Listing for August 2021: Online Literary Events
Hello, August! COVID-19 is still with us, but life has taken a few steps closer to resembling normality. Here in the UK, many Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted. Organisers are juggling various challenges to ensure art events can happen safely – some gigs have returned to their venues (several at full capacity) while others have opted to stay virtual for a bit longer. However, plenty of people remain cautious about venturing out, especially those who are vulnerable or not yet vaccinated.
So, if you’re feeling a bit isolated, here is the good news: plenty of creative communities across the UK, and all around the globe, CONTINUE to plug 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. Why not see this as an opportunity to “travel” far and wide to attend events overseas, while they’re still easily accessible?
OPEN MICS
Sun 1st August, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Like a Blot From the Blue
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by Fin Hall. Slots are 5 minutes each. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Tues 3rd August, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
York Spoken Word – August
(Usually happens in: York, UK)
An open mic event for poets and story-tellers. Slots are 4 mins each. For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Wed 4th August, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Crafty Crows ~ Online Poetry, Daron Carey, plus Charlie Markwick
(Usually happens in: Gloucestershire, UK)
Free event. The Gloucestershire Poetry Society presents this regular poetry night, hosted by Josephine Lay. Featuring Daron Carey, plus a 15-minute slot by Charlie Markwick and open mic. For more details or to register, visit the Helm ticket page.
Thurs 5th August, 7.30-10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Fire & Dust Meets: ELIZABETH MCGEOWN
(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 Facebook event page.
Thurs 5th Aug, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Tentacular Summer Reading
Free launch event for Issue 8 of Tentacular magazine, guest edited by Isabelle Baafi – with new and previous contributors to the magazine. Featuring guest readers Peter Hughes and Eleanor Perry, plus others TBC. Also 4 open mic slots available. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 5th Aug, 7.45PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Lime Square Poets featuring: Molly Twomey
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by D’or Seifer. Headline poet: Molly Twomey, plus open mic and announcements. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 7th Aug, 8-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Choose Poetry Choose Life
Free poetry open mic – part of PBH’s Free Fringe 2021. Hosted by Andi Talbot, Erin Gannon and Pam Benjamin, who broadcast the show live on Mutiny Radio, an infamous pirate radio station in San Francisco. For details and access info, visit the PBH Fringe event page.
Sat 7th Aug, 6-8PM (CDT) – via Zoom
Poetry in the Brew
(Normally happens in: Nashville, USA)
Free poetry open mic. Each poet in the open mic has max. 4 minutes. For details and access/sign-up info, visit the Poetry in the Brew event page.
Mon 9th August, 8.30PM (Irish Standard Time) – via Zoom/Facebook Live
Ó Bhéal: Twin Skies – Poetry from Cork and Coventry
(Usually happens in: Cork, Ireland)
Free poetry open mic event, hosted by Paul Casey. Features live poetry prompt challenge, anthology launch with guest readers (poets from Cork and Coventry) and open mic. More info and details of how to access the gig are here on the Ó Bhéal website.
Mon 9th Aug, 7PM (ETC) – via Zoom
Oceanside Library Summer Gazebo Readings
(Happens in: New York, USA)
Every Monday, hosted by Tony Iovino. Featured poets/authors: Deborah Hauser, Paula Groothuis, Evelyn Kandel & Bernard Hicks. For access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Tues 10th Aug, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Flight of the Dragonflies Spoken Word
Free poetry/story-telling open mic. Guest poet: Zoe Brooks. 18 open mic slot, max. 5 mins each. Flash fiction/short prose welcome. For details and access info, visit the Flight of the Dragonflies event page.
Wed 11th Aug, 8-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Choose Poetry Choose Life
Free poetry open mic – part of PBH’s Free Fringe 2021. Hosted by Andi Talbot, Erin Gannon and Pam Benjamin, who broadcast the show live on Mutiny Radio, an infamous pirate radio station in San Francisco. For details and access info, visit the PBH Fringe event page.
Thurs 12th Aug, 8PM (Irish Standard time) – via Zoom
Lime Square Poets featuring: Catherine Ronan
Free poetry open mic event. Headline poet: Catherine Ronan, plus open mic and announcements. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Sat 14th Aug, 8-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Choose Poetry Choose Life
Free poetry open mic – part of PBH’s Free Fringe 2021. Hosted by Andi Talbot, Erin Gannon and Pam Benjamin, who broadcast the show live on Mutiny Radio, an infamous pirate radio station in San Francisco. For details and access info, visit the PBH Fringe event page.
Wed 18th Aug, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Fen Speak open mic ft. Jonathan Totman
Free monthly poetry open mic. Hosted by Stewart Carswell. Headline poet: Jonathan Totman. For access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 19th August, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Fire & Dust Special: ‘Twin Skies’ Anthology Launch
(Usually happens in: Coventry, UK)
Free book launch event – to celebrate the publication of ‘Twin Skies’, an anthology of poems by writers who’ve participated in the Coventry-Cork Twin Cities Poetry Exchange (2008-2020). Plus Q&A and open mic segments. 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 Facebook event page.
Thurs 19th Aug, 8PM (Irish Standard time) – via Zoom
Lime Square Poets featuring: Hannah Gamble
Free poetry open mic event. Headline poet: Hannah Gamble, plus open mic and announcements. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 20th Aug, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Oooh Beehive Online with Stewart Taylor!
Free entry, donations welcome. Poetry open mic event, hosted by Clive Oseman and Nick Lovell. Headline poet: Stewart Taylor. Email ooohbeehive@btinternet.com if you want an open mic slot/to be added to the mailing list for Zoom link. More details can be found on the Facebook event page.
Fri 20th Aug, 7-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
That’s What She* Said
Tickets from £5. Poetry event, part of For Books’ Sake Fantasy Fringe 2021. Hosted by Paul Forster & Bridget Hart. Featuring performances by Fay Roberts, AJ McKenna, Rosie Garland and Brown Girl in the Ring, plus open mic. More details can be found on the festival webpage.
Sat 21st Aug, 8-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Choose Poetry Choose Life
Free poetry open mic – part of PBH’s Free Fringe 2021. Hosted by Andi Talbot, Erin Gannon and Pam Benjamin, who broadcast the show live on Mutiny Radio, an infamous pirate radio station in San Francisco. For details and access info, visit the PBH Fringe event page.
Sun 22nd Aug, 6.30-8.30PM (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 24th Aug, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
The Spirit of Fire & Dust: Best of Coventry Spoken Word
Free poetry open mic event – part of PBH’s Free Fringe 2021. Hosted by Ann Atkins. Features readings from se;ected Coventry poets plus a limited open mic. For details and access info, visit the PBH Fringe event page.
Wed 25th Aug, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Where’s Worcester? An open mic in celebration of the city
Free poetry open mic event, in collaboration with Worcester Festival 2021. Hosted by Charley Barnes. There are 10 open mic slots available (5 mins each). For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 26th Aug, 8PM (Irish Standard time) – via Zoom
Lime Square Poets featuring: Bernie Crawford
Free poetry open mic event. Headline poet: Bernie Crawford, plus open mic and announcements. For details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 29th Aug, 1AM (UTC) – via Zoom
The Word is Write: Double Feature Open Mic feat. Cathy Carson & Fin Hall
Free poetry open mic event. Featuring poets Cathy Carson (N. Ireland) and Fin Hall (Scotland). For more details, visit the Facebook event page.
Sun 29th Aug, 8-9PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Choose Poetry Choose Life
Free poetry open mic – part of PBH’s Free Fringe 2021. Hosted by Andi Talbot, Erin Gannon and Pam Benjamin, who broadcast the show live on Mutiny Radio, an infamous pirate radio station in San Francisco. For details and access info, visit the PBH Fringe event page.
Sun 29th Aug, 10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Why Open Pandora’s Box Creative Showcase & Open Mic
Free poetry show and open mic. Featuring readings from: Phynne~Belle, Cheryl J. Fish, Bryan Franco and Heather Archibald. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Sun 29th Aug, 6.30PM (BST) – via Zoom
Run Your Tongue Online
Spoken word open mic night. Slots are 5 mins max. More info about signing up for open mic and accessing the gig is available on the Facebook event page.
EVENTS
Sun 1st Aug, 1PM (UK time) – via radio
Spoke Poetry on Bradford Community Radio
Spoke poetry show featuring poet Daniel Kay. 106.6FM. Listen on the day via BCB station webpage.
Mon 2nd Aug, 7PM (ETC) – in-person/via Zoom
Oceanside Library Summer Gazebo Readings
(Happens in: New York, USA)
Every Monday, hosted by Tony Iovino. Featured poets/authors: Dianalee Velie, Christina Rau, Margarette Wahl & Jocelyn Weston. For access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 2nd Aug, 7PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Launch of ‘Gradual Reduction to Bone’ by Kali Richmond
Free poetry book launch event. Hosted by Nine Pens Press. Featuring Kali Richmond, with special guest readings from Nora Blascsok, Elizabeth Chadwick Pywell and Lucy Holme-Roberts. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Mon 4th Aug, 5.30-5.40PM (UK time) – via Instagram
Burning Eye Books: Quick Q&A with Abdullah Adekola
Free event – quick Q&A with ahead of poet Abdullah Adekola’s debut collection ‘Nigrescence’. Audience can drop questions in the stream. Hosted by Burning Eye Press on their Instagram page.
Mon 4th Aug, 8PM (UK time) – via YouTube
Meet the Poet – Heidi Willamson & Anne Osbourn
Free poetry event hosted by Home Stage. Featuring a selection of readings focus on ideas of place, belonging and science, plus interviews with the two poets and discussions on their work. For more details or to register, visit the Home Stage event page.
Fri 6th Aug, 7.30PM (UK time) – via viewing link
Who Needs A Bridge? A Hedgehog Poetry Press Showcase
Tickets: £5. Poet Gaynor Kane hosts a showcase of poets from the Hedgehog Poetry Press, as they celebrate the connections between them and their homelands of Scotland and Ireland, North and South. Features readings from Anne McMaster, Damien B Donnelly, Karen Mooney, Lynn Valentine, Martin Malone, Peter A and Vicky Allen. For more details or to register, visit the Eastside Arts webpage.
Fri 6th Aug, 8-10PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Magazine Launch of Spelt Issue Two: The Summer Issue
Free launch party event. Features readings from contributors and a chance to meet the editors. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 6th Aug, 8.30PM (UK time) – via live YouTube premiere
CandleLit Sessions (episode 1)
Free poetry show – part of PBH’s Free Fringe 2021. A series of spoken word poetry showcases on the subject of mental health. Episode one features readings from: Kathryn O’Driscoll, Jake Wild Hall, Sinéad Gavin, Michael Wilson, Kaozara Oyalowo, Aiysha Humphreys, Rebecca Cooney, Jemma Hathaway, Raina Greifer and Tom Dewey. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Thurs 6th-Thurs 12th Aug, 6-7PM (UK time) – via podcast
Dead Darlings Sessions
Free audio poetry show – part of PBH’s Free Fringe 2021. Join the hosts of Dead Darlings Podcast and a range of guest poets for a series of live Zoom events, featuring a 20-minute poetry set plus quick-fire interview. For details and access info, visit the PBH Fringe event page.
Fri 6th-Thurs 12th Aug, 7.30-8.30PM (UK time) – via Facebook Live
Edinburgh Book Launch of ‘Heart on My Sleeve’
Free audio poetry show – part of PBH’s Free Fringe 2021. Heart On My Sleeve’ brings together Attila’s collected poems and lyrics from 1980-2020, celebrating the fortieth anniversary of his first appearance and a lifetime doing what he loves. For details and access info, visit the PBH Fringe event page.
Fri 6th-Mon 30th Aug, 7-8PM (UK time) – via YouTube
Poets, Prattlers & Pandemonialists
Free spoken word event – part of PBH’s Free Fringe 2021. Pre-recorded poetry show about 3 poets plotting their path to fame and fortune, adapted for Zoom during the pandemic. For details and access info, visit the PBH Fringe event page.
Fri 6th-Mon 30th Aug, 12-1PM (UK time) – via YouTube
Yay! The Search for Happiness
Free spoken word event – part of PBH’s Free Fringe 2021. A poetry/comedy show with Robert Garnham. For details and access info, visit the PBH Fringe event page.
Fri 6th-Mon 30th Aug, 5-6PM (UK time) – via PBH webpage
Dan Webber: Genre Fluid
Free spoken word show – part of PBH’s Free Fringe 2021. A poetry/comedy show with Dan Webber. For details and access info, visit the PBH Fringe event page.
Sat 7th-Sun 29th Aug, 7.30PM (UK time) – via PBH webpage
Stilly’s Terrible Drawn Tales
Free visual poetry show – part of PBH’s Free Fringe 2021. This show by artist/poet Stilly will appeal to lovers of stories/poetry/illustrations. For details and access info, visit the PBH Fringe event page.
Sat 7th-Sun 29th Aug, 11AM-12PM (UK time) – via Soundcloud
Beag Horn Poet-in-Residence At Home
Free audio poetry podcast – part of PBH’s Free Fringe 2021. Each podcast, Beag Horn will share a unique selection of her poems every day – from home in Ayrshire, from the garden or down the beach. For details and access info, visit the PBH Fringe event page.
Sat 7th Aug, 8PM (UK time) – via link to pre-recorded show
Colin Hassard Launch: ‘Age of the Microwave Dinner’
Free poetry and music show, as part of the Eastside Arts Festival. Features Colin reading from his debut poetry collection ‘Age of the Microwave Dinner’ (2021, Doire Press). Some performances will be in collaboration with Colin’s band Dirty Words. Colin is Writer-in-Residence for the Duncairn Arts Centre, Belfast. For details and to book, visit the Eastside Arts webpage.
Fri 13th Aug, 7-9PM (UK time) – via unknown
Spit, Speak, Spill
Tickets: £5. Part of the Eastside Arts Festival 2021. Poetry/punk/story-telling showcase, curated and hosted by Abby Oliveira – featuring: Cathy Carson (co. Down), John Englezos (Melbourne), David Mallaghan (co. Offaly), Victoria McNulty (Glasgow), Plentiful Poet (Nottingham) and The Dead Thatchers & Frank Rafferty (Derry-Londonderry/Glasgow). For more details or to register, visit the Eastside Arts webpage.
Fri 13th Aug, 1-2AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Walking On Spectrum
Free spoken word show – part of PBH’s Free Fringe 2021. A 1-hour medley show with Juliana Heng (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), exploring different ways to tell one’s life story through comedy, storytelling, and spoken word poetry. For details and access info, visit the PBH Fringe event page.
Fri 13th Aug, 8.45PM (UK time) – via live YouTube premiere
CandleLit Sessions (episode 2)
Free poetry show – part of PBH’s Free Fringe 2021. A series of spoken word poetry showcases on the subject of mental health. Episode one features readings from: Kathryn O’Driscoll, Hannah Burrows, Melanie Branton, Jemima Hughes, Nafeesa Hamid, Sven Stears, Helen Sheppard, Georgia Stride, Tyjana Howard and T.S. IDIOT. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 13th Aug, 7.30PM (EST) – via Zoom
Kiwi Collective Issue 2: Power Launch Party
Free launch event for Kiwi Collective zine. Join the editors to celebrate the next issue before its release and watch contributors perform and discuss their work. Attendees will also be entered in a giveaway draw to win prizes. For more details or to register, visit the zine event page.
Sun 15th Aug, 7PM (UK time) – via unknown
Poets Directory Live
Monthly online readings from a Poetry Society stanza group. Featuring readings by Bryony Littlefair, Kirsten Luckins, Charlie Bayliss & Cai Draper. For more details, follow @PoetsDirectory.
Mon 16th Aug, 7PM (ETC) – in-person/via Zoom
Oceanside Library Summer Gazebo Readings
(Happens in: New York, USA)
Every Monday, hosted by Tony Iovino. Featured poets/authors: Ellen Rittberg, Harriet Slaughter & Idorenyin Udofia. For access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Fri 20th Aug, 8.45PM (UK time) – via live YouTube premiere
CandleLit Sessions (episode 3)
Free poetry show – part of PBH’s Free Fringe 2021. A series of spoken word poetry showcases on the subject of mental health. Episode one features readings from: Kathryn O’Driscoll, Chris Cambell, Scarlett Ward, Cathy Carson, Hannah Chutzpah, Alice Gretton, Holly Moberley, Woodzy, Charlotte Lunn, and Katie Ailes. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Sat 21st Aug, 1-2PM (UK time) – via Facebook Live
To the UK, With Linebreaks
Free audio poetry podcast – part of PBH’s Free Fringe 2021. 3 poets based in Singapore and 3 poets based in the UK are randomly paired up for a poetry showcase, Featured poets include Sean Wai Keung, Jah-Mir Early, Elizabeth McGeown, Pranamika Subalaxmi, Benedicta J. Foo & Natalie Wang. Hosted by former UK & Singapore slam champion Stephanie Dogfoot. For details and access info, visit the PBH Fringe event page.
Mon 23rd Aug, 7PM (UK time) – via Facebook Live
Book launch: Sincerely, Yours by Charlotte Barnes
Free book launch event, featuring readings and audience Q&A with author Charley Barnes. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 23rd Aug, 7PM (ETC) – in-person/via Zoom
Oceanside Library Summer Gazebo Readings
(Happens in: New York, USA)
Every Monday, hosted by Tony Iovino. Featured poets/authors: Steve Schmidt, Sue Allen & Rohini Ramanathan. For access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Tues 24th Aug, 6PM (CDT) – via Zoom
Launch Party – Sinew: 10 Years of Poetry in the Brew
Free book launch event, with readings from the contributors. For details and access/sign-up info, visit the Poetry in the Brew event page.
Wed 25th Aug, 8.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Book Launch: ‘What If Stars’
Free poetry book launch event – part of PBH’s Free Fringe 2021. Launch of Beth Hartley’s debut poetry collection “What if Stars” (Allographic Press). Event will feature guest reader slots from Ann Atkins and A.J. McKenna plus artistic story-telling by Stilly, an extended set from Beth and audience Q&A, time permitting. For details and access info, visit the PBH Fringe event page.
Wed 25th Aug, 8PM (UK time) – via Facebook Live
Book Launch: ‘Sin is Due to Open in a Room Above Kitty’s’
Free poetry chapbook launch event – of 2021’s fastest selling Fly on the Wall Press book! With readings by poet Morag Anderson. For details and access on the night, visit the FotW Facebook group page.
Wed 25th Aug, midnight (UK time) – pre-recorded, via YouTube/Facebook
The Hen House at Home: The Cli-Fi Special
Free event – part of the Red Hen Press ‘At Home’ series. Featuring Thea Prieto, winner of the 2019 Red Hen Press Novella Award for ‘From the Caves’, and Cai Emmons, author of bestselling ‘Weather Woman’ and now its standalone sequel, ‘Sinking Islands’. These authors will discuss their work, their exploration of environmental fiction and catastrophe, and how they came to write their stories. For details and access info, visit the Red Hen Press page.
Thurs 26th Aug, 7.30PM (UK time) – via Zoom
Elizabeth McGeown: An Introduction to Cockroach
Free poetry event – part of PBH’s Free Fringe 2021. Premiere of a new poetry film and chance to hear some rarities and B-sides from spoken word artist Elizabeth McGeown’s forthcoming Verve Poetry Press collection ‘Cockroach’. There might also be a brief Q&A. For more details or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Fri 27th Aug, 8.45PM (UK time) – via live YouTube premiere
CandleLit Sessions (episode 4)
Free poetry show – part of PBH’s Free Fringe 2021. A series of spoken word poetry showcases on the subject of mental health. Episode one features readings from: Kathryn O’Driscoll, Hannah Hodgson, Elizabeth McGeown, Amy Stirling, Dee Dickens, Mithago, Saili Katebe, Anne Gill, Callum Wensley, Fay Roberts, and Sam J. Grudgings.. For more details or to register, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 30th Aug, 7PM (ETC) – in-person/via Zoom
Oceanside Library Summer Gazebo Readings
(Happens in: New York, USA)
Every Monday, hosted by Tony Iovino. Featured poets/authors: Linda Opyr, George Wallace & Rita Monte. For access info, visit the Facebook event page.
Mon 30th Aug, 10.30AM (UK time) – via Zoom
Poetry at the Pub featuring Kelly Van Nelson
Annual membership: $5. Headline set by Kelly Van Nelson, plus open mic. For more details and access info, visit the Facebook event page.
WORKSHOPS
Positive Images Festival Poetry workshop: every last Sunday of the month – via YouTube
Workshop leader: Emilie Lauren Jones. Explore words from around the globe and have a go at writing your own poems. Check out Emilie’s YouTube channel for workshop videos.
Mon 9th August, 6PM (UK time) – via Google Meets
Developing Your Creative Practice: Workshop & 1-2-1s
Workshop: £5. 30-minute one-to-one sessions: £15. Workshop leader: Genevieve Carver. This session will provide simple and specific information for applying to Arts Council England’s DYCP grant as well as more general tips about how to write funding applications. There will be the opportunity for general questions. Suitable for all disciplines: visual arts, theatre, music, creative writing, etc. Also available: one-to-one sessions (£16-£20) for discussing a specific project; these will be booked on a first come, first served basis. For more information or to register, visit the Eventbrite page.
Thurs 19th Aug, 6.30-8.30PM (UK time) – via Facebook Live
Writing Audio Poetry
Tickets: £18 (£12 for Nottingham Studio Writers). Workshop led by Leanne Moden. This session is for intermediate writers who want to expand their practice, and make use of audio elements such as music/sound effects/voice and silences/soundscapes as part of their poetry. For more details or to register, visit the NSW event page.
Fri 20th August, 1PM (UK time) – via Zoom
DigiPoems Masterclass: Monetize Your Hustle Online
Free workshop. Registration closes 19th August. Led by: John Bernard, Wadzanai Chiuriri & Peggie Shangwa. A skills and experience sharing session – learn to earn from your digital work. For more information and access, visit the Facebook event page.