Fresh year, fresh start – January has arrived! We didn’t expect to still be doing these lists when 2022 came around but, thanks to the Omicron variant, life remains a few steps from resembling normality. 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, and some have created hybrid events for both types of audiences. However, plenty of people remain understandably cautious about venturing out to attend gigs, especially those who are vulnerable.
So, if you plan on staying home a little while longer, here is the good news: plenty of creative communities across the UK, and all around the globe, are STILL plugging the void in our lives with some amazing virtual events!
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 participate in events overseas, while they’re still easily accessible…
OPEN MICS
Sun 2nd Jan, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Yes, We Cant
(Usually happens in: Walsall, UK)
Free monthly virtual open mic event – Pay What You Can. This month there is no headliner or Alf Ender – just open mic slots. To request a space in the Zoom: email poetsprattlerspandemonialists@gmail.com. For more details, visit the Poets, Prattlers & Pandemonialists Facebook page.
Thurs 2nd Jan, 02.15AM (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. For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 3rd Jan, 10.30AM (UK time) – via Zoom
The Word is Write: Cafe Generalissimo with Generalissimo Bryan Franco
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by Generalissimo Bryan Franco. Sign up for slots on the night. For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 3rd Jan, 11PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Oceanside Library Poetry Series: Near and Afar
(Happens in: New York, USA)
Free poetry event, plus open mic (one poem/3 haiku each). Hosted by Tony Iovino, with featured poets/authors: Lady Di and Mankh (Walter E. Harris III). For access info, visit the Oceanside Library events page.
Tues 4th Jan, 7-10PM (UK time) – in-person/via Zoom
York Spoken Word Hybrid Open Mic
(Based in: York, UK)
An open mic event for poets and story-tellers. 30 performance slots, slots are approx. 4 mins each. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 5th Jan, 4AM (UK time) – via Zoom
The Word is Write: Deadpan Dope Open Mic with Deadpan Lizzie
Free open mic event for poetry and all forms of performance art, hosted by Generalissimo Bryan Franco. Sign up for slots on the night. For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 6th Jan, 7.45PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Lime Square Poets featuring: Irene Halpin Long
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by D’or Seifer. Headline poet: Irene Halpin Long, plus open mic and announcements. No tickets required. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 6th Jan, 2.15AM (UK time) – via Zoom
The Word is Write Poetry Night with Nick P. Open Mic
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by Nick Paleologos. Sign up on the night (3-4 minutes or 1 piece). For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Sat 8th Jan, 3AM (UK time) – via Zoom
ReachArts Zoom Open Mic
Free (donations welcome) poetry open mic event. Hosted by Larry Power, Laura Smith & Lee Eric Freedman. Feature poet: “Generalissimo” Bryan Franco. Registration required to attend, sign up for open mic on the night. For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 9th Jan, 1AM (UK time) – via Zoom
The Word is Write: Double Feature Open Mic
Free poetry open mic event. Featuring: Elizabeth Sophia Strauss & Alise Versella. For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 9th Jan, 4PM (UK time) – via Zoom
The Word is Write: “Writers Are Resistance” Open Mic with Sirocco Shaman
Free poetry open mic event. Writers Are Resistance is a socially conscious, safe space centred on the musicians & poetry/spoken word artists who use their art for change. Sign up for slots on the night. For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 9th Jan, 11PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Jihmye Poetry Open Mic
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by Jim Moreno. Feature poet: Theresa F. For more details and access info, visit this Facebook post.
Mon 10th Jan, 8.30PM (Irish Standard Time) – hybrid: in-person/via Zoom/Facebook Live/Vimeo/YouTube
Ó Bhéal Online #19
(Happens in: Cork, Ireland)
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by Paul Casey. Features live poetry prompt challenge, anthology launch with guest readers and open mic. Headliners: Mark Granier (in-person) and Massimo Elijah (online). More info and details of how to access the gig are on the Ó Bhéal website.
Mon 10th Jan, 7PM (UK Time) – via Zoom
Soundbites December 2021
Free poetry open mic event. Feature guest is poet Pratibha Castle. For more details and access, visit the Facebook group page.
Mon 10th Jan, 7.30-9.30PM (UK Time) – via Zoom
Cafe Writers January Open Mic
Free poetry open mic event. Feature guests are poets poets Claire Dyer and Wendy Pratt. Sign-up for open mic is first come, first served. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 11th Jan, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Spoken World Online, featuring Clive Oseman
$3 entry fee. Spoken word open mic night, based in Paris. Performers welcome from all around the world. Featured poet: Clive Oseman. Theme is: ‘fun’. For more details and how to access, check out the Facebook event page.
Wed 12th Jan, 1AM (UK Time) – via Zoom
The Word is Write: Quixotic Queers Open Mic w/ Ma Dukes
Free poetry open mic event. An evening of poetry and discussion for members of the LGBTIQA+ community & allies. Sign up for open mic on the night. For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 13th Jan, 3.30-5PM (UK time) – via Zoom
LGBTQ Poetry Club
Free discussion, writing and sharing session for LGBTQ+ poets. All levels of experience welcome. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 13th Jan, 7.15-10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Fire & Dust Poets Zoom Around the World: Phynne~Belle
(Usually happens in: Coventry, UK)
Free monthly event – Pay As You Feel. Poetry open mic slots, plus a special headline guest. Hosted by Ann Atkins. To attend, grab an Eventbrite ticket (free). Details re: Zoom URL and how to sign up for open mic will be emailed.
Thurs 13th Jan, 7.45PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Lime Square Poets featuring: David Leo Sirois
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by D’or Seifer. Headline poet: David Leo Sirois, plus open mic and announcements. No tickets required. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 14th Jan, 7.30-10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Oooh Beehive with Kate Jenkinson
Free/Pay As You Feel poetry open mic event, hosted by Nick Lovell and Clive Oseman. Headline poet: Kate Jenkinson, plus open mic (slots: 3-4 mins max.). For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 16th Jan, 8PM (UK time) – via Zoom/Facebook Live
Cultivating Voices LIVE Poetry: WILD CARD Open Mic
Free poetry open mic event. Slots are 5 mins max. and sign-up is on the night. Register via Zoom. For details, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 16th Jan, 6.15PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Sidewalk Beirut Open Mic
Free international open mic event, based in Beirut. All forms of self-expression welcome. For details, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 17th Jan, 3.30AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Pandemic Poetry Open Mic: Featuring Susan Vespoli
Free poetry open mic event (donations welcome). Open mic slots are 3 poems/5 mins max; sign up via this form. Featured guest: Susan Vespoli. For details, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 17th Jan, 11PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Oceanside Library Poetry Series: Near and Afar
(Happens in: New York, USA)
Free poetry event, plus open mic (one poem/3 haiku each). Hosted by Tony Iovino, with featured poets: Joe Cottonwood and Doreen Dd Spungin. For access info, visit the Oceanside Library events page.
Wed 19th Jan, 7-9.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Fen Speak
Free poetry and story-telling open mic event. No headliner this month, just open mic. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 19th Jan, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Incite! feat. Roz Kaveney plus open mic
Free queer spoken word night, run by charity forum+ and hosted by performance poet Hannah Chutzpah. Headline poet: Roz Kaveney. For a link to attend/sign up for an open mic slot, email: info@forumplus.org.uk. For more info , visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 20th Jan, 7.45PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Lime Square Poets featuring: Bryan Franco
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by D’or Seifer. Headline poet: Bryan Franco, plus open mic and announcements. No tickets required. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 20th Jan, 7.30-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Speakeasy Online Poetry Evening
Free poetry open mic event. Featured guest poet: Kathryn Bevis. For more details, visit the Facebook event page or book via the Ticketsource webpage.
Fri 21st Jan, 7PM (UK time) – hybrid: in person/via Zoom
Distraction – Dedicated to the Memory of Mal Dewhirst
£3 to attend. Distraction aims to be a safe space for listening to or performing any spoken word genre. For more details, visit the Facebook event page or book tickets via The Little Box Office website.
Fri 21st Jan, 3-5.30AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Phynnecabulary Presents: “THE MUSIC OF OUR LIVES” open mic
Free open mic event for the creative arts. Hosted by Oso Lobo For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 22nd Jan, 9PM (UK time) – hybrid: in-person/via Zoom
Gestalt Poetry Open Mic
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by Amy Hoskins. Headline poet: Markey Mark Symmonds. No tickets required. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Sat 22nd Jan, 6-8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Speak the Word: open mic night
Free open mic event for poetry and spoken word. Accessible with captioning available. (Speak the Word also run workshops and peer reviews.) For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 25th Jan, 7.45PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Oooh Beehive’s Tuesday Extra with Jemima Hughes
Free/Pay As You Feel poetry open mic event, hosted by Clive Oseman and Nick Lovell. Headline poet: Jemima Hughes, plus open mic. To request open mic slot or attendance, email: ooohbeehive@btinternet.com. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 26th Jan, 7.15PM (UK time) – hybrid: in-person/via Zoom
Spoke in the Lamp – with Spoz
Free poetry open mic event (suggested donation: £3). Headliner: Spoz. Theme: two little ducks (22). Email spoke@albarz.uk ahead of the date to let the organisers know if you’re coming to the venue or joining online. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 26th Jan, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
An Evening with Caroline Bird
Tickets: £5. Part of the ‘Go to the poets, they will speak to thee’ poetry reading series. Hosted by Wordsworth Grasmere/Kim Moore. Featuring readings from Caroline Bird and a themed open mic (theme: poems with a surprise in them). For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 26th Jan, 5.30AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Cobalt Poets presents BRYAN FRANCO + open reading
Free poetry event, with headline Bryan Franco and open mic. Sign-up for the open mic starts at 7:15pm in the Zoom chat box. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 27th Jan, 7.45PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Lime Square Poets featuring: Niamh Twomey
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by D’or Seifer. Headline poet: Niamh Twomey, plus open mic and announcements. No tickets required. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 30th Jan, 3PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Run Your Tongue Online! Spoken Word Open Mic
Free poetry open mic event. Sign up for the open mic by emailing rytsignup@gmail.com. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 30th Jan, 7-10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Allographic Virtual Open Mic
Monthly spoken word open mic event – poetry, story-telling, drama. More details and register for tickets on the Eventbrite page.
EVENTS
Sun 2nd Jan, 4-5.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Zoom Live from The Butchery
Pay As You Can event (Ink, Sweat & Tears). Live poetry performances from Kim Moore, Jeremy Dixon and Christopher Horton. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 7th Jan, 6PM (UK time) – hybrid: in-person/Zoom
Book Launch: ‘Elements: Natural & The Supernatural’
Free book launch event, for Fawn Press’ debut publication: poetry anthology Elements: Natural & The Supernatural. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 7th Jan, 7-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Poetry Lit! – Online Reading Series
Free monthly international poetry event, featuring readings from John Sibley Williams & David Bleiman. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 11th Jan, 7-8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Magazine Launch: bath magg, Issue 8
Free magazine launch event, with readings from . Live poetry performances from Seán Hewitt, Alice Hiller, Annina Zheng-Hardy, Ernest O. Ògúnyẹmí and Tice Cin. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 11th Jan, 7.30-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Offa’s Press: ‘Virtual Voices’
Free event, with readings from Pat Leighton, Roger Noons, Priyanka Joshi & Emma Purshouse Hosted by Simon Fletcher. For more info and access, visit the Offa Press page.
Wed 12th Jan, 8PM (UK time) – via YouTube
Meet the Poet – Astrid Alben & Emily Critchley
Free poetry event hosted by Home Stage. Featuring an exploration of the idea of forgiveness, belonging and nature as refuge in the work of Astrid Alben & Emily Critchley. For more details or to register, visit the Home Stage event page.
Thurs 13th Jan, 7.30-8.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Book Launch: ‘Snapshots of the Apocalypse’
Free Fly on the Wall Press book launch event, for Katy Wimhurst’s dystopian short story collection ‘Snapshots of the Apocalypse’. With guest performances from Dorothy Schwarz and Petra McQueen. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 13th Jan, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Magazine Launch: Public Sector Poetry Journal Issue 1
Free poetry magazine launch event, featuring performances and discussion. Includes contributions from founder Korrin Smith-Whitehouse and guest editors/poets Molly Case and Casey Bailey. For more info and to register, visit the Writing East Midlands webpage.
Sun 16th Dec, 5-7PM (UK time) – via Facebook Live
VERBALIST! #2.1
Hosted by Godfrey Salter. “Words, words, words from the quick and the dead!” For access, check the Facebook event page.
Mon 17th Jan, 00:00AM (UK time) – via Facebook Live
‘Poets in Pajamas’: Reading Series #129
Free event, featuring Syrian writer/poet/editor Dania Ayah Alkhouli. For more info and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Tues 18th Jan, 7.45PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Magazine Launch: Fly on the Wall Press, Issue 9
Free international spoken word event, on the theme of ‘Power’. Featuring art and writing from the magazine, plus a book review. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 20th Jan, 6.30-8.30AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Blue Mondays Poetry Anthology launch
Free book launch event – the Blue Mondays Writing Group will hold a book launch with Cork City Library. The Blue Mondays Poetry Anthology 2021 is edited by J. Michael Tynan and Rosalin Blue: 14 poets are showcased alongside portrait drawings by Magaret Creedon O’Shea. For more info and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 20th Jan, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Book Launch: ‘The Happiness Factory’
Free Blue Moose book launch event for ‘The Happiness Factory’ by Jo McMillan. For more info and to register, visit the Zoom registration form.
Fri 21st Jan, 7.30-8.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Lighthouse #23 Launch Party
Free magazine launch event. Lighthouse journal launches its 23rd issue, with readings from poets and prose writers and an opportunity to buy this issue and the last as a discounted bundle. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 23rd Jan, 7-8PM (UK time) – via YouTube Live
Book Launch: ‘The Thoughts’ and ‘The Underlook’
Free Poetry Business double book launch. Featuring readings from Sarah Barnsley’s The Thoughts and Helen Seymour’s The Underlook. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 26th Dec, 7.15PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home: Live Guest Readings and Q&A with Claire Wade
£5/£2.50 concession. Author Claire Wade will give a live reading from her book The Choice and take questions from the audience. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Wed 26th Jan, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Carcanet Book Launch: ‘Some Integrity’
Registration: £2 (redeemable later against cost of the book). Hosted by poet Stephen Sexton – a launch of Padraig Regan’s new collection ‘Some Integrity’, which was winner of the Clarissa Luard Prize 2021. The event will feature readings, discussion and an audience Q&A. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 27th Jan, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Book Launch: “Why I Write Poetry” at Manchester Poetry Library
Free Nine Arches Press book launch event to celebrate the launch of Why I Write Poetry: Essays on Becoming a Poet, Keeping Going and Advice for the Writing Life. Editor Ian Humphreys and contributors Jane Commane, Daniel Sluman, Rachel Mann and Manchester Writing School’s very own Jean Sprackland will read from their essays, discuss their writing practice/relationship with poetry – plus audience interaction. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 29th Jan, 7.30PM (UK time) – hybrid: in-person/via livestream
Wolverhampton Literature Festival Poetry Slam
Tickets: £10. Poetry slam event hosted by Steve Pottinger, Dave Pitt and Emma Purshouse – 15 poets compete for the slam championship title. For more info and to register, visit the Ticketsolve webpage.
Sun 30th Jan, 10AM (UK time) – via website
Brum Radio Poets
Join host Rick Sanders and his guests Michael Wilson, Deborah Alma and Sarah L Dixon, who will be sharing stories and poetry. Brum Radio Poets show is every second Sunday. Listen via the Brum Radio website.
Sun 30th Jan, 7.30-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
January Launch: Broken Sleep Books
Tickets: £1 or more donation. Featuring readings from Broken Sleep poets Azad Ashim Sharma (Ergastulum), E. P. Jenkins, Cai Draper, Sam Quill, Rishi Dastidar, Aaron Kent and Chris Neilan. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
WORKSHOPS
Sat 1st Jan, 6-7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Speak the Word: online poetry/spoken word workshop
Free writing workshop, hosted by Speak the Word. Session led by Poet PJ Samuels and poet Nudi. No pressure to share what you write. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Mon 10th Jan, 6.45PM (UK time) – via Zoom
‘Cute Ecologies’: Ecopoetry Workshop
Free writing workshop, led by Isabel Galleymore. The session is designed to help participants enter and win the Ginkgo Prize for Ecopoetry. It will explore “how cuteness pervades the natural world and how to write about it in poetry”. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 11th Jan, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home Masterclass: Writing for Performance with Communities
£35/£17.50 concession (some free places available). For writers, performers and theatre makers. Tutors Francesca Beard and Sara Clifford will share techniques to develop your skills and knowledge re: working with communities. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Thurs 13th Jan, 11AM-1PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home Masterclass: The A-Z of Developing a TV Show
£35/£17.50 concession (some free places available). Tutor Sally Abbott (BBC Drama The Coroner) will provide useful exercises and tips for various stages of project development. Before the session, should participants watch an episode of The Coroner and buy a TV guide. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Thurs 13th Jan, 11AM-1PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home Masterclass: The A-Z of Developing a TV Show
£35/£17.50 concession (some free places available). Tutor Sally Abbott (BBC Drama The Coroner) will provide useful exercises and tips for various stages of project development. Before the session, should participants watch an episode of The Coroner and buy a TV guide. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Sat 15th Jan, 11AM-1PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Topological Presence: A Creative Writing Workshop
Cost: £17. Session hosted by Spelt magazine and led by R. M. Francis (Poet in Residence for the Black Country Geological Society). Participants will explore how Geology and the Earth Sciences can enable and energise new creative place-writing. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 15th Jan, 6-7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Speak the Word: online poetry/spoken word workshop
Free writing workshop, hosted by Speak the Word. Session led by Poet PJ Samuels and poet Nudi. No pressure to share what you write. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 18th Jan, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home Masterclass: Sonnets That Don’t Rhyme!
£35/£17.50 concession (some free places available). Tutor Marvin Thompson will explore sonnets that stray from the traditional Shakespearian and Petrarchan rhyme schemes, using Terrence Hayes’ work as an examples. Participants will be assisted in writing sonnets that feature alliteration, assonance and an array of word play. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Thurs 20th Jan, 6.30-8.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
An Introduction to Experimental Poetry: An Overview of Different Practices
Cost: £12 (NWS Members) / £15 (general). A 2-hour Nottingham Writers’ Studio poetry workshop, led by Teo Eve. Participants will explore different experimental poetry practices, including: visual and concrete poetry, sound poetry, pangrammatic poetry, palindromes and anagram poetry, conceptual poetry and various other experiments championed by the Oulipians. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 22nd Jan, 6-8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Relish in the Wreck: The Joy of Revising Poetry
$10. Writing workshop, led by poet and editor Elisabeth Blair, who will advise participants on helpful resources, techniques, language, and processes to your poetry revision toolkit. With opportunity for revision time to work on poems, with optional group sharing/discussion. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 27th Jan, 11AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home Masterclass: Editing Fiction and Non-Fiction
£35/£17.50 concession (some free places available). Session led by editor Ana Fletcher will For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Sat 29th Jan, 9-10.30PM (UK time) – via unknown
‘I Am Not Crazy’ Workshop
Free workshop, for discussion of how artists can maintain their mental health throughout performing and after performances. Led by Yvette G. Santana. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.