are deservant of a greater readership that they currently enjoy." His works often include humour and witty rhymes. Visit Sixty Odd Poets here: https://sixtyoddpoets.substack.com/ Perfect for beginners, those wanting to have a go or reignite that spark! Bring your curiosity, notebook and pen. Free. Suitable for 16+ Tuesday 5th May 10am - 12pm Wickersley Library 286 Bawtry Rd Rotherham S66 1JJ · 5 May 2026 Click to go to Spread the Word website PUBLISHED Click to go to Spread the Word website 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. Come join our friendly circle for some relaxed yet focused writing time; nurture your practice, meet new writers and friends, and enjoy spending time doing something you love with likeminded creatives. While we have a bent towards poetry we also welcome writers of all styles, genres, and experience. The sessions will start with a short chat, then there'll be plenty of time to get your head down and work, and at the end there'll always be an optional sharing circle. There'll be several poetry collections, anthologies, and/or pamphlets available for you to look through, some pens and paper in case you didn't bring yours, and a few writing prompts in case you need a little inspiration to get you started. Feel free to work on an existing project, or come ready to start something new. Saison is a welcoming, queer friendly bar on Burton Road. They serve a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. There will be some ambient bar noise so feel free to bring headphones, earplugs, or whatever you need. This is a neurodivergent and queer friendly space open to everyone and supportive of all. 6 pm to 7.30 pm Cost £5 Saison (upstairs) 236 Burton Road West Didsbury M20 2LW 5 May 2026 Click to go to the Eventbrite page PUBLISHED Click to go to the Eventbrite page WordSpace Open Mic WordSpace is a public performance platform and hub, conceived and managed by @DrAlyal of @LTUEnglish. Publishing annual anthology open to all who attend WordSpace open mics, or are connected with Leeds Trinity University, whether as students or staff, or by attending one of our writing events. Slots available on the night. Monthly open mic with guest performer first Wednesday of the month at Horsforth Brewery Tap for 9 months of the year. 19.30 - 21.30 hours THE BREWERY TAP 143 New Side Road Leeds LS18 4QD 6 May 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, 'The Job I Always Wanted' ! 7pm to 9pm City Library Bradford 9 Aldermanbury The Broadway Bradford BD1 1SD 6 May 2026 Click to visit the Bradford Open Mic Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to visit the Bradford Open Mic 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 6 May 2026 Click to go to Brave Words website PUBLISHED Click to go to Brave Words 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 Fleece Westgate Otley LS21 3DT 7 May 2026 Click to see the Otley Poets Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to see the Otley Poets Facebook page Shared Stories Storytelling Night at the Terminus (Meanwood) You’re invited to an evening of authentic stories & connection, where you can share your experiences and listen to others. Hosted by Brave Words, we set a loose theme and create a relaxed, conversational space to chat, share stories and laugh together. By the end of the night you’ll have travelled through tales, empathy and connection to feel like a group of friends in someone’s living room. This month’s theme is: Journeys! We’ll be chatting everything from worldwide travels to personal discoveries; your favourite bus route to life-changing departures; emotional journeys, spiritual pilgrimages, turning points, first steps or dreams of the stars. All stories are welcome. You don’t need to be a performer – we won’t make you stand up or put you on the spot. It’s a super-relaxed evening of sharing with no pressure to speak. Tickets are Pay-What-You-Feel, suggested donation £5-£10. Card & cash payment available on the night. All donations go back to Brave Words' work running theatre activities across the most disadvantaged communities of Leeds: www.bravewords.co.uk . 8pm start. Finish 9.30 latest. Event Details Starts at 8:00PM Location Terminus Tap Room and Bottle Shop (The Meanwood Brewery), Leeds, LS6 4HY 7 May 2026 Click to go to Brave Words Website PUBLISHED Click to go to Brave Words 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 7th May, 2026 1:30pm - 3pm Kimberworth Library Free 125 Church St, Rotherham S61 4EA 7 May 2026 Click to go to Spread the Word website PUBLISHED Click to go to Spread the Word website Poets Talking Bollocks Poetry Open Mic With Keith Fenton & Aqeel Parvez Plus guests and open mic 2.15pm to 5.15pm The Chemic Tavern (Woodhouse) 9 Johnson Street Leeds, LS6 2NG 10 May 2026 Click to visit Open Mic Instagram page PUBLISHED Click to visit Open Mic Instagram page Under the Lobby Lights Spoken Word Night. Open Mic. plus guests: to be announced email: underthelobbylights@gmail.com to book an open mic slot From 7.30pm The Lobby 1867, Westgate Wakefield 13 May 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 14 May, 7.30pm at The Fleece. 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 Fleece Westgate Otley LS21 3DT 14 May 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 10.30pm Hinterland Alcohol-Free Bar and Café 16-20 Turner Street Manchester M4 1DZ 14 May 2026 Click to visit the Hinterland Eventbrite page PUBLISHED Click to visit the Hinterland Eventbrite page 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 14 May 2026 Click to visit the Well Spoken website PUBLISHED Click to visit the Well Spoken website Grand Plans Event by Sarah L Dixon Special guest: Yorkshire Showcase! and open mic 6.15pm to 8pm 139 Lane Top, Linthwaite, Huddersfield, United Kingdom, HD7 5SG 17 May 2026 Click to visit Grand Plans Facebook page PUBLISHED Click to visit Grand Plans Facebook 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 7.15pm for a 7.45pm 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 More Song We’ve brought events to Bradford since March 2023. Reading tba Join us on Thursday June 4th from 7-9pm for More Song Message for an open mic slot 🎤 What: More Song ⛓️ Where: The 1 in 12 Club Library, Bradford City Centre 🔴⚫️ When: Thursday June 4th, 7-9 pm ⏰ How: £3 tickets / PWYC Poster by @ben_brumpton 🖋️ The 1 in 12 Club Library 21-23 Albion Street Bradford West Yorkshire BD1 2LY (Note: Poster is for the last month's event) 4 Jun 2026 Click to visit the More Song website PUBLISHED Click to visit the More Song website 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 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: 10th April, 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. Next 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: 26th March, 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 Thursday of the month. Next meeting: 21st April, 7,30pm, see above / link. Terminus Tap Room and Bottle Shop (The Meanwood Brewery), Leeds, LS6 4HY. Next meeting: 7th May, 8pm. Seed above and link. 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 ; first Wednesday of the month, 6pm to 7pm. Next meeting 6th May, 2026, see above / link In person - Weekly on Mondays, 11am -12.30pm. Next meeting: 13th April 2026. See links / Events page . Space2, The Old Fire Station, Gipton Approach, Leeds, LS9 6NL Links: www.bravewords.co.uk Cardigan Arms Open Mic Open mic. This is mostly music based. The Cardigan Arms, 364 Kirkstall Road, Leeds, LS4 2HQ Second & fourth Monday of the month, 7.30pm for 3 hours. Links: Cardigan Arms website 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, 7.15pm for a 7.45pm 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 April, 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 Head of Steam, Mill Hill (Leeds) Open Mic Night - Got a song to share? A poem? A few tunes you’ve been dying to try out live? Come down to Head of Steam, Mill Hill tonight for our open mic! All abilities welcome - whether it’s your first time on stage or you’re a seasoned performer. (This event has more of a music bias.) Head of Steam, 6-7 Park Row, Leeds, LS1 5HN 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, sign up 7pm for 8pm start. See links / Events page . Next meeting: 22nd April, 2026 Links: Leeds - Park Row | Head of Steam 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 Lit Fest money raiser night and open mic meeting: 2 April 2026. Links: Hyde Park Book Club Leeds Stanza We are Leeds Stanza - a monthly meeting linked to @thepoetrysociety For details contact Becky (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 on Zoom. Links: Instagram Manthology Join our free sessions with writing prompts, word games, feedback (optional), and more... Open to anyone who identifies as make and over 18. Thursdays 5 to 6.30pm Please can you add to call Maz prior to attending - number is 0 7 4 8 - 4 9 1 1 1 4 1 Also 3 short forms need completing but can be done on first group. Dewsbury Road Community Hub,190 Dewsbury Road, LS11 6PF Next Meeting: 16th April, 2026 Links: Dewsbury Road community hub | Leeds.gov.uk , Being You Leeds Wellbeing Fun Groups Activities Weekly timetable 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 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Next meeting: 17th April 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) Open mic + occasional guest poet The Fleece, Westgate, Otley LS21 3DT Monthly; first Thursday of the month, 19.30 hours to 21.30 hours Next meeting: 7th May 2026. See links / Events page . 2) Other Poets Meets to read and discuss the work of published poets The Fleece, Westgate, Otley LS21 3DT + online (via Zoom) Monthly; second Thursday. Next meeting: 14th May, 2026. See links / Events page . 3) Otley Poetry Gym An informal group offering constructive criticism on poetry work in progress The Fleece, Westgate, Otley LS21 3DT Monthly; third Thursday of the month 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: 30th April, 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 Last meeting: 16th March, 2026, from 7pm, see links. Links: Instagram , Holding Patterns – Leeds' listening bar Poets Talking Bollocks Live podcast recording with guest + open mic (message on Instagram for open mic slot) The Chemic Tavern, (Woodhouse), 9, Johnson Street, Leeds, LS6 2NG Monthly, usually second Sunday of the month, 2.15pm to 5.15pm Next meeting 12th April, 2026. 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. Event: Celebrating the poetry of Mike Farren with music for string trio played by Karen Vaughan (violin), Sarah Rushton (viola) & Keely Hodgson (cello). 7.30pm. £7 on the door (card payments accepted) & BAR. St John's, Ben Rhydding, Bolling Road, Ilkley, LS29 8PN. See links / Events page . Links: The Purple Room | Facebook, The Purple Room Evening of music & the spoken word | 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 6.30pm for a 7pm start with the guest poet. Next meeting 13th April, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Facebook Wordspace Monthly Variety Open Mic. For Prose, Poetry, Comedy, Music. all sorts. THE BREWERY TAP 143 NEW ROAD SIDE LS18 4QD Monthly; first Wednesday of the month. Next meeting 6th May, 2026, 7.30pm - 9.30pm. 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 Batley, Bradford, Doncaster, Halifax, Harrogate, Huddersfield, Hull, Masham, Rotherham, Sheffield, Sowerby Bridge, Scarborough, Todmorden, and Wakefield. Please keep scrolling to the end! Events in Batley Batley Poets Open Mic Join us to share your poetry, favourite poems, or just listen and have a wonderful evening! First Tuesday of the month. Batley Library14 Market Place, Batley, WF17 5DA Next meeting: 5th May 2026. 7 pm to 9 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: 13th March, 2026, 7pm to 10pm. Links: Aletheia Creative Writing Group-On | Eventbrite Beehive Poets Open mic group. City Library Bradford, 9 Aldermanbury, The Broadway, Bradford, BD1 1SD First Friday of the Month. Next meeting: 1st May, 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. 7pm to 9pm City Library Bradford, 9 Aldermanbury, The Broadway, Bradford, BD1 1SD First Wednesday of the Month. Next meeting 6th May, 2026. 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. See links for next meeting details. Last meeting: 13th February 2026 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.) Last meeting: 9th April, 2026, 7pm to 9pm. See links / Events page . Links: 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 29th April 2026. See links / Events page . Links: RhubarbWriters.co.uk , Facebook 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 Last meeting: 26th March 2026 Links: See Events page . 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: 14th May, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Doncaster Brewery | Well Spoken Events in Halifax Yea, Write Poetry, Spoken Word, Open Mic The Lydgate in Lightcliffe, HX3 8SH Next meeting: (No online details at present) 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 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 Last meeting 4 May 2026. See links / Events page . . Links: Facebook 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: 15th April 2026, 7.30pm to 10pm. 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 8pm. Next Meeting 12th April 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, Huddersfield Every third Friday, 7pm to 10pm. Next Meeting 17th April 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Facebook , Instagram 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 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 : 14th April 2026,7.30pm to 9pm. See links / Events page . Links: Happy House Poetry Night - In Person Ticket Tickets, Tuesday, Mar 17 from 7:30 pm to 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 Mowbray Gardens Community Library, Herringthorpes Valley Road, Rotherham, S65 2UH 10am to 12 pm. See links / Events page . Next meeting: 14th April, 2026 Spread the Word Poetry Writing Session with Mike O’Brien Tuesday 5th May, 10am - 12pm, free. See links / Events page . Wickersley Library, 286 Bawtry Rd, Rotherham, S66 1JJ Spread the Word Poetry Writing Session with Jodie Platts Thursday 7th May, 2026,1:30pm - 3pm, free. See links / Events page . Kimberworth Library,125 Church St, Rotherham, S61 4EA Open Mic The Three Cranes, 25-27 High Street, Rotherham, S60 1PT Next meeting: 29th April, 2026, 7 pm to 9 pm. See links / Events page . Links: Spread the Word - Flux Rotherham 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 to 7.30pm, Next meeting 21st April, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Bar One Poetry Open Mic Night tickets | FoundrySU Events in Scarborough 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: 26th April, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Facebook 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, 7.30pm start. Next meeting: 29th April, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: Facebook Events in Wakefield CoffeeWrite Your Local Creative Coffee Shop 4 Marygate, Wakefield, WF1 1NX Check the link poetry events held including a Women's Poetry Group 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: 18th April, 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 21 Feb 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 5th May, 2026, from 7.30pm. 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). Upstairs at The Artful Dodger, York, YO1 6LJ Every third Thursday, sign up for 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Next meeting: 21st April, 2026. See links / Events page . Links: FOLK & WORD Open Mic (FREE / No booking required) at The Artful Dodger event tickets from TicketSource 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 Last 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: 14th May, 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: 5th May 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: 29th April 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 The Word Central Manchester Central Library 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: 21st April, 2026. See link. Links: Facebook 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 27th April, 2026, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. See links / Events page . Links: VerboseMCR 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 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 BRAVE WORDS Poetry Workshop Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite 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) 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 H Happy House Party - Masham Head of Steam (Mill Hill, Leeds) - Leeds Heart Assembly Bar - See Soundbites (Leeds) Hinterland Poets - Manchester (Outside Yorkshire) Holding Patterns - See Poetic Off Licence (Leeds) 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 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 Runcible Spoon - Leeds S Shared Stories - Brave Words (Leeds) Soundbites - Leeds Soul Open Mic - Sowerby Bridge Soul Shed - Wakefield The Space Poetic - Manchester (Outside Yorkshire) Spread the Word - Rotherham Storytelling - Brave Words (Leeds) T U Under The Lobby Lights - Wakefield Urdu Shurdu - Bradford V Verbose MCR - Salford (Outside Yorkshire) W Well Spoken - Doncaster The Word Central - Manchester (Outside Yorkshire) Wordsmiths Open Mic - Scarborough Wordspace - Leeds Write Now - See Northern Arts Centre, Café and Event Space (Leeds) X Y Yea, Write - Halifax 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: 10th April, 2026 Click to see the Events Map CLick to go to Poetry Events

Map of Poetry Events If you are struggling to use this map, please use the link: Leeds and Yorkshire Poetry Map – Google My Maps P.S. The map is a work in progress. I hope to populate it over the next few weeks. Please do get in contact if you would like to be added to the events. Links to other Poetry maps The Birmingham Poetry Map – Google My Maps You can find events in Birmingham from this Google Map. Bilal Akram has been very encouraging in formation of the Manchester Poetry Map and my own. Thank you Bilal. Leeds Poetry Activity Katya Keyzerova's inspiration for my own map page. Thank you Katya. 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. Last page update: 10th April 2026 CLick to go to Poetry Events Click to see Events A to Z

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.