March 2022 Round-up: Virtual Literary Events
Move over, Feb – it’s March now! In the UK, the Omicron variant is around but life has taken a few more steps back into normality. However, plenty of people remain understandably cautious about venturing out to attend gigs, especially those who are vulnerable. If you plan on staying home this month, here is the good news: plenty of creative communities across the UK, and all around the globe, are STILL plugging the void in our lives with some amazing virtual events!
Organisers are combatting various challenges to ensure events can happen safely; many gigs have returned to their venues (at full/reduced capacity) while others have opted to stay virtual for a bit longer. Some, determined to stay accessible, have created hybrid events or are running different events for both types of audiences.
The HCE magazine team have created another list of online literary open mics, events and workshops (listed in separate categories below), to help you plan for the weeks ahead. Don’t miss out on taking part – seize this opportunity to “travel” far and wide, and even participate in events overseas…
OPEN MICS
Tues 1st March, 7-10PM (UK time) – hybrid: in-person/via Zoom
York Spoken Word: International Women’s Week
(Based in: York, UK)
An open mic event for poets and story-tellers. Slots are 4 mins each. For more details, visit the Facebook group page.
Tues 1st March, 7-8.30PM (UK time) – hybrid: in-person/via Zoom
Sean Borodale, Rachel Spence and Open Mic
Free event – part of Cheltenham Poetry Festival. Sean Borodale and Rachel Spence share poems from their collections, plus open mic.(2-minute slots). Email cpfboxoffice@yahoo.com to request a slot. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 2nd March, 1-2.30AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Speaking Crow: Virtual Edition feat. Bola Opaleke
(Happens in: Winnipeg, Canada)
Free poetry open mic. Ticket choice for open mic/audience. Headline poet: Julian Day (debut chapbook: Late Summer Flowers, Anstruther Press, 2021). For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 2nd March, 7-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Crafty Crows, feat. Derek Dohren & Jake Wildeman
Free Gloucestershire Poetry Society open mic event, hosted by Josephine Lay. Headline poets: Derek Dohren & Jake Wildeman. Open mic sign-up is first come, first served (email craftycrows2020@yahoo.com). For more info and to register, visit the Helm tickets webpage.
Thurs 3rd March, 7.45PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Lime Square Poets featuring: Peter Clive
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by D’or Seifer. Headline poet: Peter Clive, plus open mic and announcements. No tickets required. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 3rd March, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
WORD Stafford: Season 4 Episode 4 – Folklore
Free open mic event for poetry, stories or songs. Featuring guest speaker Brendan Hawthorne. Email wordstafford@gmail.com to request access or open mic slot.
Sun 6th March, 12-2AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Celebrating Venus Thrash with poets REIL, Luther Jett and Guests
Free poetry reading and open mic event. Featured poets REIL and Luther Jett, plus special guests reading the poetry of Venus Thrash, plus open mic. The featured poets will award a $250 cash prize to a winning open mic participant. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 6th March, 1AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Poetry Extravaganza #4
Free monthly poetry open mic. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 6th Feb, 3AM (UK time) – via Zoom
The Word is Write Poetry Ca$h Slam Series 2022!
Poetry slam event – £10 to enter. Top two slammers win cash prizes and will be invited to the 2021 Grand Slam. Slots are 3 mins each. For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 6th March, 5-7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Poetry LGBT Open Mic
Free monthly poetry open mic. Slots for up to 15 poets/writers/creatives (5 mins each). Email poetryloungelgbt@hotmail.com in advance/sign up on the night. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 6th March, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Yes, We Cant
(Usually happens in: Walsall, UK)
Free monthly virtual open mic event – Pay What You Can. Headliner is Kathryn Bevis and ‘Alf Ender is Peter Wyton. To request a space in the Zoom: email poetsprattlerspandemonialists@gmail.com. For more details, visit the Poets, Prattlers & Pandemonialists Facebook page.
Sun 6th March, 8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Cultivating Voices LIVE Poetry presents a Sunday Special
Spoken word open mic night to celebrate International Women’s Day. Featured poets: Archana Sahni from India, Rachel Gomez from New Zealand, Antje Stehn from Italy, and Anne Walsh Donnelly from Ireland. Theme is #BreakTheBias. One poem (related to the theme) per open mic poet. For more details and how to access, check out the Facebook event page.
Mon 7th March, 11PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Oceanside Library Poetry Series: Near and Afar
(Happens in: New York, USA)
Free poetry event, plus open mic (one poem/3 haiku each). Hosted by Tony Iovino, with featured poets/authors: Sally Toner and Pat Mottola. For access info, visit the Oceanside Library events page.
Tues 8th March, 12-2AM (UK time) – via Zoom
SOUND OFF: Open Mic Mondays
Entry: Pay As You Feel ($1 or more). Poetry and spoken word open mic. Slots are 5 mins each. Email c.thomas@joesmovement.org to sign up. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 8th March, 2AM (UK time) – via Zoom/Facebook Live
That Fucking Poetry Reading
Free poetry event. Poetry readings and spoken word open mic (one poem each). Featuring readings by Dr. Martina McGowan, Kerry Trautman & Michael Grover. For more info and to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 9th March, 8-10.15PM (UK time) – via Zoom
DeBarra’s Spoken Word: ‘One of Dublin’s finest Spoken Word Artists’
Free poetry open mic event. Featuring headliner Eiméid Ó’Briain aka Emmet O’Brien, a 24-year-old spoken word artist and urban poet from Cabra in Dublin. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 9th March, 7.30-9.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Write & Release Spoken Word
Free open mic event for poetry, prose and songs. Headline guest: poet Fin Hall. Open mic slots are 4 mins. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 10th March, 7.15PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Fire & Dust Poets Zoom Around the World: Andrew Manyika
(Usually happens in: Coventry, UK)
Free/Pay As You Feel monthly event. Poetry open mic slots, plus a special headline guest. Hosted by Ann Atkins. To attend, grab an Eventbrite ticket (free). Details re: Zoom URL and how to sign up for open mic will be emailed.
Thurs 10th March, 7.45PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Lime Square Poets featuring: Kim Ports Parsons
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by D’or Seifer. Headline poet: Kim Ports Parsons, plus open mic and announcements. No tickets required. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 10th March, 8-10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Get A Word In Edgeways Monthly Concert
Tickets: £5 (£3 concessions). Featuring David Heathfield and Drew Colby, Mandisa Apena & Hrini Reedy, plus ‘Cath’s Cupboard of Customs’. For more details or to register, visit the Get a Word in Edgeways webpage.
Fri 11th March, 6-9PM (UK time) – hybrid: in-person/via Zoom
Women Say Stuff #7
Free event (donations to Notts SVSS). Spoken word open mic for International Women’s Day. Taking place live in Cafe Sobar, Nottingham. Women only on the mic (trans inclusive) – anyone and everyone welcome to join the audience. For more details and to register for tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 12th March, 1-2AM (UK Time) – via Zoom
ArtsXchange Open Virtual Mic
Free open mic event – for sharing stories, songs, poems, or upcoming events. Hosted by Theresa Davis. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Mon 14th March, 8.30PM (UK time) – hybrid: in-person/via Zoom/website livestream/Vimeo/Facebook Live/YouTube Live
Ó Bhéal presents DS Maolalai & Jacqueline Saphra
(Happens in: Cork, Ireland)
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by Paul Casey. Features live poetry prompt challenge, guest poets DS Maolalai & Jacqueline Saphra and open mic. There are multiple ways to attend/watch the gig live. More info and access details are on the Ó Bhéal website.
Mon 14th March, 7PM (UK Time) – via Zoom
Soundbites Poetry Open Mic
Free poetry open mic event. Feature guest is poet Fin Hall (Scotland). For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Tues 15th March, 8-107.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Poetry at Jurnets
(Normally happens in: Norwich, UK)
Free monthly poetry open mic night. Zoom “doors” open at 7:30 for an 8pm start. The open mic has no theme this month – just bring whatever you’ve got. Featured Guest Poet: Carol Raithatha. For Zoom access/open mic sign-up details, visit the Poetry at Jurnets website and use the onscreen email link to contact organiser Hilary Stanton.
Tues 15th March, 6.30-8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
TWOOMPH! ft. Carmen Marcus
Free monthly event for writers to share their poems, flash fiction, monologues, short story or novel extracts, hosted by the Tees Women Poets in association with Stockton-on-Tees Libraries. Featuring: Carmen Marcus, reading new work including More Than Sex (second prize winner of the Anton Chekhov Award for Very Short Fiction). Plus ten open mic poets. For more details, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 17th March, 7.45PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Lime Square Poets featuring: Dairena Ní Chinnéide
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by D’or Seifer. Headline poet: Dairena Ní Chinnéide, plus open mic and announcements. No tickets required. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 17th, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Lit Up! St Paddy’s Day
Tickets: Pay As You Feel donations. Poetry performances – a mix of original work and covers is encouraged – with limited open mic slots. Headliners Geraldine Dardis O’Kane and Sara-Jane Arbury. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 18th March, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Oooh Beehive – March Magnificence with Jay Mitra
Free/Pay As You Can poetry open mic event, hosted by Nick Lovell and Clive Oseman. Headline poet: British Indian punk poet and music journalist Jay Mitra, plus open mic (3 mins slots) and announcements. For an open mic slot, email ooohbeehive@btinternet.com. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 18th March, 7-9.30PM (UK time) – hybrid: in person/via Zoom
Distraction
£3 to attend. Distraction aims to be a safe space for listening to or performing any spoken word genre (poet, story-telling, comedy, the occasional song and more). For further details, visit the Facebook event page or book tickets via The Little Box Office website.
Mon 21st March, 11PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Oceanside Library Poetry Series: Near and Afar
(Happens in: New York, USA)
Free poetry event. Every Monday, hosted by Tony Iovino. Featured poets/authors: Rick Christiansen (MO) and Evelyn Kandel (NY). For access info, visit the Oceanside Library events page.
Thurs 24th March, 7.45PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Lime Square Poets featuring: Kieran Fionn Murphy
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by D’or Seifer. Headline poet: Kieran Fionn Murphy, plus open mic and announcements. No tickets required. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 24th March, 7.45PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Poetry Wigan: Write Out Load
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by Ian Whiteley. To attend or sign up, email whiteley.ian@btinternet.com before 5PM on the day. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 23rd March, 7.30-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Carcanet Books: An Evening with Parwana Fayyaz
Registration: £5. Hosted by poet Kim Moore – part of poetry reading series ‘Go to the poets, they will speak to thee’. Headliner: Parwana Fayyaz (collection: 40 Names). Theme for the poetry open mic: story-telling. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Sat 26th March, 6.30-8.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Neurodivergent Open Mic Night with Aubergine Café feat. Jane Burn
Free poetry open mic event – a safe, judgement-free space for poets to try out their material. Special guest performer: neurodivergent poet Jane Burn, who will also be hosting. For more details and to register for tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 26th March, 8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Gestalt Poetry Open Mic
Free poetry open mic hosted by Amy Hoskins. Headline poet: Fin Hall. To request an open mic slot, email Amy at: amyhoskinscc@gmail.com. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 27th March, 7.30-10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Allographic Virtual Open Mic
Monthly spoken word open mic event – poetry, story-telling, drama. For more details and to register for tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 27th March, 3-5PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Run Your Tongue Presents: David Leo Sirois
(Based in: Leicester, UK)
Spoken word open mic night, featuring special guest David Leo Sirois. Slots are 5 mins max, email rytsign@gmail.com to sign up. More info about signing up for open mic and accessing the gig is available on the Facebook event page.
Tues 29th March, 11PM-1AM (UK time) – via Zoom/Facebook Live
SpoFest Writing Prompt, Rough Draft and Open Mic
Spoken word open mic night. Musical performances welcome. Prompt A: ‘askew — hellacious — salacious. Prompt B: Start your story with a vehicle pulling over for a hitchhiker. Plus Open Mic and ‘rough draft’: a prompt for telling a story on the spot! More info about signing up for open mic and accessing the gig is available on the Facebook event page.
Tues 29th March, 7-10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Spoken World Online
$3 entry fee (paid as virtual coffee). Spoken word open mic night, based in Paris. Performers welcome from all around the world. No headliner this month, more open mic. Theme is: ‘inspiration’. For more details and how to access, check out the Facebook event page.
Thurs 31st March, 7.45PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Lime Square Poets featuring: Dean Browne
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by D’or Seifer. Headline poet: Dean Browne, plus open mic and announcements. No tickets required. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 31st March, 8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Pub Poetry Eve Online (Theme: “Return”)
Free poetry open mic event. Guest host: Lynda Gibson. Email info@pubpoetry.co.uk if interested in an open mic slot. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
EVENTS
Wed 2nd March, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Carcanet Book Launch: ‘Thorpeness’
Registration: £2 (redeemable later against cost of the book). Hosted by poet David Clarke – a launch of Thorpeness by Alison Brackenbury. The event will feature readings, discussion and an audience Q&A. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 2nd March, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
‘Just To Say’
Free monthly event – discussion hour with poets from around the world. Molly Twomey will interview Thomas McCarthy and award winning poet Joseph Millar. Email jacarpress@gmailcom for the Zoom link.
Thurs 3rd March, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Bilingual book launch: A470 Poems for the Road
Tickets free/ £11.37 (includes cost for copy of the book). Bilingual poetry book launch event for anthology A470 Poems for the Road/ A470 Cerddi’r Ffordd, hosted by editors Sian Northey and Ness Owen. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 4th March, 7-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Poetry Lit! – Online Reading Series
Free monthly international poetry event, featuring readings from Eleni Cay & Jimmy Pappas. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 4th March, 7-11PM (UK time) – hybrid: in-person and via Zoom
Hammer & Tongue Cambridge Slam ft. Kathryn O’Driscoll and Ann Atkins
Slam poetry event – pay by donation. Approx. 8 poets will compete for a place in the regional slam final. Featuring headline sets by poets Kathryn O’Driscoll and Ann Atkins. For more info, to sign up for the slam and to register to attend, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 5th March, 1.30-3PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Spoken Word Surgeries for PBH Free Fringe
Edinburgh Festival Free Fringe discussion event. A chance to talk to the Artistic Directors for PBH’s Free Fringe about putting on a spoken word show (virtual or in-person) in August 2022. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 5th March, 5-6.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Book Launch One: Butcher’s Dog magazine, Issue 16
£3 ticket for access to both launches. Magazine launch event with Butcher’s Dog co-editors Emily Brenchi and Jo Clement – featuring readings from contributors to the issue. For more info and to register, visit the Butcher’s Dog event page.
Sun 6th March, 9-4.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Zoom Live from The Butchery
Pay As You Can event (Ink, Sweat & Tears). Live poetry performances from Ian Duhig, Kathleen Jones and Anne Bailey. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 6th March, 5-7PM (UK time) – via Facebook Live
VERBALIST! #2.7
Hosted by Godfrey Salter. “Words, words, words from the great indoors to the great beyond!” For access, check the Facebook event page.
Mon 7th March, 7-8.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
A Reading with Anne Boyer
Free poetry readings event. Centre for Poetry and Poetics, Sheffield, presents: poet and essayist Anne Boyer. Followed by short a Q&A, hosted by A. Lehoczky and A. Piette. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Mon 7th March-Sun 13th March – via Zoom
STANZA: Scotland’s International Poetry Festival
Ticket prices vary – some free events. Scotland’s annual international poetry festival, bringing poetry in all its forms and many languages to Scottish audiences and worldwide. To view the festival programme and to register for online events, visit the Stanza website.
Tues 8th March, 12-1PM (UK time) – hybrid: in-person/via livestream
Live Canon: International Women’s Day reading
Ticketed: pay by donation. A live reading from the stage of the Bedford pub in London. In celebration of International Women’s Day, each poet will read a poem by another brilliant woman whose work has inspired them, and then some of their own work. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 8th March, 7-10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
‘Raised Voices’ in Celebration of International Women’s Day
Event is ticketed but free. In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Gloucestershire Poetry Society presents ‘Raised Voices’, hosted by Josephine Lay & Chloë Jacquet, with a mix of 22 local, national & international invited women poets. For more info and to register, visit the Helm tickets page.
Tues 8th March, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
MK Lit Fest: Eley Williams, The Liar’s Dictionary
Entry: Pay What You Can. The event will be a discussion of Eley’s novel The Liar’s Dictionary, and about the use and misuse of dictionaries in contemporary fiction. For more info and to register, visit the MK Lit Fest event page.
Wed 9th March, 7.15PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home: ‘How I Write’ with Jack Underwood
£5/£2.50 concession. Poet, writer and lecturer Jack Underwood will give a live poetry reading and take questions from the audience. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Wed 9th March, 7-8.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Poetry for Ukraine: An International Poetry Reading & Fundraising
Cost: donations – all money from the event will go to The Ukranian Red Cross & The Refugee Council. An international poetry reading to help raise funds for the people of Ukraine. Featuring readings from: Charlotte Shevchenko Knight, Oleh Shynkarenko, Tetyana Denford, Joy David, Valya Dudycz Lupescu, Stephen Komarnyckyj, Julia Kolchinsky Dasbach and Nicola Yurcaba. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 11th March, 7.30-8.30PM (UK time) – via unknown
Thomas Glave in Conversation with Jonathan Davidson
Tickets: £8 NAWE members/£12 non-members. Part of the NAWE Virtual Conference 2022 – readings and discussion event. Author and professor of creative writing Thomas Glave will be in conversation with Jonathan Davidson, CEO of Writing West Midlands. For more info and to register, visit the NAWE booking page.
Sat 12th March, 6.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Book launch: Random Trail by Vron McIntyre
Free book launch event for queer disabled poet Vron McIntyre’s debut pamphlet, ‘Random Trail’. Hosted by Anne Holloway, with special guest poets Sue Allen, Umbilica and Ken Cumberlidge. For more info and to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Sat 12th March, 7.30-8.30PM (UK time) – via unknown
Hannah Lowe in Conversation with Lucy Sweetman
Tickets: £8 NAWE members/£12 non-members. Part of the NAWE Virtual Conference 2022 – readings and discussion event. Award-winning poet Hannah Lowe will be in conversation with Lucy Sweetman from Bath Spa University. For more info and to register, visit the NAWE booking page.
Sat 12th March, 3-4.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Book Launch Two: Butcher’s Dog magazine, Issue 16
£3 ticket for access to both launches. Magazine launch event with Butcher’s Dog co-editors Emily Brenchi and Jo Clement – featuring readings from contributors to the issue. For more info and to register, visit the Butcher’s Dog event page.
Mon 14th March, 7.30-9.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Cafe Writers March 2022
Free monthly live literature event. Featured readings by poet David Goss, plus competition winners. More details and register for tickets on the Eventbrite page.
Tues 15th March, 7.30PM (GMT) – hybrid: in person/via livestream
PASTA (Poets and Story-Tellers Assemble)
Open mic night from Poets, Prattlers, and Pandemonialists. Theme for March is: ‘Better late than never’. Second half is sometimes themed, sometimes not. Sign up on the night, slots are approx. 5 mins long. Poets attending virtually can submit a video/audio piece/ written piece to be read out on the night. Email poetsprattlerspandemonialists@gmail.com. You can join the PP&P Facebook group here.
Wed 16th March, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Carcanet Book Launch: ‘Rhapsodies 1831’
Registration: £2 (redeemable later against cost of the book). Hosted by poet and translator Jenny Lewis – a launch of Rhapsodies 1831 by Petrus Borel, translated by John Gallas and Kurt Gänzl. The event will feature readings, discussion and an audience Q&A. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 16th March, 8-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Book launch: Panic Response
Free book launch event (Penned in the Margins) for John McCullough’s new collection, ‘Panic Response’. John will be joined by special guests Karen Goodwin and Merrie Joy Williams for readings and conversation. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 16th March, 8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
SUBBACULTCHA II
Free event to showcase musicians and poets. Featuring: readings from Jess Traynor, Billy Fenton, Anne McDonald, and Joanne McCarthy, and music from EJ Mae and Derek Flynn. For more info and to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 16th March, 11.30-11.40PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Great Weather for Media: 10-Minute Feature with Phynne~Belle
Free event. 10 minutes to amplify one headliner. This month: Phynne~Belle. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 16th March, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
MK Lit Fest: Lodestone Poets Reunited
Entry: Pay What You Can. Featuring performances from poets Ella Frears, Rebecca Goss and Roy McFarlane, plus Lodestone Poets founders Sarala Estruch, Lesley Sharpe and Dave Wakely. For more info and to register, visit the MK Lit Fest event page.
Thurs 17th March, 8-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Book launch: ‘warm blooded things’
Free book launch event (Nine Arches Press) for Shaun Hill’s debut collection, ‘warm blooded things’. Shaun will be joined by special guests Nafeesa Hamid and Liz Berry for readings and celebration. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 19th March, 1.30-3PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Spoken Word Surgeries for PBH Free Fringe
Edinburgh Festival Free Fringe discussion event. A chance to talk to the Artistic Directors for PBH’s Free Fringe about putting on a spoken word show (virtual or in-person) in August 2022. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 19th March, 2PM (UK time) – via Crowdcast
Poetry Double Bill 1: Hannah Hodgson & Martina Evans
Tickets: £5. Poetry readings event as part of Lancaster Literature Festival Fringe. A chance to hear poetry from Hannah Hodgson (‘163 Days’) and Martina Evans (‘American Mules’). For more info and to register, visit the Crowdcast event page.
Sat 19th March, 4PM (UK time) – via Crowdcast
Poetry Double Bill 2: Helen Mort & Kayo Chingonyi
Tickets: £5. Poetry readings event as part of Lancaster Literature Festival Fringe. A chance to hear poetry from Helen Mort (‘No Map Could Show Them’) and Kayo Chingonyi (‘Kumukanda’). For more info and to register, visit the Crowdcast event page.
Sat 19th March, 5.30PM (UK time) – via Crowdcast
This Place, This Planet: Helen Mort
Tickets: £5. Poetry readings event as part of Lancaster Literature Festival Fringe, hosted by Helen Mort. Featuring some of the best poems from the past written about the planet and our local environments, including some of those submitted to the ‘This Place, This Planet’ poetry map. For more info and to register, visit the Crowdcast event page.
Sat 19th March, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Crowdcast
Roger Robinson – A Portable Paradise
Tickets: £5. Poetry readings event as part of Lancaster Literature Festival Fringe. A chance to hear poetry from Roger Robinson’s second collection ‘A Portable Paradise’ (winner of the 2019 T.S. Eliot Prize). For more info and to register, visit the Crowdcast event page.
Sun 20th March, 6-7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Red Door Poets: Reading with Special Guests
An hour of poetry readings from six poets: Elizabeth Horsley, Chris Hardy, Lesley Sharpe, Richie McCaffery, Jill Abram and Michelle Penn. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Mon 21st March, 7-8.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Poems for a Challenging World
Free event – an evening of poetry and conversation on refugee, migrant and undocumented people’s experiences, and the obligation of governments. Poets and speakers include John Davison, Anne Goodwin, Joachim Grevel, Laura Grevel, Sheila Hayman, Jeff Kaliss, Monica Manolachi, Ambrose Musiyiwa, Manjit Sahota, Deborah Tyler-Bennett and Isobel Zimsek. Also features a short presentation from representatives of Freedom From Torture and Write to Life. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 22nd March, 9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Book Launch: ‘Gala’
Free book launch event – part of SMOL alternative small press book fair. Featuring readings by Lynne Shapiro from her new poetry collection ‘Gala’ and a Q&A with author Lynne and co-publisher Vasiliki Katsarou. For more info and to register, visit the Solitude Hill Press event page.
Tues 22nd March, 7-8.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
What We Read Now & Jill Abram present: Late to the Table
Free/Pay As You Can event. Jill Abram will introduce Vicky Morris, Joanne Limburg and Kate Fox, three late-diagnosed autistic poets who will read from their work then discuss the intersections between neurodiversity, writing, gender and creativity. For more info and to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 23rd March, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Carcanet Book Launch: ‘Vinegar Hill’
Registration: £2 (redeemable later against cost of the book). Hosted by poet and publisher John McAuliffe – a launch of Vinegar Hill by Colm Tóibín. The event will feature readings, discussion and an audience Q&A. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 23rd March, 7.15PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home: ‘How I Write’ with Woodrow Phoenix
£5/£2.50 concession. Writer (fiction/YA) and artist Woodrow Phoenix will give a live reading and take questions from the audience. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Wed 23rd March, 7-8.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
New Earth Theatre: Online Conversation with and for East & South East Asian Creatives
Free event. A conversation to support creative communities and explore how to plan for a better Birmingham for artists and creatives. Facilitators will listen, engage in conversation, welcome challenge and answer questions openly and transparently. For more details or to register, visit the Birmingham Hippodrome event page.
Fri 25th March, 6.30-8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
City Lit presents: Late Lines
£3 donation/free event. An evening of spoken word with City Lit writers and headliners, hosted by novelist and City Lit writing coordinator Thomas McMullan. Guest poet: Stephanie Sy-Quia. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 25th March, 7-8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Ignitionpress: Indie Presses on Poetry Publishing
Free event. Oxford Brookes Poetry Centre’s ignitionpress will be in discussion with an online panel of three leading poetry presses: Nine Arches Press, Out-Spoken Press, and Bad Betty Press to discuss the issues and concerns in small press publishing. Register via the Zoom registration page.
Fri 25th March, 11PM (UK time) – via Crowdcast
APP Online — Shani Mootoo & Natalie Wee
Free Atwater Poetry Project event. Featuring poetry readings by Shani Mootoo and Natalie Wee, followed by APP curator Faith Paré in conversation with the poets. For more info and to register, visit the Crowdcast event page.
Sat 26th March, 2-4PM (UK time) – via radio broadcast
Hannah’s Bookshelf: Live Poetry Special
Radio for North Manchester FM. Featured poet: Tom McColl, reading from ‘Grenade Genie’. For more details or to register, visit the nmfm106.6 website.
Sat 26th March, 1-3PM (UK time) – via unknown
Trans Day of Visibility: Poetry & Music Event
Free event to celebrate TDoV with Generate and poetry/music performers from the community. Hosted by Harrie and featuring Chris Cambell, Crow Rudd, Tazmin, Gillian, Artie and Lenn. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 27th March, 7.30-10PM (UK time) – via Zoom/Facebook Live
Poetry Slam At Your Place: Grand Final 2022
Pay As You Can event. Nine slam winners from around the world will compete to be 2022 champion. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Tues 29th March, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
MK Lit Fest: Alison Brackenbury, ‘Thorpeness…and stories from Chicheley’
Entry: Pay What You Can. With readings, accompanied with illustrations, by poet Alison Brackenbury from her new prose book. For more info and to register, visit the MK Lit Fest event page.
Wed 30th March, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Carcanet Book Launch: ‘Striking a Match in a Storm’
Registration: £2 (redeemable later against cost of the book). Hosted by poet and scholar Alan Riach – a launch of Striking a Match in a Storm by Andrew McNeillie. The event will feature readings, discussion and an audience Q&A. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 30th March, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
D&W Book Launch: ‘The Fall of Singapore’
Free book launch event for Greg Freeman’s pamphlet ‘The Fall of Singapore’, hosted by publishers Dempsey & Windle. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 31st March, 10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Phosphorescence Poetry Reading Series: March 2022
Free poetry readings event. Featured poets: Audrey Molloy, Barbara DeCoursey Roy, Maeve McKenna and Morag Anderson. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 31st March, 11.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
International Trans Day of Visibility Poetry Reading
Free poetry readings event. Featuring: Samuel Ace, Stephanie Burt, Amir Rabiyah, Trish Salah, Amalia Tenuta, and Trace Peterson. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
WORKSHOPS
Tues 1st March, 7-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home Masterclass: ‘Exploring the Truth and Crafting the Story’
£35/£17.50 concession. Tutor Frances Wilson will combine close readings with writing exercises for this life-writing session. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Sat 5th March, 6-7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Speak the Word: online poetry and spoken word writing workshop
Free workshop led by poets PJ Samuels and nudi. Participants will engage in freewrite and prompted writing activities. All levels of experience welcome. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 5th March, 7-8.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Breakthrough Poetry Workshop
Donations for tickets. Workshop for writers to explore healing journeys. Session led by poet and author Judith Annique Francois. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 6th March, 2-5PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Allographic writing workshop: “Overlooked” led by Ann Atkins
Free workshop (12 available spaces). Part of the regular Allographic Write-in sessions, for discussion and writing time. Poet Ann Atkins will lead a workshop on finding inspiration, using observation, conversation, and personification. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Mon 7th March, 6-8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Compassionate Critique
Free monthly opportunity for women poets to help each other polish any poems in progress. Email one poem in advance to Teeswomenpoets@gmail.com to arrange screen share. For more info and to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Sat 12th March, 6-7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Speak the Word: online peer review workshop
Free led by Speak the Word. Participants should bring a typed-up poem and a specific request for feedback, and will then support each other in improving their craft. All levels of experience welcome. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 10th March, 11AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home Masterclass: ‘Your Character, Their Voice’
£35/£17.50 concession. Tutor Patrice Lawrence will use short exercises to explore how writers can use their own experiences to give voice to unique characters. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Fri 18th March, 6PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Our Youth: Spoken Word Workshop
Suggested donation: £3. “A zen online spoken word workshop set to ease the mind and engage with the theme: an exploration of youthfulness.” For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 21st March, 7-8.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
World Poetry Day Mini Break with Lorna Zita
Free workshop from Apples & Snakes, led by Mozambican poet, cultural projects manager and international Slam Champion Lorna Zita. All poets and levels of experience welcome. Limited to 20 spaces. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 24th March, 11AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home Masterclass: ‘Writing for Performance’
£35/£17.50 concession. Tutor and playwright Tim Crouch will share exercises and thoughts around letting the audience in when writing a play. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Thurs 31st March, 1.30AM (UK time) – via Zoom
‘Poetry on Video’
Free workshop. Part writing tutorial, part video workshop led by Shane Manier. Participants will go through different cinematography and videography techniques in relation to writing and also how to apply these in video. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.