In its sixth iteration, Derby Poetry Festival is taking place from the 2nd - 6th October 2024.

Throughout the festival programme there are plenty of opportunities to perform on the open mics. In an effort to be fair and transparent we are introducing this form for poets, writer and creatives to sign-up to perform on the open mics.

We will use this to fairly distribute open-mic slots and in the event of more people applying than we have slots available we will use a random generator to select applicants. There may be open mic slots available on the door but we can't guarantee this.

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September's episode will have the theme 'inside / outside'. This is deliberately all-embracing and you might be thinking along the lines of indoors or outdoors, appearance and reality, physical and mental -whatever.

October's episode will have the theme 'canonical'. What is the canon? still mainly dead white men? or has it expanded to be more diverse, more global?

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DIY entertained at Gate to Southwell festival (GtSF) this weekend, between enjoying bands, eating crepes and watching morris dancers they held a poetry showcase and open mic on Saturday afternoon in the Steeples tent and the annual all comers Slam on the Frontier stage on Sunday morning.

At the Steeples set, themes included the adventures of cats, the nostalgia of childhood memories, finding identity, insecticide, cannibal slugs, nature documenting, diy disaster, grief, love, loss and lessons learned in space travel.

Excellent hosting was from Trevor Wright who introduced the DIY Poets (Clare Stewart, Andy Szpuk, Martin Grey, Hazel Warren, Kevin Jackson, Lytisha Tunbridge, Kieth Ford, and Annette) who were joined by Denise (a regular now at the Gate to Southwell open mic) sharing a set of poems on connection to Mother Earth and two new comers Craig who shared a poem on insecticide, and Glenn who shared a touching piece on his relationship with his mum. An all ages audience enjoyed the show.

At the GtSF Poetry Slam poets came together, facing off the threat of heavy showers (which mostly held off) to battle each other for the title “Bard of Southwell”. The contest was stiff, including several previous winners and everyone brought their A-Game. 13 contestants took part including a first time ever poetry performer Nick (always amazing privilege to encourage new poets to move from the page to the stage). 3rd place went to Clare Stewart who performed a rhythmical piece entitled Scottish Andante, John L came second (a first timer at the GtSF Slam) with some Good Advice on always being in your skin. The climax of the show was a four way tie for first place, featuring Will Kummer’s piss poem (a Bladderfull of Hyperbole) Martin Grey’s -You Can Sponsor a Roundabout Today, defending champion Tibbie Star came with a new piece entitled “Galaxy” but all were all beaten in an incredibly close call on the clapometer test, by Gabe (3) and Ella (11) reading a whimsical piece inspired by the compass directions and a cowboy/cowgirl search. Great fun had by all. Join us next time if you’re able!

Thanks Hazel

We are a Nottingham, UK based poetry collective. We're nice and we don't always rhyme.

Our aim is to give budding poets the opportunity to perform their work in public and get their work published and we're proud to have members of all ages, shapes, sizes, experiences and styles, from brand new poets and occasional hobbyists to slam winners and published writers.

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Online

Join The Literary Consultancy for a series of accessible events for writers interested in how to lead more conscious lives. Each week throughout September – Conscious Writing Month – we will be offering one evening seminar (Tuesday 7-8.30pm BST) and one interactive lunchtime workshop (Thursday 12-1pm BST) to explore the following themes.

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Online

Beyond the Spectrum is a creative writing project for autistic people, led by professional autistic writers. It connects autistic writers through a series of workshops which foster creativity, community and wellbeing. Groups have the opportunity to showcase their work through digital anthologies, live events or other outputs. Alongside this, participants will be invited to masterclasses, given the opportunity to submit to a bi-annual digital zine, an invite to an autism-led digital festival and access to a digital hub.

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Five Leaves Bookshop, Nottingham

Willie Hopkin ran a weekly “salon” in Eastwood, for local writers and local radicals, did soap-box meetings in local town squares, and sat on the local Council and the County Council.

Hopkin was famous throughout the Midlands as an independent social reformer, writer, broadcaster, wit, poet and naturalist. His circle of friends encompassed peers, tramps, renowned literary figures and, above all, colliers and farmers amongst whom he lived at Eastwood.

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Waterstones, Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham

Literary agents. Who are they? What do they do for writers? And how do you secure one?

Find out in this informative and interactive panel discussion. With industry experts representing each step of the publishing process – from editor to agent to publisher.

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Online

We're beyond excited to invite you to a night filled with powerful words and vibrant performances at our upcoming Spoken Word event. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, September 18th, from 7pm to 9pm UK time - all happening on Zoom!

Our special guest for the evening is the incredible Maria T, who promises to deliver an unforgettable performance that will leave you inspired and moved.

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New Art Exchange 39-41 Gregory Boulevard Nottingham NG7 6BE

Join us for The Fado Vadio Presents: A Night of Art, Music & Poetry—a special evening where art, music, and poetry come together inside our gallery. This event marks the closing of our current exhibition, giving you a unique last chance to experience the art in a lively and creative atmosphere.

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