Listing for March 2021: Literary Events Online
Welcome to March! Although we’re making good progress in the UK with the roll-out of vaccines, this COVID-19 pandemic is sadly far from vanquished. This means events organisers are still battling with the challenges of making sure arts events can happen – and safely. With gatherings of people (beyond households/bubbles) still highly restricted, many events have had to be cancelled. This has left a lot of people feeling isolated, unable to participate in their usual cultural activities and desperate to get back to a semblance of normality.
But here is the good news: creative communities across the UK, and all around the globe, are STILL plugging the void in our lives with some amazing virtual events!
The HCE magazine team have created another list of literary open mics, events and workshops (listed in separate categories below), to help you plan for the weeks ahead. You can stay virus-free AND enjoy your favourite gigs! This is also the perfect chance to “travel” afar and attend events you never thought you could…
OPEN MICS
Mon 1st March, 7-8PM (ETC) – via Zoom
Oceanside Library Poetry Readings
(Normally happens in: New York, USA)
Every first and third Monday. 2 featured poets and an open mic, hosted by Tony Iovino. For access info, visit the event webpage.
Tues 2nd March, 7.45-10PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Hammer & Tongue Hackney Women’s Day Special
Tickets: £3-£10. Open mic poetry slam – open to all female and non-binary poets only. Guest feature from Jenni Mac and an open mic slam (slots are 3.5 minutes). Hosted by Fausta Joly, Lydia Beardmore and Sam Siva, plus set from DJ Alex Mills. For more details or to register, visit the Biletto webpage.
Tues 2nd March, 7PM (UTC) – via Zoom
York Spoken Word – The Corona Months: Part 12
(Usually happens in: York, UK)
Poetry open mic. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Tues 2nd March 7.15-9.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Testify Poetry Open Mic
Tickets: £ 3 plus booking fee. Headliner: Sarah Pritcharde. Open mic slots available on arrival. For more information and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 2nd March, 7.30PM (EST) – via Zoom
QPAC Tuesday: FREE Open Mic Night
(Usually happens in: Queens, NY, USA)
Queens Poetic Alchemy Collective: a weekly poetry open mic. A safe space for all to share openly, influenced by the Daoist principles of alchemy. For more details, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 3rd March, 7-9PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Crafty Crows ~ Online Poetry
(Usually happens in: Gloucestershire, UK)
Free event. The Gloucestershire Poetry Society presents this regular poetry night, hosted by Josephine Lay. Featuring Adam Horovitz & Zoe Brook, plus open-mic. For more details or to register, visit the Helm ticket page.
Thurs 4th March, 7.30-10PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Fire & Dust Meets: SPECIAL K
(Usually happens in: Coventry, UK)
Free monthly event – Pay As You Feel. Poetry open mic with a special headline guest. To attend, grab an Eventbrite ticket (free). Details re: Zoom URL and how to sign up for open mic will be emailed. There is also a Fire & Dust events page on Facebook.
Fri 5th March, 7.30PM (BST) – via YouTube
Some-Antics Online 9 – Live on Zoom!
(Usually happens in: Leicester, UK)
Open mic, a poetry slam, DJ mixes and feature poet Gary Hukisson. 7 slammers, two rounds, 3 minute limit. For more details, check out the Facebook event page.
Sat 6th March, 7-8.15PM (UTC) – via YouTube Live
FRESH: Spring Bloom – Ecopoetry open mic
Free poetry open mic (donations welcome). Hosted by Poets for the Planet, Debra Watson and Robin Lamboll and featuring headliner Bella Cox. 15 open mic slots available, 3 mins max. Themes: #beginafresh, #noplanetb, #springbloom, renewal, re-invention, green energy and new beginnings. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 7th March, 7.30PM – via Zoom
Yes, We Cant
(Usually happens in: Walsall, UK)
Free monthly virtual open mic event – Pay What You Can. Headliner: Katie Ailes and ‘Alf Ender: Rachel Burns. To request a space in the Zoom: email poetsprattlerspandemonialists@gmail.com. For more details, visit the Poets, Prattlers & Pandemonialists Facebook page.
Sun 7th March, 6.30-9AM (UTC) – via Zoom/Facebook Live
Poetry at Your Place feat. Analysis – event #35
Free poetry open mic event (Pay What You Can). Open mic featuring headliner ANALYSIS. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 7th March, 5-7PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Poetry LGBT Open Mic
Pay As You Can monthly event, hosted by Andreena Leeanne. 15 open mic slots. For more details and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 7th March,3-5PM (GMT) – via Zoom
LIVEwire x #IWD2021 event for Leeds Lit Fest
Featuring sets from Theresa Lola, Erin Bolens and Reece Lyons, and hosted by Louise Fazackerley. Plus open mic section for womxn/female-identifying performers (3 mins max). More details and register for tickets on the Nymphs & Thugs webpage.
Mon 8th March, 8.30-11.30 (Irish Standard Time) – via Zoom/Facebook Live
Ó Bhéal: 12th Virtual Poetry Event
(Usually happens in: Cork, Ireland)
Open mic, headliners, live poetry prompt challenge. Featuring headline poets: Sandy Yanonne and Laurence McKeown. More info and details of how to access the gig are here on the website.
Tues 9th March, 7.30PM (EST) – via Zoom
QPAC Tuesday: FREE Open Mic Night
(Usually happens in: Queens, NY, USA)
Queens Poetic Alchemy Collective: a weekly poetry open mic. A safe space for all to share openly, influenced by the Daoist principles of alchemy. For more details, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 10th March, 8.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
DeBarra’s Spoken Word
(Normally happens in: Clonakilty, Ireland)
Facilitated by Margaret O’Regan and Lauren Cavanagh. Guest speaker: poet Matthew Geden. Matthew will read from his work and facilitate a surreal-writing workshop, followed by the open mic. For more info and to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 10th March, 00.00-1.30AM (UTC) – via Zoom
Stay-At-Home Open Mic Poetry Jam
(Normally happens in: Minneapolis, USA)
Free family-friendly event. Readers of all ages and experience levels are invited to share their original poems or one by a favorite poet. Facilitated by St. Louis Park Friends of the Arts. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 11th March, 7.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Pure & Good & Right Virtual Open Mic Poetry Night
(Usually happens in: Kenilworth, UK)
Poetry open mic night, welcoming to both newcomers and regulars. To be added to the mailing list, contact the PGR organisers: pgrpoetry@gmail.com
Thurs 11th March, 7.45PM (GMT) – via unknown
Write Out Load Open Mic Poetry
(Normally happens in Wigan, UK)
Every second Thursday of the month. Email host Ian Whiteley on whiteley.ian@btinternet.com before 5PM on the day of the event, to join as audience or open mic poet. For more details, visit The Old Courts webpage.
Fri 12th March, 3-5AM (UTC) – via Zoom
Phynnecabulary Presents: “Women’s History Month”
Free open mic event. This group encourages contributions from artists and their art. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 14th March, 6.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Run Your Tongue Online presents…Jeff Cottrill
(Usually happens in Kettering, UK)
Spoken word open mic night. Headliner: Canadian writer and poet Jeff Cottrill. For more details and how to access, check out the Facebook event page.
Sun 14th March, 7PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Like a Blot from the Blue 10: Poets Clean Up with Cathi Rae
(Usually happens in Kettering, UK)
Spoken word open mic night. Headliner: Cathi Rae. For more details and how to access, check out the Facebook event page.
Mon 15th March, 7-8PM (ETC) – via Zoom
Oceanside Library Poetry Readings
(Normally happens in: New York, USA)
Every first and third Monday. 2 featured poets (Betsy Mars & Alan Walowitz) and an open mic, hosted by Tony Iovino. For access info, visit the event webpage.
Tues 16th March, 7.30PM (EST) – via Zoom
QPAC Tuesday: FREE Open Mic Night
(Usually happens in: Queens, NY, USA)
Queens Poetic Alchemy Collective: a weekly poetry open mic. A safe space for all to share openly, influenced by the Daoist principles of alchemy. For more details, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 16th March, 6.30-9PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Phynnecabulary Presents:The “Pop-Up-Anything-Goes” Open Mic
Free weekly open mic event. This group encourages contributions from artists and their art. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 16th March, 7PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Live Poets Stand Up To Racism! United Nations Anti-Racism Festival! International Poetry Event
Live Poets Society event in solidarity with UN Anti-Racism Day. Performances from poets, plus open mic, against racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism and fascism. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 17th March, 7.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Wednesday Writers Open Mic
(Normally happens in: West Yorkshire, UK)
International open mic for poetry, prose, performance and music. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 18th Feb, 7.30-10PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Lit Up
(Normally happens in: Belfast, N.I.)
Poetry open mic event – $5. Headliners: actor/poet Neil Bell and page and stage poet Ross Thompson. To enquire about open mic, email: mikewilsonartist@gmail.com. For more details, check out the Facebook event page.
Thurs 18th Feb, 7PM (EST) – via Zoom
Spoken and Heard: March Session
An Athens County Poets & Storytellers event. Special guests: Carter Sickles and Jessica Salfia. Readings, Q&A and pop-up open mic. Register in advance. For more details, check out the Facebook event page.
Thurs 18th March, 7-9PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Ledbury Poetry Salon with Rosie Garland
Ticket price: £3. A poetry open mic event as part of Ledbury Poetry Festival. Featuring discussion between poets Rosie Garland and Tania Hershmann. Open mic slots are 2 mins max. For more info and to register, visit the Festival webpage.
Fri 19th March, 7.30-11PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Oooh Beehive: Mad as March Lockdown Hair
Free poetry open mic event (Pay As You Feel/Can). Headliner: Genevieve Carver. For more info about the gig and open mic, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 22nd March, 7.30-9PM (GMT) – via MS Teams
Tamworth LitFest: ‘Story Town’
Free event. Compered by writer/poet Mal Dewhirst – an opportunity for writers and oral story-tellers to share extracts from their work, whether published or unpublished. For more details about the open mic or to register for the event, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 23rd March, 7.30PM (GMT) – via Facebook group
PASTA
Open mic night from Poets, Prattlers, and Pandemonialists. The first half is to a theme picked at random from audience suggestions at the previous month’s event. Theme for January: TBC. Second half, anything goes. To book a slot in the first half, second half or both, email poetsprattlerspandemonialists@gmail.com. Poems are accepted as text, Soundcloud links or YouTube links. You can join the PP&P Facebook group here.
Tues 23rd March, 7.30PM (EST) – via Zoom
QPAC Tuesday: FREE Open Mic Night
(Usually happens in: Queens, NY, USA)
Queens Poetic Alchemy Collective: a weekly poetry open mic. A safe space for all to share openly, influenced by the Daoist principles of alchemy. For more details, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 24th March, 7.30-9.30PM (GMT) – via MS Teams
WORDS@Tamworth LITFEST
Free poetry open mic event, compered by writer/poet Mal Dewhirst. All levels of experience welcome. For more details about the open mic or to register for the event, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 25th March, 7.30PM (UTC) – via Facebook page
WordCraft: The Precious One
(Normally happens in: Stoke-on-Trent, UK)
Several options for the poetry open mic – you can be pre-recorded, live on Facebook or send in a poem for someone else to read. More info available on the Facebook event page. Free event, but donations to Mind charity are welcome.
Thurs 25th March, 7-10PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Open Mic Poetry Night
(Usually happens in: Bristol, UK)
Free poetry night. From St. Paul’s Library in Bristol – local and international headliners (Skear Zines, Louis Bailie, Akulah Agbami and Maya Chowdhury) plus open mic. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 28th Feb, 7PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Allographic Open Mic
Monthly spoken word open mic event – poetry, story-telling, drama. Headliner: Elizabeth McGeown. More details and register for tickets on the Eventbrite page.
Wed 31st March, 7.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Front Room Poetry with Debris Stevenson
Feature set by Dyslexic writer, Grime poet, working-class academic, pansexual ex-Mormon and Bashment dancing social activist Debris Stevenson, plus 10 open mic slots available. For more details or to register for the event, visit the Bradford Producing webpage.
Wed 31st March, 7.30-10PM (GMT) – via Zoom
The Criterion Theatre: Online Play Reading Group
Play: ‘The Welkin’ by Lucy Kirkwood. Cast of approx. 20. People are welcome to attend just to listen and take part in the post-reading discussion. For more details or to register for the event, visit the Criterion Theatre webpage.
EVENTS
Mon 1st March – Wed 24th March – via unknown
New Words Virtual Book Festival
For more details or to book tickets, visit the festival programme page.
Tues 2nd March, 7PM (UTC)-Sun 7th March, 9PM (UTC)
Leeds Lit Fest 2021
Check out the full programme on the festival website.
Tues 2nd March, 7.30-8PM (BST) – via IGTV/YouTube/Facebook
Nymphs & Thugs #34: Sophie Sparham
Poetry performances and conversation. Watch live or catch up on the Nymphs & Thugs on Instagram or Facebook or YouTube.
Wed 3rd March, 7.30-8.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
‘The Cartographer’ by Mohan Rana: Readings and Discussion
Ticket price: free or £8.25 (includes price of book). A Poetry Translation Centre event. Indian poet Mohan Rana & poet Bernard O’Donoghue celebrate the release of ‘The Cartographer’, with readings in Hindi & English More details and register for tickets on the Eventbrite page.
Wed 3rd March, 6-7PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Culture and solidarity: Tommy Sissons in conversation with Joelle Taylor
In conversation with Taylor, Sisson will explore a medley of non-fiction, prose and poetry to study the conditions of contemporary working-class life and analyse the roles that class, race, masculinity and nationality play in neo-liberal Britain. More details and register for tickets on the Eventbrite page.
Fri 5th March, 7-11PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Hammer & Tongue Cambridge Poetry Slam
Free event (donation). Eight slam poets compete in the next 2020-21 round for a place in the Regional Final, plus performances from Sam J Grudgings and Elizabeth McGeown. More details and register for tickets on the Eventbrite page.
Mon 8th March, 7.30-8.30PM (GMT) – via webpage
Translating Poetries
A free StAnza Online (Scotland’s International Poetry Festival) event. Readings from 6 international poets and their translators, who have been shortlisted for the Sarah Maguire Prize 2021. To register and then to view the streamed event, visit this webpage.
Tues 9th March, 7PM (GMT) – via Zoom
New Words Festival presents a Poetry Reading with Alan Baker
Free event for New Words Festival, hosted by Cumbria Libraries. Poetry Reading plus Q&A on creative writing with Alan Baker. More details and register for tickets on the Eventbrite page.
Fri 12th March, 7.30-10PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Oooh Beehive’s right royal comedy night
Free event. Featuring sets from the “poetry royalty” of Melanie Branton and Nick Lovell, plus a second showing of Clive Oseman’s debut one-man show “Getting To Know Elizabeth”. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 12th March, 1-2PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Live Canon Lunchtime Reading Series Number 7
Free event , with readings from Paul Terence Carney, NJ Hynes and Antony Mair. More details and register for tickets on the Eventbrite page.
Fri 12th-Sat 13th March
NAWE Conference 2021
Tickets from £29. Annual conference, which brings together writers working in schools, university and HE settings (plus other community settings) across the UK and internationally. Events include: representatives from all four UK Arts Councils in a special cultural funding panel; one-to-one funding surgeries; ‘In Conversation’ events with special guests Kate Clanchy, Kit de Waal and Romalyn Ante; an open mic hosted by Yvonne Battle-Felton; Breakfast Poems with The Poetry Business; and a Write & Shine workshop run by Gemma Seltzer. For more information and to book tickets, visit the NAWE webpage.
Fri 12th-Sun 21st March
Lancaster Literature Festival
Free festival, with events dedicated to poetry, fiction, story-telling, illustration, nature and more. Includes a full day of poetry on Saturday 20th featuring Tara Bergin, Sean O’Brien, Paul Farley, Colette Bryce, Raymond Antrobus, Doireann Ní Ghríofa and Andrew McCrae. For more information and to book tickets, visit the Lancaster Lit Fest webpage.
Sat 13th March, 11AM-1PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Novels That Shaped Our World: Women in Power, Politics and Protest
£10 but free to under 25s. A Forgotten Voices workshop, led by authors Sophie Sparham and Zing Tsjeng about women’s literature on the theme of politics, power and protest. More details and register for tickets on the Eventbrite page.
Sat 13th March, 8PM (GMT) – via Facebook Live
Worldwide Premiere: ‘Poets in Therapy’ Film
Over 20 poets explain, poetically, their own personal angst in the pursuit of their art. Facilitated by Fin Hall. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 15th March, 8-9PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Live Canon: Sonnet Bingo
A Pay What You Can event. Features performances of Shakespeare’s sonnets by the Live Canon ensemble: Holly Atkins, Mairin O’Hagan and Jim Scott. Includes a game of sonnet bingo, with a prize to be won. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 17th March, 7PM (GMT) – via Zoom
UEA Live: Inua Ellams
Tickets: £5 or £13 including book bundle. Poet, playwright and performer Inua Ellams discusses and reads from his latest poetry collection The Actual. For more details or to register, visit the UEA webpage.
Thurs 18th March, 6.30-8.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Dear Listener: An evening with …prose!
No open mic this month – new format. Readings from Charley Barnes’ new novel ‘The Cutter’, plus guest readings and a Q&A. There will be more details on the Facebook event page.
Thurs 18th March, 7PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Speaking for Ourselves: Contemporary Women’s Poetry
part of the xCHANGE festival at Birmingham City University, celebrating International Women’s Day 2021. Poets Jacqueline Saphra plus guest poets Naush Sabah, Claire Walker, Kate Carruthers Thomas and Ruth Stacey will be giving readings and talking about women’s poetry today. For more details or to register for the event, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 18th March, 7-8PM (GMT) – via Zoom
New Poetries VIII Launch #5
Registration costs £2 (later redeemable against the cost of the book). Press anthology launch (edited by Michael Schmidt and John McAuliffe, featuring Stav Poleg, Benjamin Nehammer, Nell Prince, Maryam Hessavi and Chad Campbell). Readings and discussion. For more details or to register for the event, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 19th March, 1-2PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Nowt But Verse with Hannah Stone and Jeff Cottrill
Free event (optional donation). Toronto-based fiction writer, journalist and spoken-word artist Jeff Cottrill joins host Hannah Stone for approx. 40 mins of discussion plus 10 mins of Q&A from the audience. For more details or to register for the event, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 19th March, 7PM (GMT) – via unknown
Leicester Catherdral Presents…An Evening of Poetry from Jay Hulme
Tickets: £5-£10. Join award-winning transgender performance poet, speaker and educator Jay Hulme for an evening of poetry. For more details or to register for the event, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 19th March, 00.00-1.30AM (GMT) – via Zoom
A Celebration of Print with Split Lip Magazine & Barrelhouse
Free event. A virtual reading from authors featured in the most recent newest print issues of Split Lip and Barrelhouse magazines! For more details or to register for the event, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 20th March, 11.30PM (GMT) – via BBC Radio
‘Ode to Bed’
Listen in to BBC 4: Rachel Long talks to poets Romalyn Ante, Caroline Bird and Kim Addonizio about the ways beds run through the poetic imagination. For more details, visit the BBC webpage.
Tues 23rd March, 7.30-9PM (GMT) – via MS Teams
Tamworth LitFest: ‘Crime Night’
Free event. A panel discussion between authors of Crime Fiction and True Crime, chaired by Tamworth LitFest Chairman Anthony Poulton -Smith. Featuring authors Madeleine Black, Rachel McLean, Judi Daykin, Graham Bartlett and Tom Bryson. For more details about the open mic or to register for the event, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 24th March, 8PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Spork! Queer & Still Here!
Tickets: £5.50. An LGBTQIA+ spoken word event hosted by Rhys Slade-Jones (Bopa Rhys) – featuring poetry performances by Buddy Wakefield and support acts Reece Lyons, Chris White & Nyanda Foday. For more details or to register for the event, visit the Spork Poetry webpage.
Wed 24th March, 7.30-9PM (GMT) – via livestream/watch-on-demand
Tongue Fu: Featuring Dizraeli, K.O.G. & Belinda Zhawi
Tickets: £8. Hosted by poet, writer and musician Chris Redmond. Headliners performing live, with improvised soundtracks, from Grand Junction stage: Bristol-raised rapper Dizraeli, poet Belinda Zhawi and K.O.G. frontman of K.O.G. and The Zongo Brigade. For more details or to register for the event, visit the Grand Junction webpage.
Wed 24th March, 7.30PM (GMT) – via unknown
BE Presents… Agnes Török, Jonathan Kinsman + Laurie Eaves
Pay As You Feel. Poets Agnes Török, Jonathan Kinsman and Laurie Eaves will perform performing work from their Spring 2020 collections, plus a screening of poetry film Wide as the Sea by Malaika Kegode. For more details or to register for the event, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 25th March, 7.30-8.30PM (GMT) – via YouTube Live
Ultimate Orangutan – Book Launch with Khairani Barokka
Nine Arches Press Book launch to celebrate the publication of Ultimate Orangutan – with readings from Khairani Barokka plus guest writers Vahni Capildeo, Rishi Dastidar and Fitri Nganthi Wani, plus translation by Eliza Vitri Handayani. There will also be a Q&A hosted by Nine Arches Director Jane Commane. For more details or to register for tickets, visit the National Centre for Writing webpage.
Sat 27th March-Sun 28th March, 10AM (UTC) – via unknown
POETiCON
Free event (donation). Whisky & Beards present a two-day conference on the UK Spoken Word industry and how we prepare for the return of live events. For more details or to register for the event, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 27th March 7PM (GMT) – via Zoom
GOBS Collective Showcase with Casey Bailey
Free event. A showcase of poetry films and live performances from spoken word artists in the Midlands. For more details or to register for the event, visit the Gobs Collective website.
Sun 28th March-Sun 4th April– streaming
South Bank Centre: Out-Spoken
£7.50 to access for 7 days. Exclusive pre-recorded video of an evening of live performances – hosted by Joelle Taylor and featuring sets from poets Jay Bernard and Caleb Femi, plus singer-songwriter Mysie. For more details or to register for tickets, visit the Outspoken webpage.
Sun 28th March, 6-7PM (BST) – via unknown
Red Door Poets: Reading in Two Parts – Part 1
Free event. The featured readers from Red Door Poets will be Katie Griffiths, Chris Hardy, Elizabeth Horsley and Mary Mulholland, and each reader will also introduce a special guest. For more details or to register for tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 28th March, 4PM (GMT) – via TicketCo TV streaming
UniSlam 2021: National Youth Poetry Showcase
Tickets: £5. Screening of performances from youth poetry collectives (age 16-25) across the country. For more details or to register for tickets, visit the Birmingham Hippodrome webpage.
Sun 28th March, 10AM (GMT) – via website
Brum Radio Poets
Join host Rick Sanders and his guests Ann Atkins, Jeff Phelps and 1990s Chris who will be sharing stories and poetry. Brum Radio Poets show is every second Sunday. Listen via the Brum Radio website.
Wed 31st March, 7.30-8.30PM (GMT) – via unknown
Broken Sleep Books March Launch
Free poetry event (donation requested). Join Broken Sleep for readings from their March 2021 releases, including SJ Fowler (Come and See the Strange Song of Days), Peter Scalpello (Acting Out/chem & other poems), Annie Muir (New Years Eve) and Rosanna Hildyard (Slaughter). For more details or to register for the event, visit the Eventbrite page.
WORKSHOPS
Mon 1st March, 7PM (GMT) – via unknown
Poetry Workshop: Writing across Languages
Price: from £10-20 (depending on concessions). Hosted by Wasafiri, workshop led by Jennifer Wong. The 2-hour session will focus on poets’ relationships’ with language, through writing prompts, group discussions, examples from texts and detailed feedback to develop participants’ writing. For more information and to sign up, visit the Wasafiri webpage.
Mon 1st March – via unknown
The Writers’ HQ Characterisation Masterclass: Making People
A week of free writing exercises and encouragement via emails, plus the option of community support. The course will show participants how to turn characters into real, 3-D people instead of relying on tropes and stereotypes. For more information and to sign up, visit The Writers’ HQ webpage.
Wed 3rd March, 7-9PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Derwent Delights Project
Free poetry workshop, led by Sophie Sparham. Participants will explore Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Centre, with a chance to have work published/exhibited. For more details and access, visit Sophie’s Twitter account.
Wed 3rd March, 6.30-7.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
#WriteThroughThis Workshop 3 – Drawing Inspiration from Great Poems
Free workshop for writers aged 16-25. BSL interpreted. Led by Celia Knapp (Young People’s Laureate for London). The session is a low-pressure, safe, creative environment for new/experienced writers. For more details and info about how to register, visit the Spread the Word webpage.
Wed 3rd March, 7-8.15PM (GMT) – via Zoom
‘Finding the Funny (& What to Do With It Once You’ve Found It)’
Free workshop for LGBTQ+ writers (must be 16+), as part of Exeter Pride. All levels of writing experience welcome. Led by Robert Garnham (poet & comedy performer). The session is a chance to explore generating ideas & material for use in comedy writing & performance poetry. For more details and info about how to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 7th March, 10-11AM (GMT) – via Zoom
The Creative Writing Breakfast Club Session 29
£10. Join London-based writer Laurie Bolger for some fast paced writing exercises to get you scribbling and boost mindfulness. All participants need is a pen and paper, comfy seat and their imagination. For more details and info about how to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 10th March, 7-8.15PM (GMT) – via Zoom
‘Antidotes for Shame: Writing & Self-Compassion’
Free workshop for LGBTQ+ writers (must be 16+), as part of Exeter Pride. All levels of writing experience welcome. Led by Charice Bhardwaj (poet & performer). The session aims to identify individual strengths and celebrate people – participants will be playing with prompts, language specificity & being ‘weird’. For more details and info about how to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 10th March, 8.30PM (IST) – via Zoom
Matthew Geden & surrealist writing workshopn’
Free workshop on imaginative writing, led by poet Matthew Geden. For more details and info about how to register, visit the DeBarra’s Spoken Word Facebook event page.
Sat 13th March, 6-7PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Poetry Event with Theresa Lola
Free event: 2019’s Young People’s Laureate for London, Theresa Lola leads a poetry masterclass on writing process and creating poems (theme: mums and Mother’s Day). More details and register for tickets on the Eventbritepage.
Sat 20th March, 11AM-12.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Exploring metaphors in poetry
£5. Led by spoken word artist Kassandra Lauren Gordon. This workshop will explore what a metaphor is and how it can enhance the storytelling within a poem; participants will create their own metaphors and develop a poem based on exploring this poetic device. More details and register for tickets on the The Jack Studio webpage.
Sat 20th March, 2-3.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
‘What have you got to say?’
£5. Led by writer and performer Chantelle Dusette. This workshop involves some writing exercises, helpful tips on developing characters and aims to give participants a better better idea of their voices and the stories they want to tell. More details and register for tickets on the The Jack Studio webpage.
Sat 27th March, 11AM-12.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
‘Soliloquy’
£5. Led by British-Ghanaian theatre-maker Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu. This workshop involves using character creation, story arcs and creative writing to create the beginning of your own storytelling show. By the end of the workshop, participants will have produced a short soliloquy. More details and register for tickets on the The Jack Studio webpage.
Sat 27th March, 2-3.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
‘Finding a Character’
£5. Led by Dublin playwright Lin Coghlan. This workshop will take participants through a number of character-building exercises and show how a story can be created without effort. All levels of experience welcome, and aims to help writers who are feeling ‘stuck’. More details and register for tickets on the The Jack Studio webpage.
Sun 28th March, 2-5PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Allographic Virtual Write-In/ Workshop
(Normally happens in: Cambridge, UK)
Writing workshop/discussion group for poets and story-tellers. For more information, visit the Allographic website.
Mon 29th March, 6PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Write, edit and perform with Aalia Zorko
Part of the monthly GOBS Collective spoken-word workshop series. Aalia Zorko will guide participants through The Golden Shovel technique, with editing exercises and group discussion and vocal warm-ups for performances. For more information, visit the Faecbook event page or sign up on the Zoom registration page.
Positive Images Festival Poetry workshop: every last Sunday of the month
Workshop leader: Emilie Lauren Jones
Check out Emilie’s YouTube channel for workshop videos.