Listing for February 2021: Literary Events Online
Goodbye, January! Hello, February! Although we’re making good progress in the UK with the roll-out of vaccines, this COVID-19 pandemic has sadly not yet been vanquished. This means events organisers are still battling with the challenges of making sure arts events can happen – and safely. With gatherings of people (beyond households/bubbles) still off-limits, many events have had to be cancelled. This has left a lot of people feeling isolated, unable to participate in their usual cultural activities and desperate to get back to a semblance of normality.
But here is the good news: creative communities across the UK, and all around the globe, are STILL plugging the void in our lives with some amazing virtual events!
The HCE magazine team have created another list of literary open mics, events and workshops (listed in separate categories below), to help you plan for the weeks ahead. You can stay virus-free AND enjoy your favourite gigs! This is also the perfect chance to “travel” afar and attend events you never thought you could…
OPEN MICS
Mon 1st Feb, 7-8PM (ETC) – via Zoom
Oceanside Library Poetry Readings
(Normally happens in: New York, USA)
Every first and third Monday. 2 featured poets – DAN BRADY and J R TUREK – and an open mic, hosted by Tony Iovino. For access info, visit the event webpage.
Tues 2nd Feb, 7PM (UTC) – via Zoom
York Spoken Word
(Usually happens in: York, UK)
Poetry open mic. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Tues 2nd Feb, 7.30PM (EST) – via Zoom
QPAC Tuesday: FREE Open Mic Night
(Usually happens in: Queens, NY, USA)
Queens Poetic Alchemy Collective: a weekly poetry open mic. A safe space for all to share openly, influenced by the Daoist principles of alchemy. For more details, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 3rd Feb, 7.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Wednesday Writers Open Mic
(Normally happens in: West Yorkshire, UK)
International open mic for poetry, prose, performance and music. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 4th February, 7.30-10PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Fire & Dust Meets: ROMALYN ANTE
(Usually happens in: Coventry, UK)
Free monthly event – Pay As You Feel. Poetry open mic with a special headline guest. To attend, grab an Eventbrite ticket (free). Details re: Zoom URL and how to sign up for open mic will be emailed. There is also a Fire & Dust events page on Facebook.
Thurs 4th February, 7.30-9PM (UTC) – via Facebook livestream
Word Central: with special guest Elizabeth McGeown
(Usually happens in: Manchester, UK)
Free open mic poetry and spoken word event, hosted by Tony Curry. Open mic slots allocated on ‘first come, first served basis’, 3 mins max. For more details about the event and open mic sign-up, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 4th February, 7PM (GMT) – via Facebook livestream
Beatfreeks Presents Poetry Jam – 8th Birthday Special
Streamed live from Birmingham’s Symphony Hall featuring Tia Cham, Amerah Saleh, Casey Bailey (Birmingham Poet Laureate 2020-22) and more. To watch the event, visit the Symphony Hall Facebook page.
Fri 5th Feb, 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.
Fri 5th Feb, 7.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Oooh Beehive Global Slam
One-off 3 round global slam for 15 international poets. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 5th Feb, 1AM (UTC) – via Google Meet
Slam Free or Die Poetry Night…It’s Subliminal!
Free poetry open mic event. More details available on the Facebook event page.
Fri 5th Feb, 7-11PM (GTM) – via Zoom
Hammer & Tongue Cambridge featuring Malaika Kegode and Kathryn O’Driscoll
Free event, donations welcome. Live poetry slam: eight poets compete for a place in the Regional Final – plus feature acts from Malaika Kegode and Kathryn O’Driscoll. For more info or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 6th Feb, 2-6PM (GMT) – via Zoom
MACFEST2021: Open Mic – Poets and Storytellers
Free event for Muslim Arts and Culture Festival. Hosted by author and writing coach Cat Lumb, with special guest Zahid Hussain (poet, writer and Chair of Manchester City of Literature). A selection of poets and fiction writers will perform their work. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 7th Feb, 7.30PM – via Zoom
Yes, We Cant
(Usually happens in: Walsall, UK)
Free monthly virtual open mic event – Pay What You Can. Headliner: Malaika Kegode! ‘Alf Ender: Sarah L. Dixon. To request a space in the Zoom: email poetsprattlerspandemonialists@gmail.com. For more details, visit the Poets, Prattlers & Pandemonialists Facebook page.
Sun 7th Feb, 5-7PM – via Zoom
Poetry LGBT Open Mic
Pay As You Can monthly event, hosted by Andreena Leeanne. 15 open mic slots. For more details and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 7th Feb, 9-11PM (GMT) – via Zoom
AfroSoulJazz Kitchen
Free event for spoken work artists, singers, dancers, musician and rappers. Hosted by DJ/Presenter Deoba Authentic and Tray-Ann. Guest Acts: Poetess Jess (Spoken Word Artiste), Natural Wright (Spoken Word Artiste), Smooflow (Rapper), Megastar (Afrobeat Artiste) and Guest DJ: Sir DJ Corey. Sign up for open mic on the night. For more details and to register for tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 7th Feb, 9.20PM-midnight (GMT) – via Zoom
D.O.P.E Tribe Presents…Virtual #PuffNPoetry Open Mic
Age 18+ . Hosted by Dope DC Creates and Whiskey Girl. Sign up for open mic on the night. For more details and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Mon 8th Feb, 8.30-11.30 (Irish Standard Time) – via Zoom/Facebook Live
Ó Bhéal: 12th Virtual Poetry Event
(Usually happens in: Cork, Ireland)
Open mic, headliners, live poetry prompt challenge. Featuring headline poets from the New Creative Writing MA at UCC: Peggy McCarthy, Lauren O’Donovan, Róisín Leggett Bohan and Daniel Galvin. More info and details of how to access the gig are here on the website.
Mon 8th Feb, 8-9.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Virtual Verbose: Matt Abbott and Safiya Kamaria Kinshasa
(Usually happens in: Manchester, UK)
Free poetry event/optional donation. The show will be split into two halves, with one headliner and five open mic performers in each, plus discussions from the two guest poets. For more details and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Mon 8th Feb, 7PM (UTC) – via Zoom
SOUNDBITES – Poetry Open Mic
Free poetry open mic event/optional donation. Guest poet: TERRY SIMPSON. For more details about access and sign-up, visit the Facebook event page.
Tues 9th Feb, 7.45-10PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Hammer & Tongue Hackney Valentine’s Special
Online show of spoken word and live poetry – a feature set from sustainable punk-nihilist and love-expert Jonny Fluffypunk, a poetic online Blind Date, the open mic slam and tunes from DJ CloseUpThings. Hosted by AngrySam Berkson, Claude Barbe-Brown and Fausta Joly. Tickets: Pay What You Can (£3-£10). For more details about slam sign-up and access, visit the event webpage.
Tues 9th Feb, 7.30PM (EST) – via Zoom
QPAC Tuesday: FREE Open Mic Night
(Usually happens in: Queens, NY, USA)
Queens Poetic Alchemy Collective: a weekly poetry open mic. A safe space for all to share openly, influenced by the Daoist principles of alchemy. For more details, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 10th Feb, 7-9PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Poetry Cafe Open Mic
(Usually happens in: Eastbourne, UK)
Free monthly poetry open mic. Hosted by Mister John. For more details about access and sign-up, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 10th Feb, 7.30-9PM (GMT) – via Zoom
An Evening with Anthony Anaxagorou
Tickets: £5. Hosted by Kim Moore. Readings from poet Anthony Anaxagorou, plus open mic (the theme of the open mic changes every month). Email wordsworthreadingseries@outlook.com for a spot. For more details and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 11th Feb, 7.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Pure & Good & Right Poetry Night
(Usually happens in: Kenilworth, UK)
Poetry open mic night. To be added to the mailing list, contact the PGR organisers: pgrpoetry@gmail.com
Thurs 11th Feb, 7PM (EST) – via Zoom
Thursday Night Open Mic Feat. Bonnie Proudfoot & Dan Canterbury
An Athens County Poets & Storytellers event, hosted by Southeast Ohio Poet Steph Kendrick. Register in advance. For more details, check out the Facebook event page.
Fri 12th Feb, 7.30PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Zoom Love Poetry – Feature Poet Michelle ‘Mother’ Hubbard
Free Word Shed UK event. An evening of love poetry with special guest Michelle ‘Mother’ Hubbard, plus open mics slots available. For more details, check out the Facebook event page.
Fri 12th Feb, 11AM-12.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Sharing Poetry: Love and Friendship
A Sheffield Libraries event for sharing poetry on the top of love/friendship – your own work or a favourite poem from elsewhere. To register for a ticket, visit the Eventbrite webpage.
Fri 12th Feb, 00:00-4AM (GMT) – via Zoom
InspiredWordNYC Thursday Night World Showcase & Open Mic
(Usually happens in:New York City, USA)
Tickets $4-$6. Showcase and open mic – open to all genres and to all performing artists. Open mic slots are 7-8 mins max., depending on genre To register for a ticket, visit the Eventbrite webpage.
Sun 14th Feb, 3-6PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Run Your Tongue Online presents…Cathi Rae and Keiron Higgins
Free poetry event – a Valentine’s special. More info about the gig will soon be available on the Facebook event page.
Sun 14th Feb, 7PM (GMT) – via Zoom
St Valentine’s Day Mascara
Presented by: Like a Blot from the Blue, Poetry in the Brew, and Eye Publish Ewe. Free event for poetry, performance art and music. Hosted by Ms. Noir, AKA Mel Bradley. For more info about the gig, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 14th Feb, midnight (GMT) – via Zoom
Poetry in the Brew Online Open Mic
Free poetry open mic event – featuring 2 headliners: Jo Collins and Markey Mark Symmonds. For more info about the gig, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 15th Feb, 7-8PM (ETC) – via Zoom
Oceanside Library Poetry Readings
(Normally happens in: New York, USA)
Every first and third Monday. 2 featured poets – GEORGE WALLACE and JOEL ALLEGRETTI – and an open mic, hosted by Tony Iovino. For access info, visit the event webpage.
Tues 16th Feb, 7.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Virtual Flight of the Dragonflies
(Usually happens in: Brighton, UK)
Free spoken word night – open mic plus headline poet Damien B. Donnelly. For more details and open mic sign up, visit the Facebook events page. To register for a ticket, visit the Eventbrite webpage.
Tues 16th Feb, 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.
Fri 19th Feb, 7.30-10.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Oooh Beehive Online with Rue Collinge
Free poetry open mic event (Pay As You Feel/Can). Headliner: Rue Collinge. For more info about the gig and open mic, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 19th Feb, 7PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Oxford University English Society Poetry Open Mic
Free poetry open mic event, open to all (not just Oxford students). For more info about the gig and open mic, visit the Facebook event page. To sign up for access, visit the registration webpage.
Sat 20th Feb, 3-4PM (GMT) – via Zoom
We Sew Our Stories: Versopolis Young Poets Takeover
An event for Versopolis Festival 2021. Readings against injustice, from four headline poets: Fathima Zahra, Jack Cooper, Matt Sowerby and Oluwaseun Matiluko. Plus open mic for poets age 14-25. For more details or to register for a ticket, visit the Poetry Society webpage.
Sat 20th Feb, 7.30-9PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Poetry In Motion Presents: A Virtual Open Mic in February!
Free open mic for poets, story-tellers and musicians. At least one poem needs to honour the theme of Black History Month. For more details or to register for a ticket, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 21st Feb, 2-4PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Jackanory for Adults
Poetry open mic. For more details, contact the admin of the Facebook group.
Tues 23rd Feb, 7.30PM (EST) – via Zoom
QPAC Tuesday: FREE Open Mic Night
(Usually happens in: Queens, NY, USA)
Queens Poetic Alchemy Collective: a weekly poetry open mic. A safe space for all to share openly, influenced by the Daoist principles of alchemy. For more details, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 23rd Feb, 7.30PM (BST) – 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 February is ‘from the depths’. 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.
Wed 24th Feb, 8PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Turn the Page Feb
(Usually happens in: Halifax, UK)
Free poetry open mic event. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 24th Feb, 7.30PM (UTC) – via Zoom
LGBTQ+ History Month Front Room Poetry – with Ollie O’Neill
Free poetry open mic event with headliner Ollie O’Neill. 10 slots available, for LGBTQ+ poets. For more details, visit the Bradford Producing Hub webpage.
Thurs 25th Feb, 7.30-10PM (UTC)– via Facebook Live
WordCraft: The ‘Are We There Yet?’ One
(Normally happens in: Stoke-on-Trent, UK)
Free poetry open mic event – donations to MIND welcome. 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.
Thurs 25th Feb, 8PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Run Your Tongue Online
Free poetry open mic event. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 25th Feb, 7.30PM (UTC) – via Zoom
WORD! Online
Free poetry open mic event. Hosted by Ana Paz with 3 features: Matcho (Adelaide, Australia), Demi Anter (Berlin, Germany) and Felicia Cade (Los Angeles, USA) plus tunes from DJ Hiro. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 26th Feb, 7-10PM (UTC) – via Facebook livestream
Sad Poets Doorstep Club #7: LGBTQ+ History Month Special
Free event “showcasing the best in the queer spoken word scene”. Hosted by Anxious Anarchist Poetry. Headliners TBC. The event will be livestreamed on the Whisky & Beards Facebook page. More details on the Facebook event page.
Fri 26th Feb, 7.30PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Pint of Poetry – Deepings Literary Festival
Poetry open mic hosted by Si Fox. People interested in performing or attending should email sifox75@gmail.com. More details on the Facebook event page.
Fri 26th Feb, 4PM (UTC) – via Facebook Live
Rooftop Rhythms x Mind Over Matter / Virtual Slam Competition and Open Mic Night
Free poetry slam and open mic night, hosted by Dorian Paul Rogers (Rooftop Rhythms) and Anna Sinski (Mind Over Matter). For more details about attending/signing up, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 28th Feb, 2PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Magazine Launch: The Green Issue
Open mic is ‘green’ themed. Celebrate the launch of HCE magazine’s latest issue! Readings and artwork showcase from contributors, memorial dedicated to Leanne Bridgewater, opportunities to purchase a copy of the mag – plus open mic. More details on the Facebook event page.
Sun 28th Feb, 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.
EVENTS
Mon 1st-7th Feb, 1PM (UTC) – via Zoom
A Beautiful Way to Be Crazy
A spoken word/music/theatre show, based on interviews with female-identifying practitioners across the music industry. Produced and presented by Genevieve Carver & The Unsung. (The nationwide tour was sadly cut short in early 2020.) Tickets are £5. More details can be found on the Facebook event page. Tickets are available here.
Mon 1st Feb-Mon 22nd Feb – via audio stream
Skip Skip Skip
Part of the Living Record festival 2021. Poet Leanne Moden’s “immersive DIY-style recording that mixes storytelling, poetry, humour and sound to tell a narrative in fragments, like the skipped tracks on a CD player”. Tickets are £5 and available here.
Mon 1st Feb, 8PM (GMT) – via audio
Deserted in Lockdown Discs #18 – Attila the Stockbroker
What 8 tracks, what book and what luxury item would punk poet Attila the Stockbroker want if he was trapped in a deserted cottage for lockdown? Find out when host Gail Something-Else asks him! Tune in on MixCloud.
Wed 3rd Feb, 7PM (UTC) – via Zoom webinar
Carcanet Book Launch: The Earliest Witnesses by G. C. Waldrep
£2 registration fee. The launch of G.C. Waldrep’s first UK poetry collection The Earliest Witnesses. Readings, discussion and Q&A with the audience. Hosted by Victoria Chang. For more details and to register for a place, visit this Zoom page.
Wed 3rd Feb, 6PM (UTC) – via Zoom webinar
Movement and Stillness: Art in a Time of Crisis and Upheaval
Free event/donation. 4th Annual Stuart Hall Public Conversation. Artists and poets Linton Kwesi Johnson, Roger Robinson, Gilane Tawadros and Jay Bernard read and reflect on the role of art and poetry in our turbulent times. For more details and to register for a place, visit the Stuart Hall Foundation webpage.
Thurs 4th Feb, 2.30-15.15PM (GMT) – via unknown
‘Tea and Verse’
Sheffield Libraries event – free. A space for people to share their favourite poems, or just sit back with a cuppa and listen. Find out more on the Eventbrite page.
Fri 5th Feb, 7.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom/YouTube
Book Launch: 100 Lockdown Sonnets
Nine Arches Press hosts a book launch for Jacqueline Saphra’s new poetry collection. Features guest readings by Ian McMillan, Naomi Shihab Nye, Anja Konig, Miriam Nash and Jacob Sam-la-Rose. The launch can be watched via the Nine Arches Press YouTube channel.
Fri 5th Feb, 7.30PM (GMT) – via unknown
Harry Baker: ‘I am 10555’
Part of Bishop’s Stortford College Literature Festival 2021. Mathematician-turned-World-Slam-Champion Harry Baker will be performing a selection of poems from his I am 10,000 tour and new poems written in Lockdown. Find out more or register for tickets on the festival webpage.
Sat 6th Feb, 7.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Poets, Prattlers & Pandemonialists present: Poetry Slam
Part of the Wolverhampton Literature Festival. Tickets: £7 (+ booking fee), and on sale until 3PM on the day. Hosted by Emma Purshouse, Steve Pottinger & Dave Pitt. Enjoy 15 poets from all around the UK competing in a live poetry competition. Find out more and register on the festival webpage.
Sat 6th Feb-Sun 7th Feb – via unknown
Story Story digital festival
A free 3-day independent creative festival for writers, poets, and theatremakers – featuring discussions, commissions and workshops. Story Story culminates in a screening of an evening with verse writer: a documentary by lanaire aderemi. Find out more on the festival webpage.
Sun 7th Feb, 4PM (GMT) – via Zoom
‘Live From the Butchery’
Free event. Hosted by Kate Birch (Ink Sweat & Tears publisher)/Helen Ivory and Martin Figura. Live readings from Jane Burn, Annie Freud and Anja Konig. For more info and tickets, visit the IS&T webpage.
Mon 8th Feb, 7.30-9.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Cafe Writers February 2021
Free event. This month, instead of an open mic, there will be readings from the Cafe Writers’ winning, commended and shortlisted poets to read their poems. For more info and tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 9th Feb, 8PM (UTC) – via Facebook Live
Attila Introduces…Murray Lachlan Young
Attila the Stockbroker and John Baine introduce performance poet and Poet in Residence at 6 Music, Murray Lachlan Young. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 10th Feb, 7.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Some-Antics Collective Meet Up – 10.2.21
Free event – informal spoken word meet-up for writing and a poetry quiz. For more details, check out the Facebook event page.
Wed 10th Feb, 7.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Harry Baker: ‘I am 10555’
£5 event, part of Leicester Comedy Festival. A show by mathematician-turned-World-Slam-Champion Harry Baker. Expect poetry, anecdotes…and a Zoom quiz round! Find out more or register for tickets on the festival webpage.
Feb 11th Feb, 7PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Book launch: Maria Stadnicka, featuring Susie Campbell
Free event. Guillemot Press launches Maria Stadnicka’s latest collection Buried Gods Metal Prophets – featuring readings from Maria and also Susie Campbell, whose book Tenter came out last year. Find out more or register for tickets on the Guillemot Press webpage.
Sat 13th Feb, 11.20-12.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Wolverhampton Lit Fest: ‘Haiflu Ever After’
Pay As You Feel event. Part poetry show, part inspirational talk by spoken word artist Liv Torc about a pandemic poetry project. For more info and tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 13th Feb, 12.30PM (GMT) – via unknown
The Snoopy Question
Tickets: £1.67. Join Matt Black for an entertaining poetry/comedy show all about dogs and dog-like behaviour. Part of Wolverhampton Lit Fest. For more info and tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 13th Feb, 2-3PM (GMT) – via unknown
Wolverhampton Lit Fest: Kuli Kohli & Punjabi Women’s Writing Group
£5 event. Performances from members of this writing group, led by poet Kuli Kohli. For more info and tickets, visit the Wolverhampton Lit Fest webpage.
Sat 13th Feb, 8-9.30PM (GMT) – via unknown
Wolverhampton Lit Fest: Headline Poet
£11.37 event. Join Joelle Taylor and Ben Davis as they speak about their journey through poetry. For more info and tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 13th Feb, 3.30-4.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Dan Webber: Genre Fluid
Tickets: £1.67. Part of Wolverhampton Lit Fest. A show from ‘stand-up poet’ Dan Webber about definitions and labels in the world of the arts, life, love and the LGBT+ community. For more info and tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 13th Feb, 7-8.45PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Book launch and open mic: Caleb Parkin – Wasted Rainbow
Free event. hosted by tall-lighthouse press. Caleb will read from his debut pamphlet. Guest readers: Keith Jarrett, Rowena Knight, Sonya Smith and Rachael Clyne. For more info and tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 14th Feb, 15:45PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Lore: Book Launch!
Book launch for Charley Barnes’ new poetry collection: Lore: Flowers, Folklore, and Footnotes (Black Pear Press). Readings plus Q&A. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 14th Feb, 6PM (GMT) – via Zoom
In Conversation with Emma Purshouse
Part of Wolverhampton Lit Fest. Book launch for Emma Purshouse’s her debut novel ‘Dogged’. Expect discussion with host Steve Pottinger about being a working-class writer, writing a book, Wolverhampton, and more… For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 14th Feb, 8PM (UTC) – via Facebook Livestream
A Valentine for the Mercury, FREE, Live-to-Your-Screen – Benefit Show
Poetry event and rock ‘n’ roll silent auction. Hosted by Professor Phelyx, featuring performances from Andrea Gibson and others. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Tues 16th Feb, 7.30PM (GMT) – via Twitch
Stories From the Smoke Room
Free event, every Tuesday at 7.30PM. Five storytellers compete for the audience’s attention. To view the episode, visit the Twitch channel page.
Wed 17th Feb, 7PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Book Launch: ‘Earth: A Place Worth Fighting For’
Poetry event to raise awareness of environmental issues as part of There Is No Planet B Stafford Green Arts Festival. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 17th Feb, 7PM (GMT) – via YouTube Live
Launch: Poetry London Spring 2021
Free magazine launch event. With poetry readings from Jay Bernard, Major Jackson, Fran Lock, Holly Pester, Jacob Polley and Nicole Sealey. Broadcast from Zoom to YouTube (captioned). For more details, visit the Poetry London webpage.
Thurs 18th Feb, 6.30-8.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Dear Listener: An evening with Beth O’Brien and Kate Wilson
Free poetry event, brought to you by Dear Listener, a spoken word event in Worcester. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 18th Feb, 7PM (UTC) – via Zoom
New Poetries VIII Launch #1
£2 (later redeemable against the cost of the book). The first of five launch events that will run each Thursday evening between February 18th to March 18th. Join Carcanet Press to celebrate the launch of New Poetries VIII, edited by Michael Schmidt and John McAuliffe. Featuring readings and discussion. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 19th Feb-Sun 28th Feb – via Zoom
Kendal Poetry Festival
Ticket prices range from free to £45 depending on the event (a £60 festival pass for everything is available). Poets include Jackie Hagan, Jonathan Davidson, Kim Moore, Andrew McMillan, Hafsah Aneela Bashir, Jay Bernard, Clare Shaw and David Morley. To view the full programme, visit the festival event page.
Fri 19th Feb, 8PM (GMT)– via Zoom
Pre-Raphaelite Society Poetry Prize-winners Reading
Free event for poetry, Pre-Raphaelitism and discussion. Winning poets of the annual Pre-Raphaelite Society poetry competition, Ellora Sutton, Andrea Small, Jack Cooper and Jo Brandon, will be reading their poems, along with the PRS Poet-in-Residence Sarah Doyle. The event will be chaired by the PRS Vice-President, Serena Trowbridge. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 19th Feb, 7-8PM (GMT) – via YouTube livestream
The Poetry Exchange: In The Company of Poems
Fundraising event featuring a line-up of performers and poets. Featuring poetry by Keats, Carol Ann Duffy and Derek Walcott, with readings by Hafsah Bashir, John Mcauliffe, Malika Booker, Natasha Gordon, Roy McFarlane, Tobias Menzies and William Tuckett (plus Poetry Exchange podcast hosts, Fiona Bennett and Michael Shaeffer). For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 20th Feb, 4-5PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Jackie Hagan: This is Not a Safe Space
A free event as part of Kendal Poetry Festival. Poet, performer, theatre maker and working-class amputee Jackie Hagan explores the world of life on disability benefits. For more details or to register, visit the Festival webpage.
Sun 21st Feb, 8PM (GMT) – via Facebook Live
‘Bad Apple’ – with Jamie Thrasivoulou and Melanie Branton
An arty talk show about books, poetry and writers. Louise Fazackerley interviews poets Jamie Thrasivoulou and Mel Branton. The livestream goes out on The Old Courts Facebook page.
Mon 22nd Feb, 8PM (GMT) – via Twitter
Luke Wright spoken word gig
Free event. Poet Luke Wright will be peforming some new poems from collection ‘The Feel-Good Movie of the Year’ and making some announcements. Details on official launch TBC.. To attend the gig, visit the Luke’s Twitter account.
Tues 23rd Feb, 7.30PM (GMT) – via Twitch
Stories From the Smoke Room
Free event, every Tuesday at 7.30PM. Five storytellers compete for the audience’s attention. To view the episode, visit the Twitch channel page.
Tues 23rd Feb, 7.30-8PM (BST) – via IGTV/YouTube/Facebook
Nymphs & Thugs #33: Haris Ahmed
Poetry performances and conversation. Watch live or catch up on the Nymphs & Thugs on Instagram or Facebook or YouTube.
Wed 24th Feb, 7.30PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Burning Eye Presents…Afshan D’souza-Lodhi, Rick Dove & Cynthia Rodríguez
Price: donation to BE. A celebration of 3 poetry collections you might have missed in 2020. For more details or to register, visit the Festival event page.
Wed 24th Feb, 7-8PM (UTC) – via Zoom
Collected Poems by Moya Cannon: Carcanet Book Launch
£2 to register (later redeemable against the cost of the book). Celebrate Collected Poems, which features poems from Moya Cannon’s six principal collections. Hosted by Professor Margaret Kelleher. The event will feature readings and discussion, and audience members will have the opportunity to ask Moya their own questions. Extracts of the text will be shown during the reading so that you can read along. For more details and how to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 24th Feb, 7.PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Authors Mia Farlane and Anne Goodwin in Conversation
Free event. Join two authors discussing and reading from their debut novels at a free international online event: Anne Goodwin, author of Sugar and Snails (Inspired Quill, Polari Prize short-listed), and Mia Farlane author of Footnotes to Sex (Viking/Penguin). To register, visit this webpage.
Wed 24th Feb-Sun 28th Feb – via various
REELPoetry Festival 2021
View the festival programme page for more details or to get tickets.
Thurs 25th Feb, 7.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Book Launch: ‘The Oscillations’ by Kate Fox
Free event – Nine Arches Press book launch for Kate Fox’s new poetry collection. Featuring guest poets Dr Joanne Limburg and Jessica Mookherjee. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 25th Feb, 2-3PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Talk/Discussion with Jonathan Davidson
Tickets: £5. This event is part of Kendal Poetry Festival. Poet Jonathan Davidson creates a conversation about his recently published A Commonplace, which featured work from other poets too, including Mick North, Catherine Byron and Jackie Kay. For more details or to register, visit the Festival webpage.
Thurs 25th Feb, 7-8PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Carcanet Press: New Poetries VIII Launch #2
£2 to register (later redeemable against the cost of the book). Celebrate the launch of New Poetries VIII anthology, edited by Michael Schmidt and John McAuliffe. The launch will feature contributors: Colm Tóibín, Padraig Regan, Conor Cleary, Victoria Kennefick and Joe Carrick-Varty. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 26th Feb, 11AM-12.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Online Play-Reading Group
Free Sheffield Libraries event. An informal play-reading group for adults for people to explore plays with the support of others. No previous experience is needed (you don’t have to be an actor to join). Scripts will be shared on screen, a device/laptop is ideal. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite webpage.
Sat 27th Feb, 7-9PM (GMT) – via unknown
Manchester Poetry Library: Bohdan Piasecki & Special Guests
Free event. Launch of the Polish Language poetry collection at Manchester Poetry Library. Hosted by Manchester Metropolitan University and introduced by Bohdan Piasecki – poets from the UK and Poland will discuss and respond to work in the brand new collection. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 28th Feb, 10AM (GMT) – via website
Brum Radio Poets
Join host Rick Sanders and his guests Aysar Ghassan, Melanie Branton and Bones, who will be sharing stories and poetry. Brum Radio Poets show is every second Sunday. Listen via the Brum Radio website.
Sun 28th Feb, 1-2.15PM (GMT) – via website
REELpoetry Festival: Helen Dewbery – Poems, Poets & Poetry Films
For two years, Helen Dewbery has been collaborating with poets published by Nine Arches Press to create poetry film. 5 of these poetry films will be screened, and Helen will talk about how she approaches this work, the challenges that have arisen, and some of the key processes used to create the films. For more details or to register, visit the festival programme webpage..(Ticket prices vary.)
WORKSHOPS
Wed 3rd Feb, 8.30PM (UTC) – via Zoom
DeBarra’s Spoken Word: Found Poetry Workshop
Free workshop involving discussion of the history, forms, techniques and existing works of found poetry. Special guest John Bevin will give a reading and judge a just-for-fun live writing exercise competition. The session will finish with an open mic. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Sat 6th Feb, 11AM-12.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Creative Writing Workshop: Birds
Free Sheffield Libraries workshop. For new or established writers. The session will involve looking at birds in literature and poetry then writing creatively on this subject. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 10th Feb, 6.30-7.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
#WriteThroughThis Workshop 1 – Getting Into Writing
Free workshop for writers aged 16-25. Auto-captioned. Led by Celia Knapp (Young People’s Laureate for London). The session is a low-pressure, safe, creative environment for new/experienced writers. For more details and info about how to register, visit the Spread the Word webpage.
Thurs 11th Feb, 6.30-8.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
The Writers’ Block: Speakeasy
Free event (donations welcome). A session for sharing/showcasing your work and meeting other writers. Led by poet and short story writer Louisa Adjoa Parker, who will also be giving a live reading. For more details and info about how to register, visit the Literature Works webpage.
Sun 14th Feb, 1.30-3.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Valentine’s Verses
Poetry workshop led by Emma Purshouse and Steve Pottinger – sonnets and concrete poetry about love, but without cliches. £10 + booking fee. Beginners welcome. To register, visit the Wolverhampton Lit Festival webpage.
Fri 19th Feb, 7-8.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Writing the body – a creative writing workshop with Alison Powell
£7. (donations welcome). The session will involve investigating the stories held within your body/the bodies of your fictional characters, through activities, prompts, time to write and opportunities to share your words. Facilitated by writer and WriteClub founder Alison Powell. For more details and info about how to register, visit the Literature Works webpage.
Sat 20th Feb, 11AM (GMT) – via Zoom
Writing across Languages for Chinese Poets
Price: from £10-20 (depending on concessions). Hosted by Wasafiri, workshop led by Jennifer Wong. 2-hour workshop for writers who speak both English and Chinese. Discussion and writing exercises. Attendees will explore the relationship between place and language through examples of poetry in English and Chinese. For more information and to sign up, visit the Wasafiri webpage.
Sat 20th Feb, 1PM (EST) – via Zoom
The Pantoum: Repetition and Radical Punctuation
$15 per ticket. Workshop led by Taylor Byas. Discussion and writing exercises. For more information and to sign up, visit the Knight’s Library Magazine webpage.
Sat 20th Feb, 3-5PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Introduction To Writing For Radio Workshop
£10. Organised by Down Stage Write and led by Jon Nash. The workshop will look at how to tell compelling stories through sound, looking at key examples of great audio drama, mistakes to avoid and practical concerns like formatting. participants will get the chance to make some mini audio plays. For more information and to sign up, visit the Literature Works webpage.
Sun 21st Feb, 6-8PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Fourteen Lines: Writing Sonnets
Ticket prices range from free (low income) to £10. Workshop led by poet Leanne Moden. The session will involve a series of fun writing activities to create new work, understanding the rhyme, rhythm, tone and contexts needed to write great sonnets. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 24th Feb, 7PM (GMT) – via unknown
Prose-Writing Workshop: Human Geography
Price: from £10-20 (depending on concessions). Hosted by Wasafiri, workshop led by Jennifer Wong. The 2-hour session will involve writing prompts, group discussions, examples from texts and detailed feedback to examine how a place is evoked/represented. For more information and to sign up, visit the Wasafiri webpage.
Wed 24th Feb, 6.30-7.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
#WriteThroughThis Workshop 2 – Demystifying Poetry
Free workshop for writers aged 16-25. BSL interpreted. Led by Celia Knapp (Young People’s Laureate for London). The session is a low-pressure, safe, creative environment for new/experienced writers. For more details and info about how to register, visit the Spread the Word webpage.
Wed 24th Feb, 7-8.15PM (GMT) – via Zoom
‘Queers in Lockdown’ Workshop
Free workshop for LGBTQ+ writers (must be 16+), as part of Exeter Pride. All levels of writing experience welcome. Led by Kimwei McCarthy (Pandemic Poet in Residence for BBC Radio Devon). The session is a chance to share lockdown experiences of the lockdown – participants will be invited to make up songs, stories, poems or prose, individually and together. For more details and info about how to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 24th Feb, 10.30AM-12PM (GMT) – via Zoom
BrightSparks Remote Art – Creative Writing
Free workshop in collaboration with Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, WORD! and U.matter. Hosted by Tim Sayers – a weekly Wednesday morning online creative writing workshop, open to all and designed to boost your health, wellbeing and creative skills. All levels of experience welcome. For more details or to sign up, email Tim.Sayers@leicspart.nhs.uk.
Tues 26th Jan-Tues 30th March, 5-7PM (GMT) – via unknown
‘Wish You Were Here’: Elder Tree Boston
A series of 10 free writing workshops for people aged over 55, who live or work in Boston in Lincolnshire. Led by Writing East Midlands. For more details or to register, visit the Transported Arts webpage.
Sat 27th Feb, 10AM-2PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Poetry Spa Online – celebrating wellness through poetry and reading
£29. Half-day poetry spa. With meditation and mindful reading from former Poet Laureate of Birmingham Roz Goddard plus discussion and writing with Maria Taylor. For more information, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 28th Feb, 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.
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.