Round-up for November 2021: Online Literary Events
November has arrived! Sadly, the pandemic is still here as well, but life in the UK has taken more steps closer to resembling normality, with various Covid-19 restrictions lifted. Organisers are facing challenges to ensure art events can happen safely – more gigs are returning to their venues (at full/reduced capacity) while others have opted to stay virtual for a bit longer. However, plenty of people remain cautious about venturing out to attend gigs, especially those who are vulnerable.
So, if you’ll be staying at home for a 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. It’s an opportunity to “travel” far and wide to attend events overseas, while they’re still easily accessible…
OPEN MICS
Mon 1st Nov, 6PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Cerddi yn Cwrw
£3 entry (includes raffle ticket). Spoken word open mic event. Slots limited to 3 mins only. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 1st Nov, 6PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Cafe Generalissimmo Open Mic
Free event. International spoken word open mic event. Everyone welcome. Join the Zoom room on the night.
Tues 2nd Nov, 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. Slots are approx. 4 mins each. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 3rd Nov, 7-8.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Catrice Greer at DeBarra’s Spoken Word
Free poetry open mic event. Featuring headliner Catrice Greer, a poet, writer, narrator, host, curator, and producer. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 3rd Nov, 7-8.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Poetry Bubble
Free poetry open mic event for adults, hosted by Amanda Bonnick, (Resident Poet at Worcester Cathedral) and poet Polly Stretton (Black Pear Press). Theme is ‘air’. 5-minute slots for sharing your creative work in a supportive environment. For more details and to register for tickets, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 3rd Nov, 7-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Crafty Crows ~ Online Poetry, Nigel Kent & Karlostheunhappy
(Usually happens in: Gloucestershire, UK)
Free event. The Gloucestershire Poetry Society presents this regular poetry night, hosted by Josephine Lay. Featuring Nigel Kent, Karlostheunhappy and poetry open mic. For more details or to register, visit the Helm ticket page.
Thurs 4th Nov, 7PM (UK time) – in-person/via Zoom
WORD Stafford: Season 4 Episode 1 – Learn
(Happens at: Stafford Library, UK)
Free poetry open mic event. Featuring headliner Gabriella Gay, with open mic slots. A small audience will attend in person, while others can attend via Zoom. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 5th Nov, 7-10.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Hammer & Tongue Cambridge Poetry Slam
Free event (donation). Eight slam poets compete in this 2021-22 round for a place in the Regional Final, plus performances from Jonathan Kinsman and Anathema Jane McKenna. Hosted by Fay Roberts. Slammers are chosen at random from the sign-up list to perform – 3 mins. each, spoken word only (no music, no props). More details and register for tickets on the Eventbrite page.
Fri 5th Nov, 8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Poetry Lit – Online Reading Series
Free event for international poets and fans of international poetry. Two featured guests (Harry Josephine Giles and Rachel McCrum) plus a short open mic session. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 5th Nov, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Oooh Beehive UK online slam championship – November (Vol 1)
Pay As You Feel/Can Afford poetry slam event. Fifteen poets will compete in 3 rounds for the prize of £75 and a place in the 2021 Grand Final. Hosted by Clive Oseman and Nick Lovell. To attend as audience, send a request to be added to the mailing list: email ooohbeehive@btinternet.com. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 7th Nov, 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 Kevin Higgins and ‘Alf Ender VIC PICKUP. 10 open mic slots. To request a space in the Zoom: email poetsprattlerspandemonialists@gmail.com. For more details, visit the Poets, Prattlers & Pandemonialists Facebook page.
Sun 7th Nov, 00:00 (UK time) – via Zoom
The Word is Write WIW Last Chance Poetry CA$H SLAM & Open Mic!
Free poetry slam event plus open mic, hosted by Marissa Prada. Slam entrants will be qualified for the Grand Slam in December (prize is $150 so far). Judges needed. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 7th Nov, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Like a Blot From the Blue
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by Fin Hall. Featured poet: Mike Sindler from the USA. Slots are 5 minutes each. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 8th Nov, 8.30PM (Irish Standard Time) – hybrid: in-person/via Zoom/Facebook Live/Vimeo/YouTube
Ó Bhéal Online #21 – featuring a Tribute to Joseph Sweeney
(Happens in: Cork, Ireland)
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by Paul Casey. Features live poetry prompt challenge,14 Cork poets who will read work in tribute to the late Joseph Sweeney, and open mic. More info and details of how to access the gig are on the Ó Bhéal website.
Wed 10th Nov, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
DIY Poets November Showcase
Free poetry open mic event. Featuring performances from Nottingham-based poets plus open mic (limited 3-minute slots available on the night). For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 10th Nov, 7.30-9.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Write and Release with Jamie McCormick
Free poetry open mic event. Slots are 4 mins max. Featuring a headline performance from queer multi-media artist Jamie McCormick. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 11th Nov, 7.15-10.15PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Fire & Dust Digital – Poets Zoom Around the World Meets: Cathy Carson
(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 11th Nov, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
“Two Venues, One Mic”
Free poetry open mic event. A live joint open mic featuring the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and Spoken Word Paris. Hosted by “Advocate of Wordz” (NYC) and David Barnes (PARIS). For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 11th Nov, 7PM (UK time) – in-person/via Zoom
SpeakEasy: Remembrance
Free hybrid open mic event. Open mic slots are 3 mins or 6 mins. Theme: ‘Remembrance’. For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 11th Nov, 7.45PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Lime Square Poets featuring: Kathy D’Arcy
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by D’or Seifer. Headline poet: Kathy D’Arcy, plus open mic and announcements. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 12th Nov, 3-5.30AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Phynnecabulary Presents, “HELLO, DEADLY SIN No. 2: Poems About Gluttony”
Free open mic event – donations appreciated. This group encourages and celebrates contributions from artists and their art. Special guest: Nick Paleologos. For more info and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 13th Nov, 2.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Let’s Un-Mesh Life #25
Open mic event for music and poetry – English/Hindi/other languages welcome. For more details and access, visit the registration page.
Sun 14th Nov, 7.45-10.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Hammer & Tongue Hackney
Tickets: £3-£10. Live poetry and spoken word event, featuring a performance from Adam Kammerling and an open mic slam. Slam slots are 3.5 mins – all styles welcome, no props, no music. Email in advance: hackney@hammerandtongue.com. For more details and access, visit the Billetto tickets page.
Tues 16th Nov, 7.30PM (GMT) – via Zoom
Poetry at Jurnets
(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 – just bring whatever you’ve got. Featured Guest Poet: Carol Raithatha. For Zoom access/open mic sign-up details, visit the Poetry at Jurnets website and use the onscreen email link to contact organiser Hilary Stanton.
Tues 16th Nov, 6.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
TWOOMPH! ft. Spacegirl
Free monthly event. A space 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: feminist icon and spoken word pioneer, Spacegirl. Hosted by Lisa Lovebucket. For more details, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 17th Nov, 7PM (UK time) – unknown
Incite! – feat. Fay Roberts & open mic
London’s oldest-running queer spoken word night, organised by charity Forum+ and hosted by performance poet Hannah Chutzpah. Open mic slots are 5 mins max., reserved for LGBT+ poets. For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 18th Nov, 7.30-9.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Lit Up! Poetry Performance Salon
Tickets: Pay As You Feel donations. Poetry performances – a mix of original work and covers – with limited open mic slots. Headliners: Nick Lovell and Cat Brogan. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 18th Nov, 6.30PM (UK time) – via unknown
Girl’s night in Open Mic with poet Elizabeth Parker
Free women-only poetry open mic event. Hosted by Company of Words, artist Alix Edwards with Cardiff Women’s Aid. A chance to catch up with friends, share your work and hear poetry from headliner Elizabeth Parker. For more details and access, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 19th Nov, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Oooh Beehive Online November with Skylar J Wynter
Pay As You Feel/Can Afford poetry open mic event. Hosted by Clive Oseman and Nick Lovell, and featuring a headline performance by Skylar J Wynter. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 19th Nov, 7PM (UK time) – hybrid: in person/via Zoom
Distraction + In A Town Book Launch
£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.
Mon 22nd Nov, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Oooh Beehive UK online slam championship – November (Vol 1)
Pay As You Feel/Can Afford poetry slam event. Fifteen poets will compete in 3 rounds for the prize of £75 and a place in the 2021 Grand Final. Hosted by Clive Oseman and Nick Lovell. To attend as audience, send a request to be added to the mailing list: email ooohbeehive@btinternet.com. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Tues 23rd Nov, 7.15PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Testify Virtual Open Mic Night
Tickets: ££2.21–£3.83. Open mic event for poetry/performance of any original writing (slots are 5 minutes max.) For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 23rd Nov, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Zoomerang: The 7th Birthday Special
Pay As You Feel poetry open mic event. Featuring headline sets from guests Matthew Haigh, Bex Sherwood, Ingrid Mclaren, Neal Pike, plus open mic. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 24th Nov, 8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Todmorden Writers’ Collective
Free open mic event for poetry, prose, music and performance. Registration for performer slots will open on Mon 1st November – Eventbrite link TBC.
Thurs 25th Nov, 7.45PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Lime Square Poets featuring: Peggy McCarthy
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by D’or Seifer. Headline poet: Peggy McCarthy, plus open mic and announcements. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 26th Nov, 7PM (UK time) – unknown
Cheltenham Poetry Festival: open mic
Tickets: £0-£3. Spoken word open mic event, with special guest poets Daniel Sluman and Vic Pickup. Slots are 2 minutes each. For more details or to register for tickets, visit the Ticketsource page.
Sat 27th Nov, 7.30PM (UK time) – hybrid: in-person/via Zoom
Brewery Arts: Verbalise
Zoom tickets: £3.50. Spoken word open mic event, with special guest Clare Proctor. More details and register for tickets on the Brewery Arts event page.
Sun 28th Nov, 7PM (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.
Tues 30th Nov, 7-10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Spoken World, featuring poet Martin Grey
Free global open mic event. All performers welcome: poets, writers, singers, comedians, actors, performers, plus literary listeners. Optional theme: “Us”. Headline poet: Martin Grey. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
EVENTS
1st-14th Nov – via recordings
Manchester Literature Festival DIGITAL 2021
£20 festival pass for all 21 digital events, including 6 in-person events recorded live from the October festival. To view the programme or to register, visit the MLF page.
Tues 2nd Nov, 11AM-12.30PM (UK time) – via webinar
Words Ireland’s Diversity & Inclusion in Literature Webinar #1
Part one of a webinar series – hosted by Words Ireland. This event will present a draft ‘Charter for Inclusion’, led by Noeleen Hartigan, with commentary on the Charter, and discussion on next steps for the sector from writer Eoin de Bhairduin, Michael McLoughlin (Penguin Random House), Joanna Smyth (Pubishing Ireland) among others. For more details or to register, visit the Words Ireland event page.
Wed 3rd Nov, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Just To Say
Free internationally-focused poetry discussion hour, hosted by Molly Twomey. Featuring guest poets Leila Chatti and Dorianne Laux. Email jacarpress@gmail.com for the access link.
Wed 3rd Nov, 8PM (UK time) – via YouTube
Meet the Poet – Pratibha Castle
Free poetry event hosted by Home Stage. Featuring Pratibha’s story of rediscovering her passion for writing, and readings from her debut pamphlet A Triptych of Birds and a Few Loose Feathers. For more details or to register, visit the Home Stage event page.
Thurs 4th Nov, 11PM (UK time) – via Crowdcast
Chancellor Conversations: Poetry & Labor
Free poetry event hosted by Academy of American Poets. Academy Chancellors Kwame Dawes, Brenda Hillman, Marie Howe, Dorianne Laux and Natasha Trethewey will discuss the poet’s labor and how poetry envisions itself as a piece of work. For more details or to register, visit the Crowdcast event page.
Thurs 4th-Sun 7th Nov – via unknown
Poetry in Aldeburgh Online 2021 Festival
A poetry festival of readings, talks and performances. For more details, visit the Festival programme page.
Fri 5th Nov, 11AM (UK time) – via YouTube
Book launch for Lisabelle Tay’s ‘Pilgrim’
Free book launch for The Emma Press’ newest poetry pamphlet: Pilgrim by Lisabelle Tay, illustrated by Reena Makwana. The event will feature a reading from Lisabelle and Q&A with both Lisabelle and Reena. For more details or to register, visit the Zoom registration page.
Tues 9th Nov, 7.30-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
‘Virtual Voices’
Free event – an evening of of poetry, stories and humour, hosted by Offa’s Press. Featuring with Santosh K. Dary, Ian Parr, Gracey B., Brian Dakin and Marion Cockin. For more details or to register, visit the Offa’s Press events page.
Wed 10th Nov, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Some-Antics Collective Meetup 10.11.21
Free informal poetry gathering for writing, a quiz and hanging out. Zoom link will be added to the Facebook event on the night. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 10th Nov, 8PM (UK time) – via Facebook Live
Meet the Poet – Zoë Sîobhan Howarth Lowe
Free poetry event hosted by Home Stage. Featuring readings by Zoë plus an interview about her astute observations and intricately-crafted imagery. For more details or to register, visit the Home Stage event page.
Wed 10th Nov, 7.15PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home: Live Guest Reading with Amanda Smyth
£5/£2.50 concession. Amanda Smyth’s novel Fortune was published earlier this year by Peepal Tree Press – this event will feature readings and an interactive Q&A. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Wed 10th Nov, 8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Forest Poets presents: Imtiaz Dharker
Tickets: £2.50. Monthly virtual poetry readings – with special guest Imtiaz Dharker. For more details, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 11th Nov, 7.30PM (UK time) – via YouTube
Film Premiere: ‘Black Boy Winning’
‘Black Boy Winning’ is a story from a new collection called ‘The House with Two Letter-Boxes’ by Janet H. Swinney. This 35-minute film version is narrated by Susan Jameson and James Bolam, To watch, visit the YouTube video on the evening of 11th November.
Thurs 11th Nov, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Book Launch: Naush Sabah & Betsy Porritt
Free event – hosted by Guillemot Press. Launch of Naush Sabah’s Litanies. The event will feature readings by Naush with Betsy Porritt. (There is also an in-person launch in Birmingham on 10th November.) For more details or to register, visit the Guillemot Press event page.
Thurs 11th Nov, 8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
November Monthly Online Storytelling Concert
Ticketed: £3-£10. Featuring performances from: Gary Cordingley andSimon Heywood, the Café Clock tellers (John Row and Zouhair Khaznaoui live from Marrakesh) plus traditional folklore from Cath’s Cupboard of Customs. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 12th Nov, 1PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Live Canon: Lunchtime Reading #26
Free poetry readings event. Featuring Charlotte Ansell, Sana Rao, Hilary Otto and Mark Chamberlain. For more details, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 13th Nov, 6.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Cabapocalypsaret – It’s the End of the World Pizza Party!
Free book launch event – for Sam J. Grudgings’ debut poetry collection THE BIBLE II. Featuring words from Nafeesa Hamid, Jonathan Kinsman, Aiysha Humphreys, Cal Wensley, Pascal Vine – and more! For further details, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 14th Nov, 4PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Live from The Butchery presents…Pascale Petit, Sudeep Sen and Rosie Gardner
Pay As You Can event hosted by Martin Figura (Ink, Sweat & Tears). Live poetry performances from Pascale Petit, Sudeep Sen and Rosie Gardner. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Mon 15th Nov, 11PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Oceanside Library Poetry Series: Near and Afar
(Happens in: New York, USA)
Free poetry event. Every Monday, hosted by Tony Iovino. Featured poets/authors: Steven Shields (Atlanta) Emiliano Martin (Philadelphia). For access info, visit the Oceanside Library events page.
Tues 16th Nov, 11AM-12.30PM (UK time) – via webinar
Words Ireland’s Diversity & Inclusion in Literature Webinar #2
Part one of a webinar series – hosted by Words Ireland. This event focuses on what’s happening in the Irish literature sector right now, including presentations of diversity & inclusion initiatives from Skein Press (Gráinne O’Toole and Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe), the Trans Writers Union (Anna Walsh and James Hudson), and Poetry Ireland (Niamh O’Donnell and Elizabeth Mohen) among others. For more details or to register, visit the Words Ireland event page.
Tues 16th Nov, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Book Launch: We Have To Leave The Earth
Free poetry book launch event for ‘We Have to Leave the Earth’ – hosted by Seren Books. With readings by Carolyn Jess-Cooke alongside guests Liz Berry and Jen Hadfield. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 18th Nov, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Book launch: ‘Darkness in the City of Light’
Book launch event for the debut novel by poet and critic Tony Curtis. This event will feature Tony in discussion about his multi-form novel with Professor Matthew Jarvis. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 19th Nov, 9AM (UK time) – via Zoom
‘POETRY and CONVERSATION from Both Sides of the World’
Free international poetry event. Leanne Moden (Virtual Writer-in-Residence of the F Project) will host a showcase of poets from Nottingham (UK) & Warrnambool (AUST) in an ‘evening’ of poetry and conversation. They will perform some poetry and chat about their writing processes and respective poetry communities. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 19th Nov, 3AM (UK time) – via Facebook Live/YouTube livestream
Poetry Square with Diane Funston
Diane Funston (Yuba Sutter Arts Poet-in-Residence) will be joined by poets David Bauman, Cheryl Latif and Julian Matthews to share their work and insights. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Sat 20th Nov, 7-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Big Book Launch – ‘heart/h’ by Fragmented Voices
Free launch event for a a micro-fiction anthology of forty-one writers from across the globe, exploring the theme of Home. With readings from featured writers plus special guest Chris Cambell. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 21st Nov, 6PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Butcher’s Dog Launch: ‘Wagtail’
Tickets: £3. Anthology launch event hosted by Butcher’s Dog magazine – with readings from featured poets. For more details or to register, visit the Butcher’s Dog event page.
Sun 21st Nov, 11AMPM (UK time) – via livestream
‘Open Mountain: Unlocking the Landscape’
Free event for Kendal Mountain Festival. Following an open call for submissions, this panel discussion will feature performance prose and poetry that aims to showcase those underrepresented in the outdoors. For more details or to register, visit the Kendal Mountain Festival event page.
Tues 23rd Nov, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Book Launch: Verve Poetry Press
Free book launch event. Poets Zoe Brigley, Phoebe Stuckes, Golnoosh Nour & Jo Morris Dixon will read from their new Verve Poetry Press collections. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Wed 24th Nov, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Carcanet Book Launch: ‘Naming of the Bones’
Registration: £2. Hosted by poet James Harpur – a launch of John F. Deane’s new book, ‘Naming of the Bones’. The event will feature readings, discussion and an audience Q&A. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 24th Nov, 8PM (UK time) – via YouTube
Meet the Poet – Lila Matsumoto & Samantha Walton
Free poetry event hosted by Home Stage. Featuring discussions on the environment/the sonic experience of poetry/the life of objects/apocalypse – with readings from Lila’s recent collection Two Twin Pipes Sprout Water and Samantha’s pamphlet Bad Moon/collection Self Heal. For more details or to register, visit the Home Stage event page.
Wed 24th Nov, 7PM (UK time) – via Instagram
Poetry Book Society Insta Live Book Club
Free event, hosted by Anthony Anaxagorou. Guest poets: Ian Duhig and Stephanie Sy-Quia. Visit @poetrybooksociety on Instagram for access.
Thurs 25th Nov, 7.30-8.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom/YouTube livestream
Book Launch: Jane Burn’s ‘Be Feared’
Free Nine Arches Press launch event for Jane Burn’s new poetry collection. Featuring guest readings from Fran Lock, Kim Moore and Clare Shaw. For more details, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 26th Nov, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Book Launch: ‘What the House Taught Us’
Free The Emma Press launch event for Anne Bailey’s new poetry pamphlet. Featuring a reading from Anne plus Q&A. Shaw. For more details and to register, visit the Zoom registration page.
Fri 26th Nov, 1PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Live Canon: Lunchtime Reading #27
Free poetry readings event. Featuring Beatriz Echeverri, Mehran Waheed, Stuart Charlesworth & Alexandra Corrin-Tachibana. For more details, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 26th Nov, 3-4.30PM (UK time) – in-person/via livestream
‘The Sacrificial Wind’ (a poetry play)
Free event – part of Ó Bhéal’s 9th Winter Warmer Festival. This poetry play (adapted from the monologues on the story of Iphigenia, by Lorna Shaughnessy and directed by Max Hafler) will be screened, followed by live Q&A. For more details and for access visit the Ó Bhéal event page.
Fri 26th Nov, 5-6.30PM (UK time) – in-person/via livestream
Readings: Nóirín Ní Riain | Rita Kelly | Antony Rowland | Anna T. Szabó
Free poetry and music event – part of Ó Bhéal’s 9th Winter Warmer Festival. For more details about the writers and for access, visit the Ó Bhéal event page.
Fri 26th Nov, 7-8.30PM (UK time) – in-person/via livestream
Readings: Eòghan Stiùbhart | Alan Titley | Marcas Mac An Tuairner
Free poetry event – part of Ó Bhéal’s 9th Winter Warmer Festival. For more details about the writers and for access, visit the Ó Bhéal event page.
Fri 26th Nov, 7-8.30PM (UK time) – in-person/via livestream
Readings: Gabeba Baderoon | James Cagney | Victoria Kennefick
Free poetry event – part of Ó Bhéal’s 9th Winter Warmer Festival. For more details about the writers and for access, visit the Ó Bhéal event page.
Fri 26th Nov, 7-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Spelt Magazine, Issue 3: Launch Party
Free launch event – hosted by editors Wendy Pratt and Steve Nash. Featuring guest readers: Maggie Hall and Caleb Parkin. For more details, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 27th Nov, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Culture Matters Presents: Online Reading Series #3
Free event – first in a series where publisher Culture Matters will team up with a fellow indie press to showcase four poets. With special guests Wendy Young and Peter Raynard (Culture Matters) and Jane Burn and Daniel Sluman (Nine Arches Press). These events aim to build solidarity between small presses and emerging artists. For more details and access, visit the Facebook event page.
Sat 27th Nov, 2-4PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Magma 81: Anthropocene Online Launch
Literary magazine launch of Magma issue 81 – hosted by the editors, with readings from contributors. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sat 27th Nov, 5-6PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Offa’s Press: International Voices
Free poetry event – featuring performances from two poets of the Punjabi diaspora: Kuli Kohli and Parvinder Mehta. For more details or to register, visit the Offa’s Press events page.
Sat 27th Nov, 11.30AM-12.30PM (UK time) – in-person/via livestream
Poetry Films – Irish Selection
Free poetry film event – part of Ó Bhéal’s 9th Winter Warmer Festival. A screening of 15 poetry films recently created in Ireland. For more details about the writers and for access, visit the Ó Bhéal event page.
Sat 27th Nov, 1-2.15PM (UK time) – in-person/via livestream
Many Tongues of Cork: An Earth Song
Free poetry film event – part of Ó Bhéal’s 9th Winter Warmer Festival. A multilingual poetry collaboration produced by Good Day Cork will be shared with the audience. Featuring: Cinthya Torrez Quispe, Claudia Maria Zedda, Tina Pisco, Dr. Lekha Menon Margassery, Nqobizitha Vella, Cecilia Gamez and Anja Bakker. For more details about the writers and for access, visit the Ó Bhéal event page.
Sat 27th Nov, 2.30-4PM (UK time) – in-person/via livestream
Closed Mic Session
Free poetry performance event – part of Ó Bhéal’s 9th Winter Warmer Festival. A showcase of new voices who have contributed to Ó Bhéal’s open-mic sessions on Monday nights, over the past year. Contributors include Catherine Ronan, Margaret O’Regan, Mary O’Connell, Brendan Mulcahy, Matt Mooney, Cathal Holden, Mags Creedon, Jim Crickard, Lucy Holme, Cédric Bikond and Pamela Campbell. For more details and for access, visit the Ó Bhéal event page.
Sat 27th Nov, 2.30-4PM (UK time) – in-person/via livestream
Poetry Readings: Nóirín Ní Riain, Máire Dinny Wren , Piotr Floczyk and Greg Delanty
Free poetry performance event – part of Ó Bhéal’s 9th Winter Warmer Festival. For more details about the writers and for access, visit the Ó Bhéal event page.
Sat 27th Nov, 9-10.30PM (UK time) – in-person/via livestream
Poetry Readings: Isobel O’Hare, MK Chavez and Maurice Riordan
Free poetry performance event – part of Ó Bhéal’s 9th Winter Warmer Festival. For more details about the writers and for access, visit the Ó Bhéal event page.
Sat 27th Nov, 9-10.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Selcouth Reading: Ashbrook, Armstrong, Darlington & Grant-Clement
Free event (donations welcome). Readings from Selcouth Station Press’ four latest authors, followed by a Q&A from the audience and editor-in-chief Haley Jenkins. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 28th Nov, 10AM (UK time) – via website
Brum Radio Poets
Join host Rick Sanders and his guests Sam J Grudgings and Polly Stretton, who will be sharing stories and poetry. Brum Radio Poets show is every second Sunday. Listen via the Brum Radio website.
Sun 28th Nov, 7.30-9PM (UK time) – in-person/via livestream
Screenings: Poetry Film Competition
Free poetry film event – part of Ó Bhéal’s 9th Winter Warmer Festival. This year’s judges Paula Kehoe and Paul Casey, will select one winner from a shortlist of poetry-films to receive the Ó Bhéal award for best poetry-film. For more details about the writers and for access, visit the Ó Bhéal event page.
Sun 28th Nov, 7-8.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Book launch: ‘They Spoke No English’ by Stephen Keeler
Free Nine Pens Press book launch event. This event will feature readings plus special guests Lydia Harris, Neil Young and Harry Smart. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Tues 30th Nov, 11AM-12.30PM (UK time) – via webinar
Words Ireland’s Diversity & Inclusion in Literature Webinar #2
Part one of a webinar series – hosted by Words Ireland. This event focuses on what’s happening in broader arts sector with contributions from Maureen Kennelly (Arts Council), Lynn Scarff (Director of National Museums), Olwen Dawe (Equality Policy & Strategy Expert), and more TBC. For more details or to register, visit the Words Ireland event page.
WORKSHOPS
Tues 2nd Nov, 7-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home Masterclass: Fiction – the World of Things
£5/£2.50 concession. Conor O’Callaghan will lead this workshop on the use of inanimate objects in fiction. Participants will look at some passages from novels, both classic and contemporary, where things become significant and are used to communicate characters’ emotional/psychological states. The session will include time to write. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Wed 3rd Nov, 7.15PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home: Craft Talk and Q&A with Eloise Whitmore
£5/£2.50 concession. Eloise Whitmore will lead a live talk on what it takes to create radio drama. She will speak on the intricacies (and simplicities) of sound design, and take audience questions on the creative or business side of creating radio. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Wed 3rd Nov, 10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Line Breaks and Bronx Beats with Peggy Robles-Alvarado
Free bi-monthly generative workshop, hosted by Art Defined and Robleswrites Productions. Led by: poet Peggy Robles-Alvarado. Open to writers of all levels of experience, and especially aims to centre BIPOC and LGBT+ voices. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 11th Nov, 11AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home Masterclass: The Enchantment of Silence
£35/£17.50 concession. Vahni Capildeo will lead a poetry workshop on how to explore silence and space. Vahni will use examples of poetry and prose by writers such as Gerard Manley Hopkins, Vladimir Lucien and Alice Tarbuck. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Tues 16th Nov, 7-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home Masterclass: The Steps to Publication
£35/£17.50 concession. Cathryn Summerhayes (of Curtis Brown) will be talking about how best to approach an agent and how to craft a convincing and compelling pitch for your work, with time for questions from participants. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Thurs 18th Nov, 6.30-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Queering Ecopoetry – with Caleb Parkin
Free poetry workshop, led by Caleb Parkin. This session will explore new routes to ecopoetry / invoking drag, camp humour / reading ‘non-serious texts’ seriously, among other things. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 21st Nov, 6-8PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Talking Back Workshop with AJ McKenna
£5-£20. Workshop for trans/non-binary/gender non-conforming writers and poets. The session will explore “talking back to bigotry”. All levels of experience welcome. For more details or to register, visit the For Books’ Sake page.
Tues 23rd Nov, 7-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home Masterclass: Flash Fiction
£35/£17.50 concession. Author Tania Hershman will lead this workshop on flash fiction, taking inspiration from fairy tales, humour, art and a sprinkling of science. The session aims to result in at least 4 new flash stories for each participant. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Tues 23rd Nov, 6.45-8.45PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Maria Sledmere Ecopoetry Workshop
Free poetry writing workshop, to explore the entangled relationship of dreams and ecology. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 25th Nov, 11AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Arvon At Home Masterclass: Honing Your Craft
£35/£17.50 concession. Ayisha Malik will lead this story-telling workshop and examine the various aspects of narrative, including concepts such as characterisation, structure, pace and style, and how to hone these elements. Participants will look at examples from a range of bestsellers, like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Little Fires Everywhere and Elena Ferrante’s Neopolitan series. For more details or to register, visit the Arvon event page.
Thurs 25th Nov, 7-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Hybridity: Poems That Cross the Line
€20 workshop – part of Ó Bhéal’s 9th Winter Warmer Festival. MK Chavez will lead this session on hybrid poetics, which blurs the lines between poetry and other literary genres. For more details or to book a place, visit the Ó Bhéal event page.
Sun 28th Nov, 2-5PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Allographic Virtual Write-In/ Workshop
(Normally happens in: Cambridge, UK)
Writing workshop/discussion group for poets and story-tellers. For more information, visit the Allographic website.