April 2022 Round-up: Virtual Literary Events
Finally, winter is over and April is here! In the UK, life has taken some steps into normality but Covid cases are back on the rise. Plenty of people remain understandably cautious about venturing out to attend gigs, especially those who are vulnerable. If you plan on keeping your social interactions to a minimum this month, 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!
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
Fri 1st April, 4-6PM (UK time) – via unknown
Friday Lunchtime Poem
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by Martin Vernon in County Clare, Ireland. Slots are four minutes, for readers to share their own work or poetry by their favourite poets. Poets who are interested should email martinvernon@outlook.ie to request access details.
Sat 2nd April, 4.30-6PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Let’s Un-MESH Life Open Mic #43
Free open mic event for poetry and music in various languages (including English and Hindi). Send a DM to the organisers for access. For more details or to register for an open mic slot, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 3rd April, 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 3rd 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 is Martin Figura and ‘Alf Ender is Chaucer Cameron. To request a space in the Zoom: email poetsprattlerspandemonialists@gmail.com. For more details, visit the Poets, Prattlers & Pandemonialists Facebook page.
Sun 3rd April, 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 3rd April, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Like a Blot From the Blue: Poets Enter the Queer World
Free poetry open mic, hosted by Fin Hall. Featured poet: Michael Wilson. For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 4th April, 10.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
The Word is Write: Cafe Generalissimo Open Mic
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by Generalissimo Bryan Franco. For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 4th April, 10.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Wordspace
Free poetry open mic in a friendly, informal, supportive environment. No pre-booked slots, sign-up on arrival. For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 4th April, 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 poet/author: Dianalee Velie (New Hampshire). For access info, visit the Oceanside Library events page.
Tues 5th April, 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 5th April, 1-2.30AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Speaking Crow: Virtual Edition feat. David Yerex Williamson
(Happens in: Winnipeg, Canada)
Free poetry open mic. Ticket choice for open mic/audience. Headline poet: David Yerex Williamson (debut full-length work: Through Disassembled Houses of Perfect Stones, |At Bay Press, 2022). For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 5th April, 7-8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
York Spoken Word: April Hybrid
(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 5th April, 7.30-10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Flight of the Dragonfly Spoken Word
Free event for sharing poetry, flash fiction and prose. Special guests: Mark Coverdale and Sarah Reeson. For more details, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 6th April, 2AM (UK time) – via Zoom
The Word is Write Deadpan Dope Open Mic
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by Deadpan Lizzie. All mediums of art performance are welcome. For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 6th April, 2AM (UK time) – via Zoom/Facebook Live
SpoFest Poetry and Prose
Spoken word open mic night. Featuring guest performances from: Shallene McGrath, Rick Lupert, Barbara Marie Minney, Lauren Scharhag. 3 mins per open mic reader. More info about signing up for open mic and accessing the gig is available on the Facebook event page.
Wed 6th April, 7-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Crafty Crows, feat. Anna Saunders & Belinda Rimmer
Free Gloucestershire Poetry Society open mic event, hosted by Josephine Lay. Headline poets: Anna Saunders & Belinda Rimmer. Open mic sign-up is first come, first served (email craftycrows2020@yahoo.com). For more info and to register, visit the Helm tickets webpage.
Wed 6th April, 8-10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
West Midlands Poets for Ukraine: Fundraiser
Tickets: £5 minimum. Poetry open mic event to raise funds for the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Hosted by Writing West Midlands. For more details and access, visit the WWM event page.
Thurs 7th April, 7PM (UK time) – hybrid: in-person/via Zoom
WORD Stafford: Season 4 Episode 5
Free open mic event for poetry, stories or songs – hosted by Mel Wardle Woodend and Jon Watkiss. Theme: ‘life and love’. Featuring special guest Stephen Brunton. Email wordstafford@gmail.com to request access or open mic slot.
Thurs 7th April, 8-10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Get A Word In Edgeways Monthly Concert
Tickets: £5 (£3 concessions). Featuring Fleur Shorthouse Hemming and further Artists to be announced, plus ‘Cath’s Cupboard of Customs’. For more details or to register, visit the Get a Word in Edgeways webpage.
Fri 8th April, 4-6PM (UK time) – via unknown
Friday Lunchtime Poem
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by Martin Vernon in County Clare, Ireland. Slots are four minutes, for readers to share their own work or poetry by their favourite poets. Poets who are interested should email martinvernon@outlook.ie to request access details.
Sat 9th April, 2AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Writers’ Open Mic – 2nd Fridays
Suggested donation: $10. Open mic event for story-tellers and poets. Writers of all levels of experience welcome, listeners also welcome. Slots are 3-5 mins. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 9th April, 9-11PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Invitation to Artful Dodgers Poetry’s Saturday
Free poetry open mic event for peace and freedoms. Optional theme: imagine yourself on a stage at the Mariupol that was. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 10th April, 8-11PM (UK time) – via Zoom/Facebook Live
Poetry at Your Place feat. Fay Roberts – event #56
Pay As You Can poetry open mic event, based in New Zealand. Featuring a 20-minute headline set from UK published poet, performer, producer and voice actor Fay Roberts. For more info and to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 11th April, 7PM (UK Time) – via Zoom
Soundbites Poetry Open Mic
Free poetry open mic event. Feature guest poet is Lesley Constable. For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 11th April, 7.30-9.30PM (UK Time) – via Zoom
Cafe Writers April Open Mic
Free poetry open mic event. Feature guests are poets Daniel Sluman and Anne Bailey. Sign-up for open mic is first come, first served. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Mon 11th April, 8.30PM (UK time) – hybrid: in-person/via Zoom/website livestream/Vimeo/Facebook Live/YouTube Live
Ó Bhéal presents the Five Words competition winners
(Happens in: Cork, Ireland)
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by Paul Casey. Features live poetry prompt challenge, poetry competition winners Marcella Remund (1st), David W Evans (2nd) & Peter Arvan Manos (3rd), plus open mic. There are multiple ways to attend/watch the gig live. More info and access details are on the Ó Bhéal website.
Mon 11th April, 10-11PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Poems in Speech Live – Inspirational Quotes and Poems
Free poetry session for people with aphasia (but anyone who loves poetry is welcome). Led by Mark Harder, who also has aphasia. Participants are encouraged to share a poem or inspirational quote. For queries and access, email Mark: mark@poemsinspeech.com.
Tues 12th April, 12-1.30AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Fireflies and Hand Grenades
Free belated book launch for J.B. Stone’s Fireflies and Hand Grenades plus spoken word open mic (between readings). For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 12th April, 7.30-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Offa’s Press: ‘Virtual Voices’
Free event, with readings from Sheryl McMahon, Mark Reece, Jenna Plewes, Paul Francis & Ros Woolner. Hosted by Simon Fletcher. For more info and access, visit the Offa Press page.
Tues 12th April, 12-2AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Brooklyn Poets Yawp
(Happens in: Brooklyn, USA)
$10 for the workshop & open mic / $5 for the open mic only. Monthly poetry workshop and open mic. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 13th April, 7-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
‘Secular Verses’, an evening of Humanist and Open Mic Poetry
Pay As You Can by donation. Poet Alexander Williams reads from his collection Secular Verses then opens the floor for open mic poets to share their work or favourite poems. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 13th April, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Write Out Loud Woking
(Usually happens in: Woking, UK)
Spoken word open mic night. Hosted by Greg Freeman and Rodney Wood. Headline guest: Pratibha Castle. Email gregfreem62@gmail.com to book a slot (5 mins). More info about sign-up and accessing the gig is available on the Facebook event page.
Wed 13th April, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Cheltenham Poetry Festival: Jason Allen-Paisant and Rae Howells
Poetry readings and open mic night. Open mic slots: one poem of up to 2 minutes. Featuring: Jason Allen-Paisant and Rae Howells, two remarkable poets who write about the relationship between humanity and nature. More details and tickets available from the Ticketsource page.
Thurs 14th April, 7.15PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Fire & Dust Poets Zoom Around the World: Fay Roberts
(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.
Fri 15th April, 7.30-10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Oooh Beehive – with Juanita Rea
Free/Pay As You Feel poetry open mic event, hosted by Nick Lovell and Clive Oseman. Headline poet: Juanita Rea, plus open mic (slots: 3 mins max.). For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 15th April, 3-5.30AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Phynnecabulary Presents: ‘Got You Covered!’
Free/Pay As You Can by donation. Hosted by Nick Paleologos. Poets reading poets, plus special guest. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 15th April, 4-6PM (UK time) – via unknown
Friday Lunchtime Poem
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by Martin Vernon in County Clare, Ireland. Slots are four minutes, for readers to share their own work or poetry by their favourite poets. Poets who are interested should email martinvernon@outlook.ie to request access details.
Fri 15th April, 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.
Mon 18th April, 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 poet/author: Takudzwa Chikepe (Zimbabwe/NC). For access info, visit the Oceanside Library events page.
Tues 19th April, 7.30PM (GMT) – hybrid: in person/via livestream
PASTA (Poets and Story-Tellers Assemble)
Free entry. Open mic night from Poets, Prattlers, and Pandemonialists. Theme for April is: ‘chickens’. 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. Register for a ticket via Ticketsolve. You can join the PP&P Facebook group here.
Tues 19th April, 6.30-8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
TWOOMPH! ft. Jenny Foulds
Free open mic 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: 2021 Scottish Poetry Slam Champion Jenny Foulds, plus ten open mic poets. For more details, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 19th April, 8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Poetry at Jurnet’s
(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. For access/open mic sign-up details, visit the Poetry at Jurnet’s website and use the onscreen email link to contact organiser Hilary Stanton.
Wed 20th April, 2AM (UK time) – via Zoom
SpoFest Poetry and Prose
Free readings and open mic event. Features: Lynne Shapiro, Richard Westheimer, Maggie Bloomfield and guest author Jamie Lynn Heller, followed by open mic. Slots are 3 mins per reader: one long selection or two short selections. For more info and to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 20th April, 7.30-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom webinar
An Evening with John McCullough
Ticket: £5 (limited free tickets available). Event for the contemporary poetry reading series ‘Go to the poets, they will speak to thee’, curated and hosted by poet Kim Moore. Special guest: John McCullough. Part poetry readings, part poetry open mic event. Open mic slots are 2 mins. max. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 21st April, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Lit Up! Poetry Performance Salon
Tickets: Pay As You Feel donations. Hosted by Michael Wilson. Headliners: Colin Dardis and Steve Rooney. Eventbrite tickets coming soon; for more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 21st April, 7.45-10PM (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.
Sat 23rd April, 6-8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Speak the Word: open mic night
Free poetry open mic event. 5-minute slots available. Captioning available. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 23rd April, 9PM (UK time) – hybrid: in person/via Zoom
Gestalt Poetry Open Mic
Free poetry open mic hosted by Amy Hoskins. Headline poet: Henry L. Jones. To request an open mic slot, email Amy at: amyhoskinscc@gmail.com. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 24th April, 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.
Wed 27th April, 2AM (UK time) – via Zoom
SpoFest Writing Prompt, Rough Draft and Open Mic
Free story-telling/poetry open mic event. With special co-host J R Turek. With writing prompt challenges and prizes. For more info and to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 28th April, 7.45PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Lime Square Poets featuring Emily Cullen
Free poetry open mic event for Poetry Day Ireland 2022. Featuring headliner Emily Cullen (Meskell UL-Fifty Poet in Residence at the University of Limerick). For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
EVENTS
Fri 1st April, 1-2AM (UK time) – via unknown
‘To Turn the World Around’: For Audre Lorde and Pat Parker
Free poetry reading and moderated discussion event, hosted by Poetry Foundation a& Poetry Magazine. Featuring Indira Allegra, Alexis Pauline Gumbs, and Mecca Jamilah Sullivan. For more details and how to access, check out the Facebook event page.
Fri 1st April, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Lyra Poetry Slam Qualifiers
Free slam poetry event for Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival. Poets compete for a place in the Grand Slam Finals headlined by Joelle Taylor and Buddy Wakefield. With Zoom audio captioning. For more info and to register, visit the Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival page.
Fri 1st April, 8-10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Poetry Lit! – Online Reading Series
Free monthly international poetry event, featuring readings from Anna Crowe & Paula Jennings. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 2nd April, 3.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
21st Century Sonnets: Terrance Hayes + Guests
Tickets: £5. Poetry readings event for Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival. . Featuring: Terrance Hayes (‘American Sonnets for My Past and Future Assassin’), Luke Kennard (‘Notes on the Sonnets’) and Jacqueline Saphra (‘One Hundred Lockdown Sonnets’), plus discussion and Q&A. For more info and to register, visit the Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival page.
Sat 2nd April, 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 2nd April, 8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Working Class Writers | New Commissions
Free poetry readings event, featuring 12 commissioned poets from working-class backgrounds. With BSL interpreter and Zoom audio captioning. For more info and to register, visit the Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival page.
Sun 3rd April, 1AM (UK time) – via Zoom
“Choppin it Up with El Davíd” #3
Free event: an interview with poet Generalissimo Bryan Franco. The event will feature readings, discussion and an audience Q&A. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 3rd April, 4PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Poetry and Accessibility | Panel Discussion
Free discussion event re: whether poetry is accessible. The panel features: Nikki Harris (BSL Interpreter), Deaf Firefly (poet / performer) and Ben Glover (creative captioner). With BSL interpreter and Zoom audio captioning. For more info and to register, visit the Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival page.
Sun 3rd April, 5.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Women Poets Network | The Rebecca Swift Foundation
Free poetry readings event, featuring 2020 Rebecca Swift Foundation prize winners Alisha Dietzman, Natalie Linh Bolderston and Warda Yassin. With Zoom audio captioning. For more info and to register, visit the Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival page.
Sun 3rd April, 6.30-7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Book Launch: ‘A Triptych of Birds and A Few Loose Feathers’
Free book launch event for Pratibha Castle’s debut poetry pamphlet A Triptych of Birds and A Few Loose Feathers. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 3rd April, 6.30-7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Book Launch: ‘Sea Between Us’
Free Nine Pens Press book launch event for the anthology Sea Between Us by Catherine Gander, Georgia Hilton and Anna Kisby. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 3rd April, 8PM (UK time) – via Zoom/Facebook Live
Cultivating Voices LIVE Poetry presents ‘I Wanna Be Loved By You’
Spoken word open mic night to showcase the new Milk and Cake Press anthology I WANNA BE LOVED BY YOU: Poems on Marilyn Monroe. For more details and how to access, check out the Facebook event page.
Sun 3rd April, 10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Heroic Sonnet Crown: Community Reading
Free poetry event: a live virtual reading of the Heroic Sonnet Crown written by 14 South Florida poet-pairs celebrating the resilience of Miami-Dade County. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Mon 4th April – via Soundcloud
Dead Darlings Podcast
Free audio poetry show. Join the hosts for a Book Club mini-episode: Hannah, Laurie and Rebecca chat about Surge by Jay Bernard. For details and access info, visit the Dead Darlings Podcast Soundcloud.
Tues 5th April, 7.15-8.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Jill Abram Presents…8 Shoestring Poets
Free readings event, hosted by Jill Abram. Featuring eight poets who have all recently been published by Shoestring Press. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 5th April, 6.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Poetry & Disobedience | Raymond Antrobus + TJ Dema
Free discussion event between poet/educator Raymond Antrobus and author Tjawangwa Dema, plus audience Q&A. With BSL interpreter and captioning. For more info and to register, visit the Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival page.
Tues 5th April, 11PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Fluid Vessels – Poetry Reading Series 2022
Free event, featuring readings from the judges for the Montreal International Poetry Prize Reading Series 2022. Guest poets: Michael Prior, Heather Christle and Cameron Awkward-Rich. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 6th April, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Carcanet Book Launch: ‘The City’
Registration: £2 (redeemable later against cost of the book). Hosted by Carcanet poet Lisa Kelly – a launch of The City by Stav Poleg. The event will feature readings, discussion and an audience Q&A. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 6th April, 7-8.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Online Conversation with & for Midlands Creatives of Global Majority
Free event for West Midlands creatives. Open conversations exploring what’s needed most by artists & writers in the region at this moment in time and moving forwards. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 6th April, 7.15PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home: How I Write (Huma Qureshi)
£5/£2.50 concession. Writer and journalist Huma Qureshi discusses non-fiction. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Wed 6th April, 11PM (UK time) – via Facebook Live
Writers Guild Spoken Word Series
Free poetry readings event, featuring featuring poets John Burroughs, Tony Brewer, John Compton and music by saxophonist Catherine Sikora. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 7th April, 7-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Book launch: ‘Swell’ by Christopher Lanyon
Free Bad Betty Press book launch event for Christopher Lanyon’s debut poetry pamphlet ‘Swell’. Featuring readings from with readings from Christopher Lanyon, Ella Frears, Antosh Wojcik, Anna Kahn, Cat Chong and Joshua Judson. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 7th April, 8-10.30PM (UK time) – via unknown
‘Poetry for Peace’
Ticket: £15. An evening of Poetry and music to raise funds for the Ukraine. Natasha Dahlberg will be launching her new book Mercury in Retrograde, plus readings by Esme Hall. For more info and to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 8th April, 4-6PM (UK time) – via unknown
Indelible Festival of Literature: Poetry and the Diaspora
Free poetry reading event, featuring poets André Naffis-Sahely, Anthony Anaxagorou, Maria Taylor, Omar Sabbagh, Roula-Maria Dib and Kostya Tsolakis. For more info and to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 8th April, 7-11PM (UK time) – hybrid: in-person and via Zoom
Hammer & Tongue Cambridge Slam ft. Hannah Jane Walker and Cathy Carson
Slam poetry event – pay by donation. Approx. 8 poets will compete for a place in the regional slam final. Featuring headline sets by poets Hannah Jane Walker and Cathy Carson. For more info, to sign up for the slam and to register to attend, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 9th April, 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 9th April, 0.00-0.45 (UK time) – via Zoom
Marisa Siegel: Fixed Stars
Free with registration. Join Burrow Press and Books Are Magic to celebrate the launch of Marisa Siegel’s debut chapbook, Fixed Stars. With readings from Kaveh Akbar, Taylor Byas, Victoria Chang, Cortney Lamar Charleston, Maggie Smith, and Molly Spencer. Live ASL interpretation. For more info and to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 10th April, 7.30PM (UK time) – via livestream
Lyra Grand Slam Finals 2022
Tickets: £5. Slam poetry event for Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival. Grand Slam Finals judged by Joelle Taylor, Buddy Wakefield and Edson Burton. For more info and to register, visit the Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival page.
Sun 10th April, 4PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Poets for Ukraine : George Szirtes, Moniza Alvi, Elżbieta Wójcik-Leese
Donate What You Can event (part of the ‘Live from The Butchery’ series). Hosted by Helen Ivory and Martin Figura from their home (an old CoOp butcher’s shop), and IS&T publisher Kate Birch. Live poetry performances from George Szirtes, Moniza Alvi and Elżbieta Wójcik-Leese. For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 11th April, 7-8PM (UK time) – via YouTube
Poetry at the LexIcon: Raymond Antrobus, Victoria Kennefick, Rachel Long
Free poetry readings event. Featuring: Raymond Antrobus, Victoria Kennefick and Rachel Long. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 13th April, 4-5.30PM (UK time) – via unknown
Indelible Literary and Arts Journal: Mona Arshi, “Forms for Silence”
Free event, featuring Mona Arshi. Mona will talk about what a poem can hold and the reasons she’s travelled between prose and poetry. She will read both from her two books of poetry and her recently published novel Somebody Loves You. For more info and to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 13th April, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Broken Sleep Books EXTRAVAGANZA Part 1
Tickets £1 or more. Poetry readings event with publisher Broken Sleep Books. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 13th April, 7.30-8.45PM (UK time) – via Zoom
VERVE Poetry Press: Betty Doyle, Qudsia Akhtar, Erica Gillingham, Nicki Heinen
Free poetry readings event, hosted by VERVE publisher Stuart Bartholomew. Featuring: Betty Doyle, Qudsia Akhtar, Erica Gillingham, Nicki Heinen reading from their debut poetry pamphlets & collections. With live captioning and transcript by Web Captioner and all poems will be screen shared. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 13th April, 7.30-8.30PM (UK time) – via Crowdcast
Litfest: RESCHEDULED Poetry Double Bill 1: Hannah Hodgson & Martina Evans
Tickets: £5. Featuring readings from poets Hannah Hodgson (163 Days) and Martina Evans (American Mules). For more info and to register, visit the Crowdcast page.
Thurs 14th April, 7.30-8.45PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Broken Sleep Books EXTRAVAGANZA Part 2
Tickets £1 or more. Poetry readings event with publisher Broken Sleep Books. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 16th April, 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.
Wed 20th April, 10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Spring 2022 Phoenix Poets Reading
Free poetry readings event, to celebrate the spring 2022 Phoenix Poets: Peter Balakian (No Sign), Alan Shapiro (Proceed to Check Out) and Stuart Dischell (The Lookout Man). For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 20th April, 8PM (UK time) – via Facebook Live
Meet the Poet – Imogen Stirling
Free poetry event hosted by Home Stage. Featuring readings from Love the Sinner, Imogen Stirling’s modern retelling of the seven deadly sins . For more details or to register, visit the Home Stage event page.
Wed 20th April, 1AM (UK time) – via Facebook Live
hOle theOry: Ellipses, Omissions, and Ontological Parasites in Contemporary Queer Poetics
Free event hybridized panel/ reading/ workshop. “Through open dialogue, interdisciplinary performance, and immersive engagement with contemporary poetics, we will work through the intrinsic queerness and multifaceted semiotics of the hole”. For more info and to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 21st April, 6-7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
The Writer’s Bloc present Open Mic Night with Ciarán Hodgers
Poetry open mic night. Ciarán Hodgers will perform some of his own award-winning poetry, plus other poets can share their work and receive feedback. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 22nd April, 1-2PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Live Canon: Lunchtime Reading Series #30
Free poetry reading event. Guest poets TBC. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 22nd April, 7-8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Time is a Mother : Ocean Vuong’s UK Virtual Launch with Andrew McMillan
Tickets: £3. Poetry book launch event presented by Gay’s the Word bookshop, in partnership with Jonathan Cape. Celebrate the launch of Ocean Vuong’s new poetry collection Time is a Mother. Ocean Vuong will read from his new poems and explore the collection with poet Andrew McMillan. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 23rd April, 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 23rd April, 2-3.30AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Book Launch: ‘From The Shoreline’
Free poetry readings event hosted by Alyssa Sy de Jesus and Phebe M. Ferrer to celebrate Steffi Tad-y’s debut poetry collection “From The Shoreline” (Gordon Hill Press). Guest readers include Jane Shi, Zehra Naqvi, and Erica Hiroko. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 24th April, 10AM (UK time) – via website
Brum Radio Poets
Join host Rick Sanders and his guests, including Joe Cook, who will be sharing stories and poetry. Brum Radio Poets show is every second Sunday. Listen via the Brum Radio website.
Tues 26th April, 8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home: Morgan Parker in Conversation with Rachel Long
£5/£2.50 concession. Writers Morgan Parker and Rachel Long will discuss their influences, the perils of writing about love, sex and dating, and the role and risk of writing The Ex. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Tues 26th April, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
MK Lit Fest: Luke Kennard, Notes on the Sonnet
Entry: Pay What You Can. Readings by Luke Kennard from his collection Notes on the Sonnets, which recasts Shakespeare’s 154 sonnets as a series of anarchic prose poems set in the same joyless house party. For more info and to register, visit the MK Lit Fest event page.
Tues 26th April, 6.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
‘What We Read Now’
Free poetry readings event with a discussion element. Guest poets: Daniel Sluman, Claire Collision, Julie Irigarary & Kathryn Bevis. For more info and to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 29th April, 1-2PM (UK time) – via unknown
Live Canon: Lunchtime Reading Series #30
Free poetry reading event. Guest poets TBC. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 29th April, 6PM (UK time) – hybrid: in-person/via Zoom
Book Launch – Sallyanne Rock ‘Salt & Metal’
Free poetry book launch event (in-person: £3 on the door). An event to celebrate the publication of Fawn Press’ first poet, Sallyanne Rock. Sallyanne will read from her debut pamphlet Salt & Metal, plus performances from guests. For more info and to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 29th April, 00:00 (UK time) – via Zoom
Celebrating the Poets of Forms & Features
Free Poetry Foundation event for participants from the Forms & Features poetry workshops to share new work. Includes live captioning and ASL interpretation. For more info and to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Sat 30th April, 12AM (UK time) – hybrid: in-person/via Zoom
COUPLET Quarterly Poetry Reading Series & Social
Poetry readings event, curated and hosted by poet Leah Umansky. Featuring performances from Adrian Matejka, Dorianne Laux, Ananda Lima, Michael Montlack, Helen Vitoria and Mary Biddinger. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 30th April, 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 30th April, 6.30-8.30PM (UK time) – hybrid: in-person/via Zoom
Book launch: ‘Spectral’
A free poetry book launch event for ‘Spectral’ by Fay Roberts. Fay will perform poems from ‘Spectral’, along with sets from special guests, with opportunities to buy books and book-related merchandise. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
WORKSHOPS
Sat 2nd April, 5.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Poetry and Translation | with Bohdan Piasecki
Tickets from £5. This workshop will look at the creative act of rendering an existing text in a new language, led by poet Bohdan Piasecki. With Zoom audio captioning. For more info and to register, visit the Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival page.
Sat 2nd April, 6-7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Speak the Word: 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.
Sun 3rd April, 11PM (UK time) – via Zoom
The Word is Write: Poets Anonymous Workshop
Free workshop to explore any issue or topic. Led by Daniel Kay and Staffordshire Poet Laureate Mel Woodend. All levels of experience welcome. Includes dyslexia-friendly resources. Limited spaces – for more details or to register, contact melwoodendwritingATgmailDOTcom.
Mon 4th April, 2-4PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Poetry Workshop: Mindful Words
Free workshop. Poets Anonymous will focus on different writing prompts, and give participants an opportunity to read what they have worked on during the workshop. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 7th April, 11AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home Masterclass: ‘Learning to Read as a Writer’
£35/£17.50 concession. Tutor Guy Gunaratne will help participants leap into literature that will help jumpstart a sustained practice of reading as a writer. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Sat 9th April, 1.30-3PM (UK time) – via Zoom
The Waste Land’ | with Joelle Taylor
Tickets: from £7.50. Workshop responding to the themes of T. S. Eliot’s classic poem, including textual analysis and writing exercises. With audio transcription (Zoom captions). For more info and to register, visit the Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival page.
Sat 9th April, 2.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Breaking Boundaries Workshop | with Edson Burton
Tickets: from £5. Workshop led by poet Edson Burton. The session will use examples from Linton Kwesi Johnson, Jean Binta Breeze, Robert Burns and Langston Hughes to encourage participants to experiment with using ‘personal language’ to communicate. With audio transcription (Zoom captions). For more info and to register, visit the Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival page.
Sat 9th April, 6-7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Speak the Word: 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.
Sat 9th April, 6-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
‘Using Joy as an Act of Resistance: Finding the Art of Joy in Poetry’
Cost: $5-$10. Ohio Poetry Association bring you this workshop, led by poet and slam champion Barbara Fant. The session will focus on the power of finding joy and how writing about joy can be used as a form of resistance against pain, darkness, struggle, etc. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 12th April, 6-7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
The Word is Write: Food for Thought Writing Workshop w/ Maureen Medina
Free writing workshop on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, led by Maureen Medina. For more details or to access, visit the Facebook event page.
Sat 16th April, 6-7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Speak the Word: 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.
Mon 18th April, 10-11PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Poems in Speech
Free poetry session for people with aphasia (but anyone who loves poetry is welcome). Led by Mark Harder, who also has aphasia. Participants are encouraged to write a poem, read it out loud and tell the group about it. It is an opportunity to work on creativity and speech but you can read someone else’s poem or use a device to speak. For queries and access, email Mark: mark@poemsinspeech.com.
Tues 19th April, 7.30-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
London Queer Writers: Poetry Writing for Mental Health
Pay As You Feel writing workshop (£0-£20). Session led by Rayane Chami, exploring the use of poetry as an important vehicle to understanding mental distress. For more details or to register, visit the LQW event page.
Thurs 21st April, 11AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home Masterclass: ‘Experimenting with Form’
£35/£17.50 concession. Tutor Natasha Brown will bring in form-defying work from authors such as Meena Kandasamy, Lydia Davis, Claudia Rankine and others, to examine different approaches to experimentation. Participants will have opportunities for hands-on literary experiments. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Mon 25th April, 10-11PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Poems in Speech
Free poetry session for people with aphasia (but anyone who loves poetry is welcome). Led by Mark Harder, who also has aphasia. Participants are encouraged to write a poem, read it out loud and tell the group about it. It is an opportunity to work on creativity and speech but you can read someone else’s poem or use a device to speak. For queries and access, email Mark: mark@poemsinspeech.com.
Tues 26th April, 6-7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
The Word is Write: Food for Thought Writing Workshop w/ Maureen Medina
Free writing workshop on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, led by Maureen Medina. For more details or to access, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 27th April, 7-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Mark Grist: The TOAST Workshop
£10. Poetry writing workshop led by award-winning poet, story-teller and rap battler Mark Grist. Participants will look at the work of other poets, discuss your ideas, and get writing prompts to start new work of their own. For more details or to register, visit the TOAST page.
Thurs 28th April, 11AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home Masterclass: ‘Experimental Writing’
£35/£17.50 concession. Tutor Charlie Hill will encourage participants to question whether experimental writing has written itself out of existence, and to produce their own fresh and vital work. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.