poetry

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Nottingham writer and facilitator Leanne Moden writes about her residency at the National Civil War Centre and how you can get involved this summer.

I applied for the Artist in Residence role at the National Civil War Centre (NCWC) in Newark because I love history. And the NCWC has such a rich collection of stories held within its walls!

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The Nottingham City of Literature free book giveaway campaign (29 June -12 August) features five compelling Young Adult titles, selected by young people, for young people…

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DR PANYA BANJOKO is a poet, archivist of the Nottingham Black Archive, and a research fellow at the University of Nottingham. She recently completed a PhD at NTU. In this fascinating blog post, she discusses reading, the values it brings to society, and the risks of low literacy.

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This summer, local author Ian C Douglas is teaching two new world-building courses as part of Nottingham Trent University's Creative Short Courses programme. He chats to LeftLion about making stuff up...

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Nestled in the corner of a Beeston bar, surrounded by people eating or socialising over a pint, are a group of people sat silently with their heads in a book. They may look slightly out of place, but for these readers, that’s the draw of this book club with a difference. Sandish Shoker went along to find out more about the silent book clubs taking over Nottingham and their appeal.

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With Nottinghamshire's rich history of writers, such as Alan Sillitoe, DH Lawrence and Lord Byron, it's about time avid readers could follow a literary trail to visit the historical locations associated with our literary history.

Nottingham’s Literary Map has been an exciting and fulfilling collaborative project between Nottingham City of Literature, the University of Nottingham and Visit Nottinghamshire.

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Nottingham City of Literature’s Youth Advisory Board has launched an exciting new initiative for young people to get involved with an international network of cities...

The new initiative invites young writers aged 16-25, to connect with their counterparts around the world and Nottingham City of Literature’s Youth Advisory Board are asking you to apply, take part and join the project connecting young people across the world.

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Cara Thompson shares her seven-month journey on being a Nature Poet Laureate, reflecting on how the role has shaped her voice, perspective, and purpose as both a writer and environmental advocate.

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In the current climate of economic instability and political discourse, creative communities face bigger threats to remain connected. Poppy Thomason caught up with Caetano Capurro and Jasmine McCallion, the co-hosts of Free Minds – a free poetry open mic night at The King Billy pub – to ask them about the power of expression within accessible creative spaces.

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In 2026, we’re partnering with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to deliver Naturally Connected Young People, a series of free nature writing workshops for 11-16s.

Sessions alternate between online and in person, held at Derbion Community Hub, and take place each week until May 2026. Through writing exercises aimed at encouraging connectedness to nature, the project hopes to boost self-esteem, confidence and wellbeing in Derbyshire-based young people.

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Michelle from Nottingham City of Literature has been looking at the intersection between fashion and literature, specifically fiction, in Amy Twigger Holroyd’s ‘Fashion Fictions’.

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As part of the project, Research Affiliate Crystal Mah-Wing was employed to help create a map, showcasing our cities best literary locations, for locals and tourists alike. We spoke to Crystal about the process, the team she worked with and what to expect when it’s out at the end of March…

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As Nature Poet Laureate, Cara will use her poetry as a tool to engage, empower and uplift communities, with particular emphasis on the young people in our communities who may feel disconnected from literature and the environment. Through workshops, performances, and public engagement, Cara will encourage creativity, build confidence, and open up new ways of experiencing both poetry and nature.

We sat down with Cara Thompson, Nature Poet Laureate, to discuss her vision for her role and understand a bit more about the manifesto.

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Let's explore some idiom origins!

In this episode, Rob and Jess explore the stories behind a host of common sayings.
Does anyone actually 'bury the hatchet'?
Was there ever a 'devil's advocate'?
What is a 'son of a gun'?
Why would you have a 'feather in your cap'?

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We take a look at The Unravelling of Mary Reddish by David Whitfield, a novel about the blurred lines between sanity, control and women's autonomy, which is set against the backdrop of Nottingham General Lunatic Asylum - the first publicly-funded asylum in England.

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Poet Leanne Moden worked with us on the Bromley House Library Writers’ Residency as a creative mentor. Here, Leanne talks about the process of writing to commission, and supporting young people on their first writing residency.

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Join Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook as they uncover the origins of Robin Hood. What was the earliest mention of Robin Hood in text? How has Robin Hood evolved through time to become the legend that he is today? Did he have a real-life counterpart?

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A charming coming-of-age novel about what it means to grow up and find family amongst strangers, set against the backdrop of a dystopian regime and shaped by themes of drug abuse, gang violence, and personal responsibility.

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Back in late August, Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature announced Cara Thompson as the city’s first Nature Poet Laureate. Cara is an art-ivist, performer, and writer, a founding member of the Nottingham Black Creatives Network and the 2021 winner of Slamovision. Her work draws heavily from her Caribbean-British background – encouraging creative discussion of social issues. Below we meet Cara and learn all about her…

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Nottingham journalist and author Frances Ryan is Britain’s leading writer and activist for disabled people. She has spent years calling out reckless government policies and social ignorance towards disability, and been a beacon for people living with disabilities. This year she released a new book describing the daily differences of living with a disability. We caught up with her for a chat…

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Writer Danny Scott’s memoir, The Undisputed King of Selston, delves into Nottinghamshire's rich mining history from a personal and emotional perspective. Marcus Lawrence delves into the journalist’s newest book, and his deep-rooted, generational connections to the city.

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Our latest episode is a conversation with the Notts-born Showrunner of BBC TV's Sherwood, who is taking Notts to New York stages and returning home to celebrate the 160th Birthday of Nottingham's Theatre Royal...

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This month, Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature have announced their new Nature Poet Laureate: Cara Thompson.

During the next 18 months Cara will create five new poetic works, in service of a role devised to inspire new connections with nature in the face of the climate crisis, and to dovetail with the City Council’s commitment to becoming a carbon-neutral city by 2030.

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A network of black creatives with an aim to empower, encourage & support each other in Nottingham's bustling creative scene

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A Nottingham based poetry collective. Produces DIY Poets magazine and regular poetry events.

They also hold monthly meeting online where members share draft poems for positive feedback.

New members are welcome.

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Nottingham spoken-word collective GOBS host poetry performances, workshops, events, book clubs, masterclasses and education programmes. We meet on a quarterly basis (spring, summer, autumn, winter) with various projects and opportunities rolling out throughout the year.
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A HOME FOR ALL WRITERS

For absolute beginners and award-winners. Whether you’re a novelist or note-taker, a songwriter or scribbler, we welcome all lovers of the written word.
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A curated platform for spoken word and music. Available for festival and event bookings.
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A hub for all things Poetic in the great city of Nottingham. Events, Readings, Discussions, Publications - hear about it all here!
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We are a group of writers from all over the Vale of Belvoir and beyond. We meet every month in the Parish Room next to Bottesford library. Each meeting has an optional theme that you can use as a writing prompt. We also love to hear your works in progress and to meet anyone curious about writing.
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Nottingham’s global poetry and music community

The World Jam Collective-formerly known as Word Jam collective- was founded by a group of ESOL (English as a Second Language) students in 2012 and has been directed since by Mina Fatemi. The initial purpose of the group was to create a supportive network for non-English speaking poets and writers living in Nottingham.
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We believe in an open society, which for us means everyone should have equal access to the means of creativity and expression. These values inform the work we do, the areas we work in, the people we work with, and an ongoing dialogue with contemporary society through our programmes and projects.
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Beeston Tales is a monthly storytelling club night happening Beeston. Hosted by Tim Ralphs and Mike Payton, the club features themed nights, renowned guests and all the best of the most ancient and human artform. This is the group to join for updates on what's happening at the club.
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The Storytellers of Nottingham run an open mic traditional storytelling night.
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Mansfield Palace Theatre Leeming Street, Mansfield NG18 1NG

At each event, we’ve welcomed a variety of talented performers based in and around Mansfield. At previous events we’ve had, poetry, live music, and stand-up comedy, so there’s something for everybody!

These events offer young people a safe and friendly space to gain experience performing in front of an audience. Whether you're a first-time performer, or want a bit more practice, this event is for you!

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Free Minds is a safe space for funky people at any and all writing and speaking levels to share their poetry and listen to others. We’ve had people perform ballads, raps and even stories at our lovely little room at the King Billy pub in Sneinton; and every night gets better and better !
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Real Talk is a spoken word night, featuring poets and performers from the Derbyshire area and surrounding counties.

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A Nottingham based poetry collective. Produces DIY Poets magazine and regular poetry events.
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Come along to Pints n' Poets where you'll be treated to an electric evening of incomparable artists - Rockin' and Rollin' and Readin' - gonna be great!

Plenty of open mic spaces for musicians and poets alike - COME ON DOWN!
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Dandelions Poetry: wild and unexpected

Dandelions grow in the cracks where we least expect them, forcing their way into our attention with moments of surprise and untidy beauty. The poetry featured at Dandelions Poetry will come from unexpected angles, and will focus on experiences of the world that might often be pulled up and discarded. Come along and appreciate some blooms in surprising places. Join in and read a poem if you want to.
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Championing working class, marginalised & activist artists & creatives. Open mic, all artists welcome
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Nottingham Central Library

Speak Easy Collective is our monthly spoken word open mic and workshop series held at Nottingham Central Library. Led and curated by our Youth Advisory Board member Abigail Hutchison, it provides a chance for young poets to share words and time together, and is a place where creative voices are heard.

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Ye Olde Ramme 34 Church Street Mansfield NG18 1AE

New poetry open mic night beginning in January 2026! It's called "Hot Mess Mansfield" and it will take place on the last Monday of every month at Ye Olde Ramme, Church Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, close to both Mansfield bus and train stations. It will feature all kinds of spoken word with 5 minute / 3 poem slots available for performers - just message me, your host Cat Clarke, to reserve a slot or get your name down when you turn up. Please see the poster below for more details. "Hot Mess Mansfield" is an LGBTQIA+ friendly space - oh, and there's a post-show disco, too!

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We host our own showcases, publish anthologies, and have performed alongside Yomi Sode, Randolph Matthews, Casey Bailey, and Debris Stevenson.

GOBS currently works in partnership with Apples and Snakes, Nottingham Playhouse and Nottingham Central Library.
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Beeston Library in Nottingham

Paper Cranes is a space for poetry writers of all stripes and abilities to meet, create and connect. We support local writers to develop their poetry skills and improve their confidence. The collective is facilitated by Leanne Moden, and the group meets every first and third Tuesday of the month at Beeston Library.

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WelcomeCome along to Write Night, a drop in writing workshop for poets. Each month Write Night explores a theme or style of poetry with a few exercises and prompts, suitable for poets of all experiences. Whether you have been writing for years or stopped putting words down when you left school, this night is a place to come and experiment , find community and build together.

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Debbie and Tim bring their writing community to the airwaves! Whether it's poetry, novels or scripts, they'll be talking all things spoken word from people near and far.
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Fisher Gate Point is that building on the corner which always has interesting artwork in the windows. Ever wondered what happens inside? Now is your chance to have a nosy at the cafe bar, gig venue, artisan shop and dozens of creative projects it houses.

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