Listing for December 2020: Literary Events Online
2020: the end is nigh! With the second UK national lockdown changing back to a tier system, and the festive season fast approaching, people are feeling truly desperate to get back to a semblance of normality. Sadly, this COVID-19 pandemic has not yet been resolved, and the challenges of making sure arts events still happen, but safely, are on-going. Things can be tricky for organisers and attendees. Social distancing needs to continue to keep infection rates as low as possible. Depending on what tier you’re in, various venues and public spaces may be opening up again to visitors this month; but many gatherings are forced outside in the cold or have had restrictions imposed on audience numbers. Or, more unfortunately, have had to be cancelled. If you’re living somewhere that permits you to get out and about, we wish you a merry December – but plenty of people are still feeling isolated, unable to participate in their usual cultural activities.
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! No need to be gloomy like the weather.
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. Let’s stay virus-free AND enjoy our favourite gigs! This is also the perfect chance to “travel” afar and attend events you never thought you could…
Side note: Since hosting our Fire & Dust poetry nights online, unexpected audience members have included multiple dogs, cats, guinea-pigs, and even one poetry fan less than a month old! Keep an eye out for encounters with similar ‘special guest’ appearances at YOUR virtual experiences.
OPEN MICS
Tues 1st Dec, 7PM (UTC) – via Zoom
York Spoken Word
(Usually happens in: York, UK)
Poetry open mic. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Tues 1st Dec, 7.30-10.30PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Hammer & Tongue Hackney 2020 Poetical Wrap Up!
Poetry slam for political/personal takes on the year 2020 , plus headline set from H&T Hackney founder, Angry Sam Berkson. Tickets: Pay What You Can (£3-£10). For more details about slam sign-up and access, visit the event webpage.
Tues 1st Dec 7.15-9.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Testify Poetry Open Mic
Tickets: £ 3.83. Headliner: Rose Condo. Open mic slots available on arrival. For more information and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 2nd Dec, 8.30PM (BST) – via Facebook Live/Zoom
DeBarra’s Spoken Word
(Usually happens in: Clonakilty, Ireland)
Headliners:Paul McMahon and Dave Lordan
Poetry event. First half: a live stream from DeBarra’s Folk Club, with two headliners on stage and stand-up interviews by Moze Jacobs. Second half: round-table discussion (on the topic of change-making), followed by open mic in the second half. Details of how to access the gig will be on the Facebook events page.
Thurs 3rd Dec, 7.30-10PM (BST) – via Zoom
Fire & Dust Meets: LAURA POTTS
(Usually happens in: Coventry, UK)
Free event – Pay As You Feel. Poetry open mic with two special headline guests. To attend, grab an Eventbrite ticket (free). Details re: Zoom URL and how to sign up for open mic will be emailed. There is also a Fire & Dust events page on Facebook.
Thurs 3rd Dec, 7-9PM (PST) – via Zoom
Los Angeles Poet Society: Tonalli Thursdays Open Mic
More info on the L.A. Poet Society website.
Thurs 3rd Dec, 6.30PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Dear Listener’s Third Birthday!
Digital celebration of this poetry event’s third year. Headliners: RUTH STACEY, CLAIRE WALKER, ROZ LEVENS & NICOLA LONGWORTH-COOK. Plus open mic slots. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 3rd Dec, 1AM (UTC) – via Google Meet
Slam Free Or Die: Decemberween 3 Poetry Cypher
Open mic event. For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 4th Dec, 7-9PM (UTC) – via Zoom
WORD Stafford Season 3 Episode 5 – ‘Giving’
Poetry slam (theme: Giving) and open mic. More details available on the Facebook event page.
Sun 6th Dec, 7.30PM – via Zoom
Yes, We Cant
(Usually happens in: Walsall, UK)
Free virtual open mic event – Pay What You Can. Headliner: LUKE WRIGHT! To request a space in the Zoom: email poetsprattlerspandemonialists@gmail.com. For more details, visit the Poets, Prattlers & Pandemonialists Facebook page.
Mon 7th Dec, 7.30PM (GMT) – unknown
WordSpace
(Usually happens in: Leeds, UK)
An open mic night that welcomes poetry, prose, music, comedy, drama and more. For more details and to find out how to access, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 9th Dec, 7.30PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Write and Release Spoken Word
Poetry open mic, with special guest poet Des Mannay. For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 10th Dec, 7PM (EST) – via Zoom
Thursday Night Open Mic; Holiday Tradition
An Athens County Poets & Storytellers event, hosted by Southeast Ohio Poet Steph & Ohio’s Poet Laureate Kari. Register in advance. For more details, check out the Facebook event page.
Thurs 10th Dec, 8PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Run Your Tongue Online #17!
(Usually happens in Kettering, UK)
Spoken word open mic night. For more details and how to access, check out the Facebook event page.
Sat 12th Dec, 6-8PM (PST) – via Zoom
Los Angeles Poet Society: Theme Open Mic
Themes: ‘velvet & food’. More info on the L.A. Poet Society website.
Sat 12th Dec, 7PM (GMT) – via YouTube Live
Poets for the Planet represent: FRESH Winter Greens
Open mic poetry night featuring Gboyega Odubanjo and Rakaya Fetuga. Hosted by Robin Lamboll. For more details about the event and open mic sign-up, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 14th Dec, 8.30-11.30 (Irish Standard Time) – via Zoom/Facebook Live
Ó Bhéal:10th Virtual Poetry Event
(Usually happens in: Cork, Ireland)
Open mic, headliners, live poetry prompt challenge. Headliner: ALICE OSWALD. More info and details of how to access the gig are here on the website.
Mon 14th Dec, 7.30-9.30PM (BST) – via Zoom
Café Writers: October – with Jessica Mookherjee & Sean Wai Keung.
Poetry open mic event with two headliners. To register/for more info about signing up for open mic, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 16th Dec, 7.30PM (GMT) – via Facebook group
PASTA
Open mic night from Poets, Prattlers, and Pandemonialists. The first half is to a theme picked at random from audience suggestions at the previous month’s event. Theme for December is ‘Inspiration’. Second half, anything goes. To book a slot in the first half, second half or both, email poetsprattlerspandemonialists@gmail.com. Poems are accepted as text, Soundcloud links or YouTube links. You can join the PP&P Facebook group here.
Thurs 17th Dec, 7.30-10.30PM (UTC) – via Facebook page
WordCraft: The Generally Joyous One
(Normally happens in: Stoke-on-Trent, UK)
Open mic event for poetry, flash fiction, songs and stories. Several options for the open mic – you can be pre-recorded, live on Facebook or send in a poem for someone else to read. More info available on the Facebook event page.
Sat 19th Dec, 7PM (UTC) – via Zoom
WORD Stafford Presents: Myths & Legends “Endings”
Free event for poetry and stories. Plus: announcement of the steampunk tanka competition winners. For more info, get in touch via Twitter: @WardleWoodend.
Sun 20th Dec, 7PM (UTC) – via Facebook Live
The Ghost River Collective – The Ghost of Christmas Presents
Poetry open mic event – charity fundraiser for Yellow Door. 12 slots to read, slots are 5 mins max. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 20th Dec, 5-7.30PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Poetry LGBT Xmas Special Open Mic On Zoom
Pay What You Can. Poetry/spoken word. 15 open mic slots – 5 mins each. Arrive at 4:45 if you’re performing. To register, visit the ticket webpage.
Mon 21st Dec, 7-8PM (ETC) – via Zoom
Oceanside Library Poetry Readings
(Normally happens in: New York, USA)
Every first and third Monday. 2 featured poets and an open mic, hosted by Tony Iovino. For access info, visit the event webpage.
Thurs 24th Dec, 7PM (UTC) – via Facebook Live
Open Mic Night: The Festive One
A LGBTQIA+ poetry open mic event, hosted by The LGBT+ Partnership Cheltenham. Message the organisers on Facebook re: open mic sign-up. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 24th Dec, 12-2AM (UTC) – via Zoom/YouTube/Facebook Live
WORD
Free event, hosted by Nuyorican Poets Cafe. Headline set from a featured writer followed by open mic. Poetry, lyricism and all forms of story-telling are welcome. Open mic slots: 3-5 mins. For more information and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 24th Dec, 3-6AM (UTC) – via Zoom
Page 3 Poetry
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by ‘Poet Overlord’ James Otter. Sign up for open mic in the Zoom comments. For more information and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 25th Dec, 4-5PM (GMT) – via Zoom
‘Share Funny Poems’
Free Xmas Day activity, hosted by the Worker’s Education Association. For sharing and listening. For more information and access, visit the WEA webpage.
Sat 26th Dec, 2-3.30AM (UTC) – via Zoom
Normadic Press’ Virtual Open Mic #39 – Holiday Edition
Free spoken word event (donations welcome). Hosted by J.K. Fowler, with Tula on tech. More details are on the Facebook event page. The sign-up form for open mic is here. 30 slots, 3 minutes each.
Sun 27th Dec, 7PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Allographic Open Mic
Monthly spoken word open mic event – poetry, story-telling, drama. More details and register for tickets on the Eventbrite page.
Sun 27th Dec, 9-11PM (GMT) – via Zoom/Facebook Live
Great Weather for Media Presents Julie Bentsen and Ryan Buynak
Free open mic event. More details and register for tickets on the Eventbrite page.
Mon 28th Dec, 8-11PM (UTC) – via unknown
Poetry Corner (online activity)
“An online activity all about love of poetry, and the fun of losing yourself in reciting it.” Give the organisers a heads-up about your favourite piece so they can make it available on the night. More details are available on the Facebook event page.
Mon 28th Dec, 11PM (UTC) – via unknown
Poetry Mondays Event
A weekly LGBTQIA+ poetry sharing event, hosted by Lift Up Your Voices. The Zoom access will be posted to the Qu-h-ear Facebook group. More details are available on the Facebook event page.
Tues 29th Dec, 7PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Spoken World Online, Featuring Poet Special K
A weekly open mic event, hosted by David Leo Sirois and David Barnes. Performances of poetry, writing, comedy, music and drama from around the world. More details are available on the Facebook event page.
Wed 30th Dec, 00:00 (UTC) – via Zoom
Spoken Word/Spoken Art Series: Pandemic Poetry & Open Mic Night with Michael Sonksen & Friends
Featuring a headline set from Woodbury University professor and Long Beach native, Michael Sonksen (aka “Mike the PoeT”) plus guest poets and open mic. For more details and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 1st Jan, 5PM (UTC) – via unknown
Recovery Spoken Word
Hosted by Yoga4Sobriety and Elina H. An event for people to express their journey of recovery: the struggles, gratitude, experiences and feelings. Listeners also welcome! For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
EVENTS
Tues 1st Dec, 7PM (UTC) – via Zoom
The Bolton Review – Issue 8 Live Launch
Performances from contributors to issue 8, plus reveal of the front cover. Copies will be on sale for attendees. For more details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 2nd Dec, 7-9PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Crafty Crows: Online Poetry, ‘The Trawler 2020 Special’
Hosted by Josephine Lay and The Gloucester Poetry Society. Readings from the group’s anthology, ‘The Trawler’. More information and register for free tickets on the Helm event page.
Sun 6th Dec, 7.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Oooh Beehive UK Online Slam Championship GRAND FINAL!
After 8 heats across 2020, the final 15 poets will compete to be crowned Oooh Beehive Slam Champion and win the £300 prize! Hosted by Nick Lovell and Clive Oseman. (The finalists: Elizabeth McGeown, Shian Denovan, Marly Talks, Jemma Hathaway, Serin Thomasin, Rohan Samuel, Jackie Juno, Brenda Reid-Brown, Rue Collinge, Hollie Dee, Hazel Mehmet, Kathryn O’Driscoll, Leanne Moden, Hannah Brockley and Yossi Goodlink.) Details for how to access the Slam are available on the Facebook event page.
Fri 11th Dec, 7.30PM – via Zoom
Young Identity: One Mic Stand
£10 Full Price/£8 under-35s/£5 Concessions. Twelve poets go head-to-head in a virtual poetry slam (£50 cash prize), plus headline slots from International Slam-O-Vision 2020 champion Jardel Rodrigues and female hip hop/jazz artist Layfullstop. For more details and to book, visit the Young Identity tickets webpage.
Sat 12th Dec, 9PM (UTC) – Unknown
Reading for Young People: Nikki Grimes
Poetry Foundation & Poetry Magazine event. Reading for young people and adults by author Nikki Grimes. For more details and to register, visit the Eventbrite webpage.
Sat 12th Dec, 7.30PM (UTC) – via YouTube
Book Launch: ‘Notes From a Factory Floor’
Free event. BAFTA-winning screenwriter, playwright and author Geoff Thompson will read from his new memoir, followed by a Q&A and discussion with playwright Alan Pollock. For more details, visit the Facebook event page, or just tune into the Belgrade Theatre’s YouTube channel when the event starts.
Mon 14th Dec, 7-8PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Spork Up! Film Launch
Free event. Launch of four poetry films created by Spork Up! emerging artists Saili Katebe, Harula Ladd, Megan Baxter & Roisin’s Brother. Plus a short live spoken word performance. For more details and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Mon 14th Dec, 7.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Winter Wonder – Boundary Way Poetry Premiere
Free poetry event. Dave Pitt, Emma Purshouse and Steve Pottinger will each share a poem that was inspired by a summer visit to Boundary Way Allotments and Community Garden, plus a selection of nature-inspired poetry. There will also be performances by Kuli Kohli, Santosh Kumari and Priyanka Joshi from Wolverhampton’s Punjabi Women’s Writers group. For more details and to register, visit the ticket webpage.
Tues 15th Dec, 7.30PM (GMT) – Unknown
Top Class Poetry
Readings from poetry mentees of Anna Saunders ( Founding Director of Cheltenham Poetry Festival). Featuring: Sheena Bradley, Niall M Cassidy, Clair Chivers, Sue Finch, Lucy Heuschen and Hilary Otto. More details and register for tickets on the Cheltenham Poetry Festival webpage.
Wed 16th Dec, 7-8PM (GMT) – via unknown
Subsistence: Liz Berry Chats Dialect and Poetry with R. M. Francis
A discussion between published poets Liz Berry and R.M. Francis. Liz and Rob will chat about how they use dialect and sense of place in their poetry and poetics and share their own creative ideas and inspirations. For more details and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 17th Dec, 11PM (EST) – via Zoom
Spoken & Heard – December
An evening of poetry and story with Karen Schubert, author of The Compost Reader. Hosted by Kari Gunter-Seymour. For more details and access, check out the Facebook event page.
Sun 20th Dec, 5PM (UTC) – via Facebook Live
VERBALIST! #17
Hosted by Godfrey Salter. “Words, words, words from the quick and the dead!” For access, check the Facebook event page.
Sun 27th Dec, 5-6.30PM (UTC) – via Facebook Live
VERBALIST! #18
Hosted by Godfrey Salter. “Words, words, words from the quick and the dead: from the great indoors to the great beyond!” For access, check the Facebook event page.
WORKSHOPS
Lockdown Writing Workshops with Jamie Thrasivoulou
Join the Facebook group for more details. Not on Facebook? Search for the workshops on YouTube.
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.
Tues 1st Dec, 7PM (GMT) – unknown
Arvon: Writing in Kind
Jane Commane and Sharoo Izadi will discuss elements of writing such as forming/breaking habits, creativity, self-belief, self-compassion and how to be a constructive and supportive member of a writing community. Tickets: £6 (£4/£2 concessions). For more details and to register for tickets, check out the Free Word webpage.
Sat 5th Dec, 10.30-11.30AM (GMT) – via Zoom
‘Solitude’ workshop with Alice Frecknall
Free poetry workshop series for female-identifying/non-binary writers – each workshop is stand-alone but participants are encouraged to do all three. Led by poet and fiction writer Alice Frecknall, in partnership with UniSlam and Arts Council England. For more details and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 5th Dec, 10.30-11.30AM (GMT) – via Zoom
‘Silence’ workshop with Alice Frecknall
Free poetry workshop series for female-identifying/non-binary writers – each workshop is stand-alone but participants are encouraged to do all three. Led by poet and fiction writer Alice Frecknall, in partnership with UniSlam and Arts Council England. For more details and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Mon 7th Dec, 7PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Words Down Workshop with Andre Anderson
A free workshop from Word Up exploring how poetry can be used as a creative tool for self development, education and community engagement. For more details and to register, visit the Eventbrite webpage.
Fri 11th Dec, 2-3.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Change the Word: Poetry Workshop
Free workshop with poets Ian Andrew and Cerowyn Brown. Open to all, from beginners to seasoned poets. Inspiration will be taken from ‘autumn’ – bring along an object, possession or nature item that you associate with autumn, and let Ian and Cerowyn guide you into writing. For more details and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Mon 14th Dec, 5-6.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Change the Word: Poetry Workshop
Free workshop with poets Ian Andrew and Cerowyn Brown. Open to all, from beginners to seasoned poets. Using poetry to create a self-portrait – will include reading some self-portrait penned by well-known poets and writing exercises. For more details and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Mon 14th Dec, 10.30AM (GMT) – via Zoom
Winter Wonder: Poetry Workshop
Only £2.50. Concrete poetry workshop with Steve Pottinger and Emma Purshouse. Part of Boundary Way Project’s Winter Wonder season. Participants will be offered the opportunity to share the work they create at online events. For more details and to reserve a place, visit the tickets webpage.
Sun 27th Dec, 2-5PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Allographic Virtual Write-In/ Workshop
(Normally happens in: Cambridge, UK)
Writing workshop/discussion group for poets and story-tellers. For more information, visit the Allographic website.
Wed 30th Dec, 11PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Poetry Workshop with Patrice Vecchione
Hosted by Monterey Public Library (California). Workshop with poet Patrice Vecchione, author of My Shouting, Shattered, Whispering Voice: A Guide to Writing Poetry and Speaking Your Truth. For more details or to register, visit the library webpage.