Listing for April 2021: Literary Events Online
Welcome to April! Although we’re making good progress in the UK with the roll-out of vaccines, this COVID-19 pandemic is sadly still with us. This means making sure arts events can happen – and safely – is still a challenge for events organisers. Due to the restrictions on gatherings of people, especially indoors, many events have had to be cancelled/postponed across the pandemic. 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, CONTINUE to plug 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. Why not “travel” far and wide to attend events overseas while they’re still easily accessible?
OPEN MICS
Thurs 1st April, 7.30-10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Fire & Dust Meets: COLIN WELLS
(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 Facebook events page.
Thurs 1st April, 8-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
SpitFire
Tickets: £3.83-£10.30. A spoken word event for older womxn. Host Kat Lyons presents World Poetry Slam champion Kat François, with support from Brenda Read-Brown, Lucy English and Shagufta K Iqbal. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 1st April, 7-8.30PM (UK time) – via YouTube Live
Beatfreaks – Poetry Jam Live
Free monthly spoken word event, showcasing pre-recorded videos of performances with live hosting. Different levels of experience welcome. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 2nd April, 7-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
WORD Stafford Season 3 Episode 8 – ‘Place’
POSTPONED from March. Poetry slam (theme: Place) and open mic. More details available on the Facebook event page.
Fri 2nd April, 7.30PM (UK time) – via YouTube
Some-Antics Online 10 – Live on Zoom!
(Usually happens in: Leicester, UK)
Open mic, a poetry slam, DJ mixes by Ninja Bob and feature poet TBC. 7 slammers, two rounds, 3 minute limit. Hosted by Sammy Nour. For more details, check out the Facebook event page.
Fri 2nd April, 8-9.30PM (CET) – via Zoom
Poetry Lit – Online Reading Series
Free event for international poets and fans of international poetry. Two featured guests plus a short open mic session. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 4th April, 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 and ‘Alf Ender: TBC. 10 open mic slots. To request a space in the Zoom: email poetsprattlerspandemonialists@gmail.com. For more details, visit the Poets, Prattlers & Pandemonialists Facebook page.
Sun 4th April, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Like a Blot from the Blue 11: Poets Face the Music
(Usually happens in Kettering, UK)
Spoken word open mic night. Headliner: Jamie McCormick. For more details and how to access, check out the Facebook event page.
Mon 5th April, 7-8PM (ETC) – via Zoom
Oceanside Library Poetry Readings
(Normally happens in: New York, USA)
Every first and third Monday. 2 featured poets – Miriam O’Neil and Dd. Spungin – and an open mic, hosted by Tony Iovino. For access info, visit the event webpage.
Sun 7th March, 5-7PM (UK time) – 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.
Tues 6th April, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
York Spoken Word – April 2021
(Usually happens in: York, UK)
Poetry open mic. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Tues 6th April, 7.45-10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Hammer & Tongue Hackney April
Tickets: £3-£10. Open mic poetry slam event. Guest feature from New Zealand poet/journalist Mohamed Hassan plus open mic slam (eight slots, 3.5 minutes). For more details or to register, visit the Biletto tickets webpage.
Tues 6th April, 7.15PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Testify Poetry Open Mic
Tickets: £ 3 plus booking fee. Headliner: LKN the poet. Open mic slots available on arrival. For more information and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 6th April, 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 7th April, 7-9PM (UK time) – 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 Saili Katebe & Carol Sheppard, plus open mic. For more details or to register, visit the Helm ticket page.
Thurs 8th April, 7.30PM (UK time) – 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 8th April, 7.45PM (UK time) – via Zoom
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 Facebook event page.
Thurs 8th April, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
BIG! Poetry – Performance Poetry Online
(Normally happens in South Devon, UK)
Free poetry open mic night, hosted by Robert Garnham and Samantha Boarer. Special guest: Brenda Hutchings. Slots this month are reserved for Torbay/South Devon poets only. For more details, visit the Facebook page.
Mon 12th April, 8.30-11.30 (Irish Standard Time) – via Zoom/Facebook Live/YouTube
Ó Bhéal: 14th Anniversary & Launch: Five Words XIV
(Usually happens in: Cork, Ireland)
‘Five Word Challenge’ (live poetry writing prompts). Headline performances from the winners/contributors in Fives Words Volume XIV. Open mic session – this month it’s for sharing other poets’ poetry only. More info and details of how to access the gig are here on the website.
Tues 13th April, 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.
Thurs 15th Feb, 7.30-10PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Lit Up
(Normally happens in: Belfast, N.I.)
Poetry open mic event – $5. Headliners: TBC. To enquire about open mic, email: mikewilsonartist@gmail.com. For more details, check out the Facebook event page.
Thurs 15th April, midnight (UK time) – via Zoom
Spoken and Heard: April
An Athens County Poets & Storytellers event. Special guests: Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, Robert Gipe and Kari Gunter-Seymour. Readings, Q&A and pop-up open mic. Register in advance. For more details, check out the Facebook event page.
Thurs 15th April, 6.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Dear Listener: An Evening with Chloe Hanks
Limited open mic slots, with readings from Worcester poet Chloe Hanks, followed by a Q&A. There are more details on the Facebook event page.
Fri 16th April, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Oooh Beehive’s April ‘Appenings
Pay As You Feel poetry open mic event. Headliner: poet/singer-songwriter Steve Larkin. There are more details on the Facebook event page.
Sat 17th April, 7.30-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Poetry In Motion presents A Virtual Open Mic in April!
Free open mic event for poets, story-tellers and musicians. Hosted by Nadine Flowers and E.B. Staples. Round robin system. For more details, visit the Eventbrite page.
Mon 19th April, 7-8PM (ETC) – via Zoom
Oceanside Library Poetry Readings
(Normally happens in: New York, USA)
Every first and third Monday. 2 featured poets – Anne Coen and Dianalee Velie – and an open mic, hosted by Tony Iovino. For access info, visit the event webpage.
Tues 20th April, 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 22st April, 8.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
DeBarra’s Spoken Word – The Disposable Stories
Free event. An illustrated reading of ekphrastic poetry/prose from a new multimedia literary magazine created by Emily Titsworth. Plus ekphrastic writing exercise and an open mic. Featuring performances from: Cathy Ryan, Rosa Makela, Kornelia Mlak, Mahito Indi Henderson, Daniel Galvin, Margaret Gillies, Lauren Cavanagh, E.G. Titsworth, Peggy McCarthy, Róisín Leggett BohanMore details can be found on the Facebook event page.
Thurs 22nd April, 7-9PM (UK time) – 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 (TBC) plus open mic. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 25th March, 6PM (UTC) – via Zoom
RYT Online Spoken Word Open Mic
(Usually happens in Kettering, UK)
Spoken word open mic night. For more details and how to access, check out the Facebook event page.
Sun 25th April, 6.30-8.30PM (UK time) – 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.
Sun 25th April, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Like A Blot From The Blue 12. Chill with Henry L Jones.
(Usually happens in Kettering, UK)
Spoken word open mic night. Headliner: Henry L. Jones. For more details and how to access, check out the Facebook event page.
Tues 27th April, 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.
EVENTS
Thurs 1st April, 12AM-1.30AM (UK time) – via Zoom
2nd Gen Beats Poetry
Free event. M.L. Liebler, writer and Wayne State University professor, hosts a panel of original poets and writers. Readings of work from “Second Generation Beats, declared so by the late Allen Ginsberg”. Performers: Andy Clausen, Danny Shots, David Cope, Pamela Twining. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 1st April-Sat 10th April (UK time) – via livestream
‘Trestle’ at The Maltings Theatre
£5 tickets. Screening of a two-character play by Stewart Pringle/Matthew Parker. For more details or to register, visit the Maltings Theatre website.
Fri 2nd April, 10-11.30PM (UK time) – via unknown
Bilingual Poetry Reading with Reina María Rodríguez & Kristin Dykstra
Free event, sponsored by Emory University. Cuban writer and literary activist Reina María Rodríguez will read new work along with poems from her book The Winter Garden Photograph (winner of the PEN Award for Poetry in Translation) with translator Kristin Dykstra. Followed by audience Q&A to follow. Captioned in English and Spanish. For more details or to register for tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 2nd April, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Magma Poetry 79 ‘Dwelling’ Launch I
Free launch event for Magma Poetry magazine 79, the ‘Dwelling’ issue. Compered by Magma 79 editors Zoë Brigley, Kristian Evans and Rob A. Mackenzie, with readings from selected contributors. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 3rd April, 11PM (UK time) – via unknown
Variety Pack Presents – Comedy of Errors: Poetry Reading w/ Khalisa Rae
Free event. A celebration of Khalisa Rae’s debut poetry collection Ghost in a Black Girl’s Throat (Red Hen). Featuring performances from opening poets Chris Butler, Sofia Fey, Rita Mookerjee, Jazz De Nero and Mike Chin. For more details or to register for tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 9th April, 8PM (UK time) – via Instagram Live
Poetry Ping-Pong #2: Martin Rowson vs. Luke Wright
Free event. Two poets take it in turns to read poems, performing in a random order based on which poem is ‘batted’ to them. Check it out on Instagram: @lukewrightpoet.
Sun 11th April, 6-7PM (UK time) – via unknown
Red Door Poets: Reading in Two Parts – Part 1
Free event. The featured readers from Red Door Poets will be Beatriz Echeverri, Matthew Paul and Gillie Robi, and each reader will also introduce a special guest. For more details or to register for tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 11th April, 4PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Zoom Live from The Butchery
Pay As You Can event (Ink, Sweat & Tears). Live poetry performances from Jen Hadfield, Adam Horovitz and Jim McElroy. For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 11th April, 6PM (UK time) – via Facebook Live
Us Versus Virus: The Book Launch!
Free launch event for World Jam’s second poetry anthology, exploring the human experience of the Coronavirus pandemic. It will feature 40 poems and illustrations from 27 poets and artists, in seven languages. For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 12th April, 6.30-8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
The Gatherings: Women in Spoken Word and Performance Poetry
Free event. A panel will discuss the woman’s voice in performance poetry by looking at an intergenerational timeline of women poets: what it sounds like and what the experience is like. Questions will also be asked re: support, artist development sustainability. The guests will include Khadija Ibrahim, Nicole May, Kate Fox, Shareefa Energy and Joelle Taylor. For more details or to register for tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 13th April, 7.30-8PM (BST) – via IGTV/YouTube/Facebook
Nymphs & Thugs #40: Penny Pepper
Poetry performances and conversation. Watch live or catch up on the Nymphs & Thugs on Instagram or Facebook or YouTube.
Wed 14th-Sun 25th April – via unknown
Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival
For the full programme, visit the festival webpage.
Thurs 15th April, 7-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Ledbury Poetry Festival: Poetry Salon with Kate Fox
£3 tickets. Poetry salon and open mic – featured poet Kate Fox, in conversation with Katherine May. For more details or to register, visit the festival webpage.
Fri 16th April, 9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Live From Babel Tower: Late Night Sessions
Free event – poetry performances from E.P Jenkins, Serge ♆ Neptune and Caconrad. For more details or to register for tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 16th April, 8PM (UK time) – via Instagram Live
Poetry Ping-Pong #3: Jemima Foxtrot vs. Luke Wright
Free event. Two poets take it in turns to read poems, performing in a random order based on which poem is ‘batted’ to them. Check it out on Instagram: @lukewrightpoet.
Tues 20th April, 8-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
LAUNCH: Paul Terence Carney’s pamphlet – ‘Into The Earth’
Free Live Canon Poets event with a reading from Paul Terence and special guests. You can pre-order a copy of the book when you register. For more details or to register for tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 20th April, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
‘HOME & AWAY: Premier League Spoken Word’
Pay As You Feel event. Featuring poetry from the Black Country (Emma Purshouse, Steve Pottinger, Dave Pitt & 3 other poets) vs. poetry from Northern Ireland (Michael Wilson, Cat Brogan and Nathan Elout-Armstrong). For access, email poetsprattlerspandemonialists@gmail.com.
Tues 20th April, 7-8PM (UK time) – via website livestream
‘POLY STYRENE: A POETRY & LYRIC ROUNDTABLE’
£9.99 for 48hrs access. A discussion event for poets and lyricists, in celebration of new film ‘Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliche’ (Poly Styrene is punk icon and frontwoman of X-Ray Spex). Film directed by Paul Sng and Celeste Bell. Celeste and guests will share their own creative process, their connection to Poly and their advice to aspiring creatives. For more details and to access, visit the National Poetry Library webpage.
Sat 24th April, 11AM (UK time) – via YouTube
An Introduction to Publishing
Free event as part of The Publishing Conference 2021. Led by agent and publisher James Spackman, who will cover how the business works, its roles/departments, the various routes into publishing and more. Zoom tickets are sold out, but you can watch on YouTube. Visit the Comma Press YouTube channel on the day of the event.
Sun 25th April, 11AM (UK time) – via YouTube
‘How to Break into the Industry’
Free event as part of The Publishing Conference 2021. Talk led by agent and publisher James Spackman. Zoom tickets are sold out, but you can watch on YouTube. Visit the Comma Press YouTube channel on the day of the event.
Thurs 29th April, 6PM (UK time) – via Facebook
Digi Poems: 2021 Edition
Free event – launch event of collaborations between Coventry poets and South African animators. To watch, visit the Page Poetry Alive Facebook page on the night.
Fri 30th April, 12.30AM (UK time) – via unknown
Poetry & the Creative Mind — Virtual Gala Supporting U.S. National Poetry Month
Free event – the Academy of American Poets’ annual gala brings together artists and public figures for a reading of favorite poems. Event Chair: Meryl Streep. Featuring: Lauren Ambrose, Orlando Bloom, Hasan Minhaj, Samin Nosrat, Sandra Oh, Sarah Sze and others. For more details or to register for tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.
WORKSHOPS
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.
Sun 11th April, midnight (UK time) – via Zoom
‘Poetry A La Carte’
Free workshop from Queens Poetic Alchemy Collective. A round of reading poems (written by others) to inspire some writing and sharing. For more details and info about how to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 13th April, 7.30-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Phynnecabulary Presents: “Poetry Games with Matthew Marroquin”
A free workshop that aims to unlock your creativity with fun poetry prompts and games led by Matthew Marroquin. Free open mic event. This group encourages contributions from artists and their art. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 18th April, 6-8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Rhythm and Rhyme
Cost: £0 – £11.37 (incl. admin fee). Poetry workshop led by Leanne Moden – discover ways to use rhyme and rhythm in your writing, through activities and discussion. For more details and info about how to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 20th April, 10.30PM-12AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Phynnecabulary Presents: “Poetry Games with Elemen2al The Poet”
A free workshop that aims to unlock your creativity with fun poetry prompts and games led by Elemen2al the Poet. Free open mic event. This group encourages contributions from artists and their art. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 20th April, 10.30PM-12AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Phynnecabulary Presents: “Poetry Games with Nick Paleologos”
A free workshop that aims to unlock your creativity with fun poetry prompts and games led by Nick Paleologos. Free open mic event. This group encourages contributions from artists and their art. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 25th April, 2-5PM (UK time) – 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.