The Dream Shop Children’s Poetry Competition!

We are a children's book shop running a poetry competition to celebrate national poetry day.

Prize

National poetry day Live – Rachel McCarthy

Rachel is a published poet and will be in Llandudno library to discuss some of her poems

Performance, Free

Rhyme Scene Presents: Cooking up words with Inja

Inja is a spoken word poet, bass music artist and host whose work spans Hip-Hop, Grime and Drum and Bass genres. A champion of freestyle poetry, Inja is on a mission to bring words and poetry to life. Hear Inja’s lyrical wizardry live in the Seven Stories attic and experience the energy and excitement of freestyle poetry. Cook up your own poetry in a lively creative writing workshop afterwards, led by the artist. A unique opportunity to express your own voice with one of the UK’s most exciting spoken word artists!
£3 per person (suitable for ages 11+)

Performance

Pass on a Poem

Poetry reading group. We meet monthly at Community Hub Central to share poems that we love - choose a poem to read to the group, or just come to listen! If you have a poem to read please send details of title and poet in advance to be included on the reading list. Poems must be previously published, but not written by the reader. Tel 01429 272905 or email central.library@hartlepool.gov.uk

Free, Library

How to Write Poems with Joseph Coelho

Join performance poet and playwright Joseph Coelho as he explores a mindboggling selection of poetry: from laughable limericks to poetic puns, and from ridiculous rhymes to silly sibilance. Whether you already write poems, you’ve never written before, or you’re not even sure what a poem is – How to Write Poems is for you. Full of useful tips and starting points, this book will make you chuckle, make you think, and inspire you to write your own poetry. Enjoy a range of exciting writing activities to get your pen flowing! Supported by Bloomsbury Publishing.

Performance

Rhyme Scene: Poetry Trail Launch

Can words make a change? Do poems question or answer? Join the Rhyme Squad to solve the rhyme! Hunt for clues throughout Seven Stories and help blow the case wide open on this fun poetry and spoken word trail. Meet illustrator and comics fan Erin McGrath on National Poetry Day as she puts the finishing touches to the trail and be among the first to test it out or pick up a trail at the Seven Stories reception throughout autumn

Rap’n’Rhyme “Words Wild And Free”

A one hour poetry show featuring spoken word artists: poets; Kay Walton and Justin Coe, rappers; Jon Clark and Esther Vaquerizastorres and singer-songwriter Jennie Malonie. This show will be introducing KS2 children in Hertford Junior School, Carden Primary School, Patcham Junior School, Bevendean Primary School and Fairlight Primary School to a wide variety of spoken word pieces, many of which reference the theme of FREEDOM. Children will then be able to participate in Rap'n'Rhyme workshops preparing for public performances of their own poems in December.

Performance

A. E. Housman Readathon

To celebrate the work of A.E. Housman and mark National Poetry Day, the Poetry Project will be offering a collaborative reading of Housman’s most famous collection, A Shropshire Lad, along with a performance of two of the most famous and beautiful settings of Housman’s poems by Vaughan Williams and George Butterworth, performed by students from the BCU Conservatoire.

Performance

The slightly delayed National Poetry Day celebration

Joanne Limburg will read ffrom her new colection, The Autistic Alice. There will also be an open mic. The theme is freedom. Bring a poem you have written or one you wish to read and share.

5.30 for 6

The event is in Room 0.01 of DMU's Clephan Building. Entrance is on Bonners Lane.

FREE EVENT ALL WELCOME.

Performance, Free, Open mic

Run Your Tongue for National Poetry Day

This is a monthly spoken word and music night, which consists of open mic, featured musicians and a headline poet.

Performance, Open mic

A Virtual Day of Freedom

Hosted at my PC in a small seaside town, there will be a day of original poetry, songs about Freedom and what the concept means to me. Please bring your own tea and cake :D

Perton Library’s Let’s Write a Renga

On National Poetry Day, Perton Library invites you to come and write a Haiku to add to our collaborative Renga! Open to all ages, experience, talents; come and tell us what you think about the library!

Free, Library

Poetry in the Clays

Guset poet and Year 11 Performance Poetry experience.

Fight for the right to speak workshop with Kenny Barraka

Poetry competition

Poetry in Maths (Really!)

Performance, Prize

Pop-Up Poetry Picnic

Altrincham’s family friendly festival is back, with a pop-up poetry picnic!

‘The sort of event that makes you feel that all is right with the world’ (Philip Womack, Author & Critic).

Pack a picnic, bring a blanket and join us for a 10-stop poetry trail in the beautiful setting of Denzell Gardens (off Dunham Road, WA14 4QF).

Giggle with poet Terry Caffrey in our author’s tent!

Discover new favourites with our book swap stall and cosy book club corner!

Get creative with our pocket money crafts, fun face-painting, pop-up drama from Sir John Deane’s sixth Form College and yoga for children from Cheshire Cat Yoga!

Enjoy delicious treats and drinks from The Garden!

Event is suitable for all ages and we’re dog friendly.

This event is sponsored by Mackinnon & Saunders - makers of Postman Pat, Raa Raa the Noisy Lion, Pingu, Strange Hill High and much more.

Performance, Free

Poetry Rocks!

Pupils will be writing favourite poems, lines from poems, their own poems on rocks, stones and pebbles around the school and by the local river to form a whole site poetry instalment. One selected year group will be writing their poems onto helium balloons to release in line with the theme of freedom...

Performance, Library

From Botswana to Barra

Book launch of a charming book of poems from Cindy Stevens.

Cindy will read some of her travels in poetry and share some music of the lands she has visited.

Performance, Free

What is Freedom?

A Poetry Workshop and Competition.

Mel Woodend Writing and Chapters of Stafford will be visiting local schools to provide a free poetry workshop and competition.

Please email melwoodendwriting@gmail.com or sheila@chaptersofstafford.co.uk to for more details.

Free, Prize

FREEDOM!

Celebrate this year’s National Poetry Day with Vita, Live Poets, and the Poetry People in the Reading Lounge at Blackpool Central Library.

2pm – 3:30pm
Free Slam

Free, Open mic

Poetry In Motion

A relaxed evening of poetry and prose.Come with your friends and read the great poets, your own poems, or simply listen and enjoy.

Free, Open mic

Y Gadair Wag | The Empty Chair

Literature Wales, in partnership with the Welsh Government’s First World War Centenery Programme Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914-1918, has commissioned a multimedia show about the life and work of Hedd Wyn.

Y Gadair Wag is written and performed by the National Poet of Wales, Ifor ap Glyn, directed by Ian Rowlands and contains digital art by Jason Lye-Phillips.

Performance

Poetry Club National Poetry Day Special

Poetry Club is back!

This month we'll be looking at this year's National Poetry Day theme of 'Freedom'.

This in an informal writing workshop for all levels of experience - just bring yourself, some paper and a pen, and be ready to do a bit of reading, a bit of discussion and a bit of writing in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Rutland Arms, Sheffield , 7PM - 9PM Wednesday 4th October

Suggested donation £5.

Phoenix Recordings Poetry Night

A display of local talent from Luton showcasing some work from a forthcoming project on Phoenix Recordings UK

Performance, Open mic

National Poetry Day @ UCM

UCM will be hosting the day in the Library.
There will be guest speakers and all are welcome to join

Performance, Free, Library, Exhibition

National Poetry Day Competition

To celebrate National Poetry Day children aged 9-11 are invited to enter a poetry competition on the theme of Freedom.

Entrants can produce an original piece of poetry and there are no constraints on the type or length of the poem - after all we are talking about freedom!

The judge is local poet Mel Woodend.

Closing date for entries is the Friday 20 October 2017.

First Prize: £25 to spend in-store.
Runners-up will receive a poetry book and a goody bag.

Prize will be presented on the 4th November 2017.

For more details and terms and conditions please see website.

Free, Prize

Pop Up Poet

Our poet in residence, Christian Foley will be visiting lessons across the school to recite poetry and delight pupils with his unique rap. The lessons visited will range in age and subjects.
We are also launching our poetry competition on the theme of Freedom.

Performance, Open mic

Slam Dunk National Poetry Day Special

This monthly Poetry Slam in Hastings, which is on every last Thursday of the month, coincidently happens to fall on National Poetry Day this year. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to make this one of the most spectacular slams to date.

Headlining is Henry Madicott from Canterbury and brand new performance poet Sophie Barker who performed her first ever slam poem last month at Slam Dunk with an astonishing 29 out of 30.

We will also be sharing hand written poetry in conjunction with Vertex, a network of artist and poets across the South East.

If you want to come and slam, bring two original poems and sign up on the night at 7pm. Names will be pulled out of a hat to decide who performs. The winning slammer will get the opportunity to headline at the next Slam Dunk event.
All poets will be filmed professionally for you to use as promotion for your work.

£5 or £3 for slammers.
This is a non profit event and all proceeds go back into making the night bigger and better.

Performance

An Evening of Music and Poetry

A celebration at school where younger children recite a poem they have learned by heart, older children will read poems they have written on the theme of Freedom and musicians will play pieces.

Performance, Free

The Cellar Bards: An evening with Sophie McKeand

An evening with Sophie McKeand, Young People’s Laureate for Wales plus open mic for local writers of poetry

Open mic

Pop-up Poetry Cafe

To celebrate this year's National Poetry Day we'll be having a pop-up poetry cafe right across from Dove Cottage in Grasmere! There will be free hot drinks and home-made cake, poetry readings, and lots of poetry activities. Come and release your inner poet!

Free, Open mic

National Poetry Day at The Alfred Tennyson

National Poetry Day Dinner
Thursday 28th September 2017
7pm-9.30pm

Following its recent refurbishment, The Alfred Tennyson is launching a new craft series in honour of our namesake Poet Laureate who lived nearby, beginning with a poetry evening on National Poetry Day.

Expect an entertaining combination of warm hospitality, quality dining and cultural inspiration. A former winner of the Christopher Tower poetry prize, poet Eley Williams will be reading a selection of her amusing contemporary poems between each course throughout the evening. Perfect for those who enjoy light-hearted entertainment alongside delicious food, and with an appreciation for the art of poetry.

Enjoy a drink on arrival, followed by a 3-course meal from a menu of our delectable dishes that celebrate the provenance and heritage of sustainably-sourced ingredients. The event will be hosted in the newly reopened First Floor Dining Room, with its high ceilings and wooden floorboards that retain the historic drawing room feel of the traditional Belgravia town house, much like those that Tennyson himself frequented.

Later events in the craft series will include a festive wreath-making workshop in late November, and a special Valentine’s variation in early February.
Exact dates will be revealed in due course, sign up below for more information.

£49pp including a welcome drink (pint of draft beer or glass of Cubitt House wine),
3 course meal, and poetry readings.

To book: reservations@thealfredtennyson.co.uk / 0207 730 6074

Performance

National Poetry Day / Diwrnod Barddoniaeth Cenedlaethol

To celebrate National Poetry Day we’ll be running workshops and activities which will be available to book for interested schools and community groups.

Please email our Learning Officer nicola.kelly@swansea.gov.uk or ring the Centre on 01792 463980 for more information.

Throughout the day, we’ll be tweeting some of our favourite lines from Dylan Thomas’ poems so keep an eye on @DTCSwansea and tweet us your favourites.
____________________________________

I ddathlu, byddwn ni’n cynnal gweithdai a gweithgareddau a fydd ar gael i’w trefnu gan ysgolion a grwpiau cymunedol sydd â diddordeb.

Gallwch e-bostio ein Swyddog Dysgu ar nicola.kelly@swansea.gov.uk neu ffonio’r Ganolfan ar 01792 463980 i gael mwy o wybodaeth.

Yn ystod y diwrnod, byddwn ni’n trydar rhai o’n hoff linellau o gerddi Dylan Thomas, felly gadwch llygad ar @CDTAbertawe ac anfonwch negeseuon trydar atom ni gyda’ch ffefrynnau

Free, Exhibition

Freedom in the City

Come along to a fantastic line up of poetry at the Library of Birmingham on Thursday 28th September in the main foyer from 5.30pm until 7pm. This is a wonderful free event to celebrate National Poetry Day. It's a great line up of established poets including our amazing Poet Laureate and Young Poet Laureate. Why not end your working day or begin your night out with 90 minutes of fun and thought provoking poetry from 5.30pm in the main foyer of the Library of Birmingham.

Performance, Free, Library

Elleanora Fizzle-Wallop Reads Children’s Poetry

Elleanora Fizzle-Wallop will be recording live videos of her reading children's poetry.

Performance, Free

Voices of 1919

A performance of excerpts read by actors at the Autumn in Malvern Festival.

VOICES OF 1919

The Great War is over. In the Spring of 1919 the village of Oakby awaits the return of survivors. Each household has its own story. Through the words of 20 contemporary poets, we hear the voices of villagers struggling to recall their past, to understand the present and to imagine the future.
Voices of 1919 captures a time 6 months after Armistice, in the imagined village of Oakby.
A narrator will take the audience through the village, introducing various dwellings, before poems are read by the locals living at each address. This is a moment in time rarely shown by either poetry or prose in covering the Great War.

Performance

Freedom Poems

Wanted: Your poems about Freedom. Send 20-25 line poems to Worcestershire Poet Laureate, Nina Lewis at worcspl@gmail.com

I will publish a collection on the website for National Poetry Day.

getonthesoapbox presents Ipswich NPD

An evening of live poetry from artists in Ipswich and East Anglia. Expect comedy, politics, rhythm and rhyme, rap, free verse, sonnets, surrealism and open mic spots too - sign up on the night only. Adult language & content. Featuring: Bards Aloud, Matt Annis, Em Bea, Meg Burrows, Dan Clark, Jayd Green, Sharon Hulme, Jess Kemp, Allanah Jo-Ann Peck, Billy Pilgrim, Rye Shabby, Amy SoapBox, Hazel Thomas, Sue Wallace-Shaddad, Martin Webby, Christine York. 7pm - 11pm. FREE ENTRY. Donations gratefully received for ‘Phone credit for refugees and displaced people’ a volunteer run organisation on Facebook that provides vital phone credit to refugees and displaced adults and children across Europe, and beyond.

Performance, Free, Open mic

Poetry in the Park

Meet at 2pm by the bandstand in Cannon Hill Park. Walk and talk, be inspired by the freedom in the park, then listen to some poems, write and share. A free event run in partnership with the park rangers and Arts All Over The Place

Free

Poetry in Motion

We will visit all the tea rooms and cafes, some pubs and two rest homes, reciting poetry and presenting song

Performance

Poetry Performances

Students will read, sing and dramatise a variety of poems and songs.

Performance, Library

Live Lit in the Library

Teaching staff will be reading poems aloud in the library during lunchtime to an audience of students...biscuits will accompany the poetry.

Performance, Free, Library, Open mic

Her 100 Cerdd

Literature Wales has challenged four Welsh-language poets to compose and publish 100 original poems on National Poetry Day as part of the innovative digital project Her 100 Cerdd (100 Poem Challenge).

For more information, visit www.literaturewales.org

NPD with Lemn Sissay MBE

Celebrate National Poetry Day with Lemn Sissay MBE

Performance

Moira Andrews – Book Signing, Talk and Readings

Moira Andrews will be visiting our library on 28th September to celebrate National Poetry day.

The talk starts at 3pm - please book a place by phone:0300 123 2224

Like us on Facebook to get more information and message us to book, or pop into the library and ask a member of staff.

Performance

The Poetry of Thomas Hardy at Max Gate

Thomas Hardy published around 1000 poems in his lifetime. Many were written at Max Gate, his home near Dorchester. Come and join us between 2pm and 4pm and we will be reciting some of his poems around the property. Normal admission prices apply, National Trust members free.

Performance

Poetry at the Stamford Poetry Stone

In celebration of National Poetry Day...local poets will be performing poetry at The Stamford Poetry Stone between 10am-2pm...St Michaels Churchyard, just off High Street.

Performance

The Poetry of War

Special guest actors BRENDAN COYLE (Downton Abbey), ANTON LESSER (Game of Thrones) and OLIVIA WILLIAMS (The Ghost Writer) join Allie Esiri at Cliveden Literature Festival to read war poetry from her new anthology, A Poem for Every Day of the Year. The show journeys through the centuries and will include Hardy’s poem about Trafalgar, Tennyson’s Charge of the Light Brigade, the poets of the Great War, Bob Dylan, and Simon Armitage on Afghanistan.

Performance

A Poem for Every Day of the Year

Following the success of A Poem for Every Night of the Year (Independent Bookshop Week Award 2017) Allie Esiri’s new anthology, A Poem for Every Day of the Year is a journey through a calendar year, highlighting key moments and dates with a poem for every day, by writers such as Keats, W H Auden, Maya Angelou and Kate Tempest. An inspiring evening of readings of some of the magical and humorous poems in this journey through history and human experience. Read by four actors including Joanna Lumley, Stephen Mangan and Simon Russell Beale.

Chris Riddell (political cartoonist for The Observer, award-winning author and illustrator, and Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2015-2017) will be live drawing this event.

Allie Esiri is the curator of live poetry events at literature festivals including Hay and Cheltenham, and creator of the iF Poems and The Love Book poetry apps.

After the event, Allie Esiri will be signing copies of A Poem for Every Day of the Year. When you buy your copy from the National Theatre Bookshop, you support the work of the NT.

All artists appear subject to availability.

Performance

TWP 4 NPD

Join members of the Tees Women Poets collective for an evening of readings, wine and nibbles at Stockton's independent bookshop.

Featuring poetry from Janet Philo, Natalie Scott, and Sarah Crutwell.

Performance, Free

Wild Thyme Poetry, Tea & Cake!

Bring your own written, or favourite selected poem on the theme of 'freedom' along to our open mic evening at Wild Thyme Wholefoods, 7-9pm, 102 Palmerston Rd, Southsea, PO5 3PT.

As a vegan worker co-operative, 'freedom' is one of our main business ethics, so we particularly look forward to hearing the freedom that inspires you and your poetry!

£5 Includes tea/coffee and a delicious cake from our range of cakes and cookies (Many gluten-free and raw).

Prize, Open mic

Enfield poem-a-thon

60 poets performing throughout the day at The Dugdale Theatre in Enfield Town from 10am-7pm including national, regional and local poets, such as George Szirtes, Maggie Butt and Liba Ravindran. All in aid of funding a family of refugees to settle in Enfield.

Performance, Free, Prize

Blood and Words: The Poetry of War

Following the incredible success of 2014’s love poetry event at Cheltenham Literature Festival with Damian Lewis and Helen McCrory, Allie Esiri returns with a powerful new show of poems taken from A Poem For Every Day of the Year. Joined by Harry Enfield and Alison Steadman, with live drawing by Charlie Mackesy, Esiri takes us on a journey through the poetry of war: from Shakespeare on the eve of Agincourt to Tennyson on The Charge of the Light Brigade, Wilfred Owen in the trenches to Simon Armitage’s contemporary take on conflict.

Performance

Poetry evening with Nestor Ponce

A social evening celebrating the launch of English version of Argentinian poet Nestor Ponce's collection 'Disappearance without Absence' (Waterloo Press). Readings in Spanish and English, followed by discussion with the poet. Drinks and nibbles. Free entry but donations invited for Freedom from Torture. Chapel Royal, North St, Brighton. 6.30-8.30

Performance

An evening of poems (around) National Poetry Day

Celebrate the week of National Poetry Day with a relaxed evening of poetry in the Living Room space at the Oxford Hub, hosted by publisher Emma Wright and featuring special guests Rakhshan Rizwan and Kate Wakeling. Join us in sitting around on sofas and sharing a few poems.

If you want to do more than just listen (which is absolutely fine), you can sign up to on the door to read a poem on the theme of freedom, by yourself or bring along a poem by someone else). If you want to read out a poem but you're not sure what, don't worry – we'll have some spares for you to choose from.

Free entry. All ages welcome.

The event will start at 6pm sharp, as we only have the room for an hour!

* * *
ABOUT THE POETS

Rakhshan Rizwan was born in Lahore, Pakistan, and then moved to Germany to study Literature and New Media. She is currently a PhD candidate at the Department of Comparative Literature at Utrecht University and a Witteveen Memorial Research Fellow at Tilburg University in the Netherlands. In 2015 she won the Judith Khan Memorial Poetry Prize. 'Paisley' is her first poetry pamphlet.

Kate Wakeling is a poet and ethnomusicologist. Her poetry has appeared in magazines and anthologies including Oxford Poetry, the Guardian and The Forward Book of Poetry 2016, and a pamphlet of her poetry for adults, 'The Rainbow Faults', is published by The Rialto. Moon Juice is her first poetry collection for children.

Performance, Free, Open mic

An evening of poems with the Emma Press

Celebrate National Poetry Day with a relaxed evening of poetry, hosted by local publisher Emma Wright and featuring special guests Rakhshan Rizwan and Megan Beech.

Sign up to an open-mic slot on the door to read a poem on the theme of freedom (by yourself or bring along a poem by someone else). If you want to read out a poem but you're not sure what, don't worry – we'll have some spares for you to choose from!

Rakhshan Rizwan will be reading poems from her debut pamphlet, 'Paisley' (Emma Press), and Megan Beech will be reading from her new collection, 'You Sad Feminist' (Burning Eye Books).

Performance, Open mic

Freedom: Poetry Day + 1

To celebrate National Poetry Day, the well known Exeter poets, Lawrence Sail and Anthony Wilson, will be reading their own and others' poems which chime with this year’s theme, Freedom.

Anthony Wilson is a poet, writing tutor, blogger and Senior Lecturer at the Graduate School of Education, University of Exeter. His most recent books are Lifesaving Poems (Bloodaxe, 2015), Riddance (Worple Press, 2012) and Love for Now (Impress Books, 2012). He lives and works in Exeter and blogs at www.anthonywilsonpoetry.com

Lawrence Sail, who lives in Exeter, is a freelance writer and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. In addition to twelve books of poems, he has published two books of essays and a memoir of childhood (Sift, Impress Books 2010). He has also edited a number of anthologies, including First and Always (Faber 1988).
His most recent book of poems, The Quick (also from Bloodaxe Books), came out in 2015.

Performance, Free

Marsden the Poetry Village

Poster Poems - the launch

Come visit the UKs first poetry village to read music themed poems displayed in shop windows. Discover some of the history of this wonderful Pennine village on a poetry themed walk which includes some recent locations used in Hollywood films and areas that have inspired famous poems.

Free, Open mic

Freedom Come Aa Ye

An Open Poetry Hour. Come and share your favourite poem or just listen to Huntly Writers reading their work. Join in singing Freedom Come Aa Ye with folk singer Fraser Wilson who will be giving out a leaflet with the words, history and English translation of Hamish Henderson's famous lyric.

Free Event. All welcome

Performance, Free, Library, Open mic

Edinburgh: Singing the City

Join us for the launch of Edinburgh: Singing the City, a collection of poetry inspired by Edinburgh and its citizens by Christine De Luca.

Edinburgh: Singing the City is the latest publications from the Saltire Society’s Saltire Series which sees invited individuals spark fresh thinking, ignite debate and challenge our orthodoxies.

Performance, Library

The Poetry Society at Covent Garden Tube Station

Poems on the tube tannoy, Poems on the Underground poster giveaways, delightful freebies and cheery conversation - The Poetry Society will moving into their local tube station for the day - come and say hello. (10am - 4pm)

Free

National Poetry Day with Hugh McMillan

Celebrate National Poetry Day here at the home of the Bard

Join us on the 28th September to celebrate National Poetry Day at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. Scottish Poet and short story-writer Hugh McMillan will be reciting his poetry along with competition winners from Alloway Primary P7, who have written their own poems for the day!

This event will be streamed live on Facebook.

Performance

Poster Poems – the launch

Visit Marsden, the UK's first poetry village, to see a host of music themed poetry displayed throughout the village. Listen to live music and join the guided poetry walk where you can take hold of the Poetry Umbrella to read your own poems. Look out for Poetry Pebbles hidden along the way.

Performance, Free, Open mic, Exhibition

Readings by The 1000 Monkeys Poets

Eight poets based in or around Guildford, Surrey, will be reading their poems in Waterstones, Guildford High Street from 11am to 12 noon and from 2pm to 3pm: Taking part will be Karen Izod, Trisha Broomfield, Dónall Dempsey and Janice Dempsey(morning session) and in the afternoon: Kitty Coles, Ray Pool, Kyle McHale and Jeremy Loynes.

Performance, Free

Celebrate National Poetry Day at Town Hall Arts!

Drop in to Town Hall Arts from 11.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. to celebrate National Poetry Day with us! Poet Dawn Gorman will be on hand to lead fun and imaginative poetry writing activities! FREE.

Free

Junior Poetry Slam

Read your favourite poem or perform off by heart at The Book Nook in Hove with NPD Ambassador Roger Stevens. Aged 5 to 13. Prizes and poetry fun! Starts at 2pm.

Performance, Free, Prize, Open mic

Balsall Common Writers present National Poetry Day

Thursday 28 September 2017

4.15pm - 6.00pm

Celebrate National Poetry Day
with readings, tea and cake.

We will be joined by student poets from Heart of England School and guest speaker Maggie Cabeza.

Performance, Free, Library, Open mic

Guildford Waterstones: National Poetry Day 2017!

Join us for two wonderful poetry readings from lovely local wordsmiths to celebrate National Poetry Day! There will be two one hour sessions, before and after lunch. This is free to attend, so come along and support your local poets!

11am - 12noon: Dónall Dempsey, Janice Dempsey, Trisha Broomfield and Karen Izod.

2 - 3pm: Jeremy Loynes, Kyle McHale, Ray Pool and Kitty Coles.

Reading, Performance, Free

Outwood Primary, Wakefield: The Birds and the Bees

A primary-school NPD celebration of our birds, bees and other marvellous free-flying minibeasts in edu-taining laughter, rhythm and rhyme from my books 'Flying High! Discover the poetry in British birds' and 'Buzzing! Discover the poetry in garden minibeasts'. Followed by poetry workshops with KS2 pupils.

Performance

Stockton on Tees: Drake the Bookshop, Free the Word

Join local TWP poets Sarah Crutwell, Natalie Scott and Janet Philo for an evening of poetry reading to celebrate National Poetry Day.
Thursday 28th September 2017
7pm - 9pm Drake the Bookshop, 27 Silver Street, Stockton on Tees TS18 1SX
There will also be an open mic session
Free event with refreshments available
please contact the bookshop on 01642 909970 for more info and to book a place.

Performance, Free, Open mic

Poole Libraries: Describe the Sky

Celebrate National Poetry Day this week by helping us create a poetry window.
Drop in all week - Monday 25th to Saturday 30th September.

Library

Stratford-Upon-Avon library: British Sign Language Poetry Event

Warwickshire Poetry Voices in presenting its first ever BSL Poetry event at Stratford-Upon-Avon Library this National Poetry Day! This will include poets from the deaf, hard of hearing and hearing communities and will include performance by acclaimed poet Richard Carter.

Performance, Library

Cardiff: Octavo’s Book Cafe Limerick Competition

Cardiff, Octavo's Book Cafe and Wine Bar. To celebrate National Poetry Day we are running a limerick competition. The prize is a £25 Octavo's gift voucher.

Octavo Book Cafe and Wine Bar is an exciting new bookstore and cafe in West Bute Street, just off the Roald Dahl Plass in Cardiff Bay. It’s the heart of the creative quarter of Cardiff, the capital of Wales.

Founded in 2016, Octavo’s is situated in a former coaching inn, the oldest building (1839) in what used to be called Tiger Bay.  Octavo’s is a warm, welcoming hub for the community and visitors, offering a wide range of books alongside a raft of events, clubs, crafting and other activities.  And, of course, we offer coffee (roasted in Wales), teas, wine and an excellent menu of snacks and meals, all cooked from scratch, using Welsh produce where possible and including many traditional Welsh dishes.

 

Free, Prize

Empoword- National Poetry Day

Join Slough's poetry collective Empoword at the Curve for an evening of poetry, spoken word and music.

6:30pm- 8:00pm

Performance, Free, Library, Open mic

Freeing yourself to write: poetry in response to art

Poetry workshop, led by award-winning poet Katrina Naomi, exploring the art on display at Penlee House Gallery & Museum, Penzance, as an inspiration for writing. Open to all, from beginners to more experienced writers. Cost: £10 (£8.50 concessions)

Town Below the Steps

To celebrate National Poetry Day, Korks Wine Bar will host 'Town Below the Steps', a 'poetry play' and homage to 'Under Milk Wood' written by Otley Town Poet Matthew Hedley Stoppard, Otley Poets and Half Moon Books authors. The event also features original live musical interludes, written and performed by Matthew Sturgess (from The Silver Reserve) and pianist Beth Kilburn. FREE entry. Arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Performance, Free

Knaresborough Library – Poet in Residence

Local poet Sally Smith will be in residence at Knaresborough Library from 10am to 1pm on 28th Sept.
If you are an aspiring poet or just a lover of poetry please come along and meet Sally for a chat about how to write poems, what poetry means to you and share some of your favourites
Sally's new book 'In and out of Love' will also be on sale & she is happy to sign copies

Free, Library

Peterborough Poet Laureate Final

A heap of poets will perform to compete for glory at the final of Peterborough Poet Laureate 2018.

The final is been graciously supported by Vivacity Culture & Leisure Trust and The Key Theatre.

Book tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/peterborough-poet-laureate-2017-finale-tickets-35998995966?aff=eac2

Performance, Free

Poetry from the Lookout

A gathering of poets at 12:00 Noon from all over Suffolk and East Anglia to read their poems aloud from the steps of the Aldeburgh South Lookout. We will as in previous years be sharing our poems on the theme of Freedom from Aldeburgh beach with poets in Long Beach New York and Long Beach California.
The event is free to all to listen and take part. It is supported by the Caroline Wiseman Lookout arts club and Suffolk Poetry Society

Free, Open mic

Soul Food and Street Sonnets

Alexander Rhodes is not real. He is just an idea.

If you look hard enough you will find evidence of a previous incarnation as a DJ and producer of electronic music. A few house music mixes here, the odd chill out track there, echoing in the digital ether.

Alexander's poetry is inspired by the free thinking of the rave generation and heavily influenced by his breaking free from an oppressive religious cult. His work tackles concepts of self, society and awareness with the right blend of humour, a dash of inspiration and moments of genuine despair.

Expect wry observations, chemically induced inspirations and twisted logic.

“Thoughtful, evocative and unflinchingly honest”
Jason Vegas Butler “Rhymewarp”

“A joy to watch. His poetry dives right into what it means to be human”
Robert Garnham

“Searing and soulful” : Mark Gwynne Jones

“Who is that old guy, I like his stuff” Miko's Mum
I have outdone myself once again with this month's Feature poet.
Alexander Rhodes is someone I think of as a close friend. I was lucky enough to share a coffee and the beautiful views of Plymouth Hoe with him while we chatted about our remarkably similar experiences and common future goals. That was just the first day out of 6 but a morning I love to remember. His poetry is like honey tasting word pictures that can genuinely warm the soul. He is founder and Host at his own Pucker Poets event at the Kiss Cafe in Plymouth, director of the spoken word stage at Glas-Denbury Festival this year and opened the show for Junes Soul Food and Street Sonnets via live streaming from Plymouth. This is going to be one hell of a feature set and definitely not one to be missed.
For your own 10 minute slot just comment on the event notice.
You could just turn up on the night for a slot but why risk it when you can guarantee a slot so easily.
Slots are up to 10 minutes long but if you don't have ten minutes give us what you have.
See you there.

Performance, Free

Bradford Poets on location

Poets from Bradford District go on location across iconic places in the city to film recitals of their own verse.

The films will be launched on National Poetry Day on Bradford's Big Screen in City Park.

This event is supported by Bradford UNESCO City of Film and Bradford Libraries.

Free

Tor Bridge High School Celebration of Poetry

A week long celebration of poetry including quizzes, displays and competitions. A fantastic, high energy visiting poet to work with all our students (Karl Nova), poetry and petit fours poetry reading in the school library on national poetry day, poetry flash mob and lots more.

Library, Exhibition

Celebrating Poetry Day at Oundle Library

Join us for poetry readings, a bit of fun, and home made refreshments! Oundle U3A Poetry Group will be reading poems they've chosen and poems suggested by library customers. And if you'd like to read a poem yourself, just let us know. We welcome audience participation! Thursday, 28 September at Oundle Library @ 11.30am

Performance, Library

Freedom Poets

Call to arms to any Poets willing to write on the theme of Freedom nationally or internationally.
Email poems up to 20 lines to myriamwordmaker@gmail.com by the 28th of September to be published on I am not a silent poet online magazine.
If in the Bournemouth area, come to share your poems to the public. Meeting at The Mad Cucumber vegan lounge at midday.
Curated by Myriam San Marco, Bournemouth Poet Laureate.

Performance, Free

Below Stairs at Blacks Club

A unique night in one of Soho's most exclusive venues with an emphasis on poetry. Hosted by Sophia Blackwell with special guests Rosie Garland and Michelle Madsen.

Performance, Free

Freedoms – sky or fences

Book launch of three pamphlets from local poets Yvonne Chamberlain, Pauline Radley, Ursel North from Gallery Writers Imprint. Open mic for poets and singer song writers. Poetry posters with illustrations from Rowan students Cambridge. Poems from Clare Crossman, Kaddy Benyon, Lucy Hamilton, Jackie Watts.

Performance, Free, Open mic

Cinnamon Toast!

Five poets published by Cinnamon Press will read from their latest books/pamphlets to celebrate National Poetry Day at West Greenwich Library: Tamsin Hopkins, Alex Josephy, Jane McLaughlin, Jeremy Worman, Louise Warren.
FREE

Performance, Free

Poems in Brockley

A special edition of our monthly poetry readings to celebrate National Poetry Day, with poems on its theme of Freedom.Bring your own or other poets poems on the theme.
Upstairs at The Talbot pub, 2 Tyrwhitt Road, Brockley, SE4
7.30-10pm

Free

Pop up poetry

The LGBT Poet Laureate will be Celebrating National Poetry Day and its theme of Freedom, by taking poetry off the page.
She will be performing pop up poetry at various and unexpected Central London (WC1 & 2) locations.

Performance, Free

Queensbridge School Poetry Slam

Using the idea of blackout poetry, students and staff will perform their poems on the theme of 'freedom'. There will also be chances to have a 'poem in your pocket' and to discover new poets along the way.

Performance, Free, Library, Exhibition

Alchemy at Dumfries Museum

The Crichton Writers celebrate their region, its whisky, Robert the Bruce and Robert Burns with readings from their latest anthology, Alchemy. Free entry, tea and coffee will be served.

Performance, Free

New Voices in Poetry at Drawing Projects UK

Poetry reading and Q&A with the three winners of this year's Poetry School/Nine Arches Press Primers Competition. Listen to Cynthia Miller, Marvin Thompson and Ben Bransfield read their fantastic poems and enjoy a drink at the Studio Cafe.

Performance

Bath: Poems Galore at St Gregory’s Catholic College with Josephine Corcoran

St Gregory's Catholic College, Bath, has appointed poet, playwright and short story writer Josephine Corcoran as their Writer in Residence for the 2017 - 2018 academic year. On National Poetry Day students and staff will be reading, writing, and decorating the college with poems about freedom.

Northumberland: Words of Freedom

Join writers Elaine Cusack and Allison Davies for a morning of poetry appreciation on National Poetry Day in Northumberland Park’s Community Room (attached to café) from 10am to 11.30am.
Feel free to bring poems on this year's theme of Freedom.
Allison will also talk about her play Trade which tours next year and the charity, Dalit Freedom Network

Performance, Free

Edinburgh Rathbone Training: National Poetry Day

The youths at Rathbone Training will showcase their poems. All poems will be focussed on this years theme of 'Freedom'. Poems will be displayed from Friday 22nd September till national poetry day on the 28th.

Exhibition

Leicester Making Rhyme Catchers.

Aim is to learn, write and make poems fun and interesting for our students. The library will be working with Modern Languages Faculty to explore poems and language in English and another language known or being learnt by a student. This will be celebrated with a display on 'European Day of Languages'event with the MFL Faculty.

Free, Library

Torquay Thrive’s National Poetry Day Competition

We're getting creative this September to celebrate National Poetry Day! We are giving away Jane Evans' complete collection of children's books by asking pupils and adults to get together in their settings to create a poem based around this year's theme: Freedom.

Prize

Poetry Slam

Edinburgh-based poet Beth Cochrane hosts this slam for National Poetry Day 2017. Four young and upcoming poets, Ross McCleary, Marianne Macrae, Rachel Rankin and Freddie Alexander will perform and compete against each other. You, the audience, select your favourite poet and eventual contest winner.

Performance, Free, Library

Poetry at Lunchtime with Claire Askew

Celebrate National Poetry Day with poets Claire Askew and Stewart Sanderson. Sit back and enjoy listening to Claire and Stewart’s work, before sharing a favourite poem of your own with the group (remember to bring a poem to read!)

Or if reading aloud isn’t your idea of a calming time, continue relaxing and listening with a cup of tea and a biscuit.

Performance, Free, Library, Open mic

Poetry of Philip Larkin and a Freedom Pass on a Poem

The Poetry of Philip Larkin - Local literary enthusiast Rob White will take us through a selection of Larkin's poems giving a personal interpretation and insight into the great poet.

This will be followed by a Pass on a Poem Poetry Café with the Freedom theme. Share a favourite or listen to others.

Refreshments provided. Tickets £1. The event starts at 2pm. Booking advised. 01777708724

Library

A poetic trilogy by the contemporary Greek poet and philosopher Dimitris Kakalidis

Poetry that touches our soul and our divine essence; that moves, inspires and uplifts us.

Passing through the narration of the entire miracle of Creation, the poet Dimitris Kakalidis leads us to the next stop of the journey, where the human being is called to see all forms through different eyes; where Matter in total, becomes an object of admiration, and through its eternal dance with the Spirit, it is uplifted to its true substance.

Presented in English and Greek, the evening will see us follow the poet, through his words, in repositioning matter to its true existence.

Performance, Free

New Poetries – An Evening with the Poets of Carcanet Press

18:30 - 20:30
Waterstones Gower Street

In the run up to National Poetry Day, Carcanet Press and Gower St. Waterstones invite you to join us for a unique and special evening of readings from contributors to Carcanet's 2015 'New Poetries VI' anthology, including Rebecca Watts, Adam Crothers, Judith Willson, Claudine Toutoungi, Eric Langley, Joey Connolly, Alex Wong and John Clegg.

This event is a reunion of the New Poetries VI crowd and a celebration of the fact that most of these poets published their debut collections with Carcanet in 2016/17.

Hot off the press will be Claudine Toutoungi's 'Smoothie' which is officially published on National Poetry Day, and there will also be a preview of Judith Willson's 'Crossing the Mirror Line' (out in October). Eric Langley's 'Raking Light' was shortlisted for Best First Collection in the 2017 Forward Prizes, while Rebecca Watt's 'The Met Office Advises Caution', Adam Crothers' 'Several Deer' and Alex Wong’s ‘’Poems Without Irony’’ were all in the running for this year's Seamus Heaney Prize (with Crothers winning. 'Several Deer' also scooped the 2017 Shine/Strong Award. John Clegg's 'Holy Toledo!' was shortlisted for the 2017 Ledbury Forte Poetry Prize for Second Collections and Joey Connolly, author of 'Long Pass' is an Eric Gregory Award Winner.

So come raise a toast to these promising young poets and to the next generation of poetry!

£6 tickets (£4 for students) are available via Ticketscript, in store and by telephone 020 7636 1577

Further details: 020 7636 1577

Performance

Tara Bergin: The Tragic Death of Eleanor Marx

7.00pm
Poetry Ireland, 11 Parnell Square East, Dublin 1
Tickets: Free, booking advised

Carcanet Press and Poetry Ireland present the Irish launch of Tara Bergin's The Tragic Death of Eleanor Marx, a 2017 Poetry Book Society Recommendation, shortlisted for The Forward Prize for Best Collection 2017.

Following her 2013 debut This is Yarrow (winner of the Seamus Heaney Prize and the Shine / Strong Award), Tara Bergin returns with her second collection, The Tragic Death of Eleanor Marx. The poems draw on folksong, fairytale and theatrical monologue as Bergin explores the alluring and sometimes tragic consequences of translation. When she committed suicide in 1898, Eleanor Marx (daughter of Karl Marx, pioneering sociologist, and translator of Flaubert’s Madame Bovary) imitated Flaubert’s heroine, Emma. Both women, in their own ways, died passionate deaths, and Bergin’s poems are concerned with intense love, intense grief. With a sing-song rhythm and dark humour, they play off the natural theatricality of great lovers, great writers and great readers who, like the fancy-dressed children in ‘Mask’, are both ‘themselves and strangers’. ‘That’s all they wanted.’

Performance, Free

Rory Waterman – Sarajevo Roses Launch

Rory will be launching his latest collection Sarajevo Roses at Five Leaves Bookshop in Nottingham, alongside Kathryn Daszkiewicz and Andrew Taylor.

The event is free but you must book tickets by contacting fiveleaves.bookshopevents@gmail.com

Performance, Free

Exeter: Waterstones, poetry on the theme of Freedom

Join us to celebrate National Poetry Day on Thursday 28 September. This year’s theme is ‘Freedom’, and Exeter-based poets Lawrence Sail and Anthony Wilson will be playing to it with a selection of their own and others’ work. The event starts at 7 p.m., and tickets costing £3 are available from the shop

Performance

Finding the Words poetry evening

Finding the Words at York Explore Enjoyment guaranteed! Listen to poets from Yorkshire and beyond with a glass in your hand, at our relaxed and welcoming monthly poetry evening. 7pm at York Explore. £3 or £2 with a York Card.

Performance, Library

Pop Up Poetry Bookshop

The Pop-Up Poetry Bookshop is a four day book fair and exhibition space for all those involved in the promotion, creation and production of poetry. Celebrating the diversity and vitality of contemporary poetry in the UK, publishers large and small, niche and mainstream are invited to display and sell their works direct to the public at one of the most vibrant new poetry festivals in the UK. The fair will take place in the foyer of Hull College, location of gala readings and live audience BBC broadcasts at the Contains Strong Language festival.

Exhibition

Pop Up Poet Session

Live poetry sessions by one of our Pop up Poets from the St Mungo's Mirrorball. Come along and have a coffee or some lunch and hear some poetry from 11.00am - 1.30pm at the Mitchell Library

Performance, Free, Library, Open mic

Jill Abram presents Stablemates for National Poetry Day

For National Poetry Day, a very special Stablemates Poetry Salon at Foyles with Roger McGough, Malika Booker and Kathryn Maris of Penguin Modern Poets.

Performance

Hay Poetry Relay A-Z

This autumn The Poetry Bookshop in the world famous 'Booktown' of Hay-on-Wye is on the move! The town will be celebrating National Poetry Day with residents and friends of the shop forming a human chain to move the A-Z of poetry through the streets of Hay from the old premises to the new.

Free

Freedom from the Known

Join us for an afternoon of Spoken Word Poetry to celebrate National Poetry Day 2017. An open mic event will be held at the Attenbrough Arts Centre (Cafe) in Leicester. This intimate event is intended to provide a relaxed and informal atmosphere with participation encouraged from those who have never undertaken spoken word poetry before. The 2017 theme is Freedom...have something to say about it?

This event will coincide with the book launch for SOULMATE: A Collection of Modern Poetry (co-authored by The Patel Sisters) and the first ever recital of The Tripple Glazed Window (Race, Gender and Class) a spoken piece by The Indian Poet.

Book your complimentary ticket at Eventbrite

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/freedom-from-the-known-tickets-37202348225?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&aff=escb&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

Open mic

Yorkshire: The Unsung, Theatre Delicatessen, Sheffield

You've heard of Kurt Cobain. You've heard of Jim Morrison. But have you heard of Scott Johnson, or Lina Prokofiev? The Unsung is a funeral party for the forgotten fallen heroes of music- not the famous dead rock stars, but the people whose story has never been told. This colourful journey in words and sound by poet Genevieve Carver and her live band Sarah Sharp, Tim Knowles and Brian Bestall bridges the gap between theatre, poetry and live music. Weaving spoken word with musical styles from gypsy jazz, to rock guitar, to Sos synth pop, The Unsung is a whirlwind tour around the worl exploring how music has shattered the lives of those who've loved it most.

Genevieve Carver is a Sheffield-based poet interested in finding humanity amidst the chaos. She performs regularly at prestigious events across the country, having supported artists such as Buddy Wakefield and Hollie McNish.

'Genevieve Carver is one of the leading stars of the northern spoken word scene, often amusing and heartbreaking in the same sentence, she is always entertaining and one of south yorkshires best performers'- Now Then magazine.

'One of the most powerful peices of theatre/music/poetry i have ever seen'- Audience review

Winner, Award for Excellence in Spoken Word, Buxton Fringe Festival 2017

Performance

North: Words of Freedom, Gateshead

Join writers Elaine Cusack and Allison Davies for an afternoon of poetry appreciation on National Poetry Day from 2pm to 3.30pm in Gateshead's Shipley Art Gallery.
Feel free to bring poems on this year's theme of Freedom.
Allison will also talk about her play Trade which tours next year and the charity, Dalit Freedom Network
https://dfn.org.uk/
FREE for more info and to book a place on this afternoon event visit https://shipleyartgallery.org.uk/whats-on/national-poetry-day-words-of-freedom

Performance, Free

Hull: Contains Strong Language

Starting on National Poetry Day, Thursday 28 September, with local, national and international poets, Contains Strong Language is a celebration of new and existing word craft inspired by our literary city.

Packed with world premieres, special gala readings, events and concerts, including the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, plus performances from John Cooper Clarke and others, Contains Strong Language also features several new projects that absolutely everyone can get involved with – such as a mammoth washing line of poetry to be created from 2017 new poems about city landmarks written by Hull residents.

At the heart of the festival will be The Hull 17 – an ensemble of 17 artists, commissioned to create new work, who will be resident in the city, including Imtiaz Dharker, Kate Fox, Joe Hakim, Harry Giles, Helen Mort, Bohdan Piasecki, Jacob Polley, Louise Wallwein, Fred Voss and Dean Wilson.

Performance, Free

Book Launch: Swims by Elizabeth-Jane Burnett

Join Penned in the Margins to celebrate the launch of Elizabeth-Jane Burnett's debut collection, Swims, on the Thames itself at Tamesis Dock.

Elizabeth-Jane will read from the book - a chaptered long poem documenting wild swims in the UK.

Swims is one of forty poetry collections specially recommended for National Poetry Day.

Performance, Free

Don Paterson at Jupiter Artland

Experience an exciting landmark event at Jupiter Artland, with Don Paterson reading in the atmospheric grounds of the Jupiter Artland sculpture park in this unique event co-hosted with the Scottish Poetry Library. £12 (£10.80 for Jupiter Artland members), book via www.jupiterartland.org.uk

Performance

An hour with Kate Fox

Well-known performance poet Kate Fox appears at Appledore Book Festival, Appledore, Devon on 26 September. She will also run a poetry workshop on the same day. Workshop from 2-3.30 p.m. and performance from 8 to 9 p.m. Contact www.appledorebookfestival.co.uk for details.

Performance

London, Parasol Unit Gallery: Alaskan Yellow Cedar poetry workshop

Poetry Workshop | Alaskan Yellow Cedar
With poet & musician Simon Pomery
Thursday 28 September, 7 - 9 pm
£8/6 (conc) | Booking required

Celebrate National Poetry Day and join us in this workshop where you will be encouraged to critique the abstract sculpture of Martin Puryear. Write notes on what you see, be guided through writing exercises and engage with experimental poems to unlock new improvisatory poems of your own. Have fun with art and poetry!
Simon Pomery is a poet and record producer researching a critical PhD in experimental poetry at Royal Holloway University. He curates PRAXIS, a series of text/sound events, and since 2013 has led poetry workshops inspired by the exhibitions at Parasol unit.

Exhibition

Scotland, East Renfrewshire libraries: Poetry Play

Drop in to any East Renfrewshire library and let our poetry lovers prescribe the perfect poem for
you for National Poetry day! Why not have a go yourself - transform titles on the shelves or words on spines into poetry for others to enjoy.

And we have ‘Poetry Play’ for families too. Make up your own poem by picking random words from the Rhyming Hat…who can make the silliest, kookiest rhyme…?

Free, Library

London, Old Vic theatre: Can lyrics be literature?

‘Songwriters are not poets’. Simon Armitage

Did Bob Dylan’s Nobel Prize in Literature win redefine the boundaries of literature? Or do we, by calling it poetry, deny music a place as its own unique art form? At 6pm on National Poetry Day, join poets, musicians and performance artists to discuss the relationship between lyrics and poetry.

Performance

Hardy’s Cottage: poetry walks and activities

What better way to celebrate National Poetry Day in Dorset, than by visiting poet Thomas Hardy’s homes? Join us for a day of poetry, creativity and inspiration at Hardy’s Cottage, with poetry walks, activities and our writer-in-residence, Virginia Astley. Discover the stories behind some of his best known poems, at Max Gate.

Normal admission applies.

NT members free.

Reading, Exhibition

Wakefield: Poetry on the no 59 Bus

National Poetry Day on the No.59 Bus

Reading, Performance, Free

Stratford-Upon-Avon: Freedom… (and Beyond)

Poetry Workshop led by What Lies Beyond...
Join Wendy Freeman and Dave Reeves, two internationally recognised writers and performers, for a poetry workshop at the Guild Chapel, designed to explore this historic environment in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. The workshop will be followed by a (free) invitation to read, enjoy and perform poetry within the Chapel.

Performance, Free, Open mic

Moffat Poetry Wander, Ponder and Scribe

Explore the language of nature with Eryl Shields of the Moffat Poetry Group, in the run up to September's National Poetry Day.

We will take a short wander and enjoy a few tales along the way. There will be time to ponder the wonders of Moffat’s wildlife and then have a go at writing your own piece.

So to enjoy plenty of hints and tips to inspire and motivate those creative juices simply bring along your good self, armed with a pen, notebook and possibly some warmer clothes.

Only 8 spaces so to book a place message at www.facebook.com/Moffat-Community-Nature-Reserve or email moffatcommunitynaturereserve@gmail.com
Meet in the reserve car park – just follow the brown tourism sign from the A701 between the motorway and Moffat.

Free

Climate Poetry competition: Manchester Metropolitan University

Send us your poems (in any language) about climate change. The top 20 will appear in a new book of climate change poetry, the proceeds of which go to the Environmental Justice Foundation to support their work with climate change refugees.

For details of how to enter please check the website.

Free, Prize

London, Old Operating Theatre: Rebel Angel

Rebel Angel is a new play about John Keats' momentous decision to choose poetry over surgery, posthumous fame over a life of conventional prosperity.

This is a site-specific production created to be experienced in the evocative and atmospheric ambience of a contemporary operating theatre. The play - written by Angus Graham-Campbell - unfolds in the well of the old theatre, while the audience sit or stand on the tiers originally occupied by the watching (and occasionally fainting) medical students.

The Old Operating Theatre Museum has recently been refurbished with new lift access and this production also includes BSL interpreted performances. Performances take place from Tue 19 September to Sat 7 October and capacity is very limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Performance

Poet in the City: Poetry Breakfast at L’Escargot

Step into a world of mystery this National Poetry Day.

Poet in the City’s legendary Poetry Breakfast is back, with a twist. This year we’re transforming Soho’s iconic L’Escargot in Greek Street, into a trove of poetic treasures. Behind door number 1, you might find yourself sitting down for coffee with 2016 Forward Prize-winner Vahni Capildeo, maybe you'll be meeting Jo Shapcott, 2011 recipient of the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry; or perhaps you’ll be sharing a croissant with Sabrina Mahfouz, the award-winning poet and playwright behind With a Little Bit of Luck (2016) and literary anthology The Things I Would Tell You: British Muslim Women Write.

Your ticket will grant you access to one of our mystery rooms in this magnificent 18th century Georgian house, the perfect start to anyone’s morning.

Performance, Free

Kadija Sesay & Friends : A (Post) National Poetry Day Celebration!

You are invited to chill, share poetry, music, books, food and drink with others who live and love poetry.

Join Kadija Sesay & friends: Nick Makoha, Roger Robinson, Ishaq Imruh Bakari and Gemma Weekes.

Performance, Free, Library

Chantry Library: Open Mike Poetry Evening

Suffolk, Chantry Library: Join the Reading and Creative writing group joint meeting where we celebrate National Poetry Day, and share your favourite or original poem. This is an informal meeting with drinks and home made cake, included in usual fee of £2.

Open mic

The Penny-Farthing Cafe: Poems in the Kitchen

Poems in the Kitchen on National Poetry Day will be moving round the corner to the pop-up Penny-Farthing Cafe at 21, High Street on the corner with Waddelow Road. Drop in 10-5 bringing in any poem on the theme, borrowed or created. The cafe is family and all-age friendly. As ever, as part of LWI, we invite donations to MSF and its work in the Middle East.

Open mic

York Libraries: Poetry Platform

York Explore Library: Poets from York and beyond will entertain and surprise you with spellbinding words and music. Join us between noon and 2pm to hear from
Nick Boreham, Will Kemp, Richard Carpenter, Patrick Lodge, Rose Drew, Pauline Kirk, Katie Greenbrown, Alan Gillott, Janet Dean, Simon Nisbett, Jenny Hill, Hannah Stone, Robert Powell, John Gilham

 

Performance, Library

St Pancras station: Betjeman Poetry Prize award ceremony

The Betjeman Poetry Prize celebrates the fantastic achievement of this year’s six young finalists at St Pancras International, on the Upper Councourse, by the statue of Sir John Betjeman.

Awards presented by the poet Rachel Rooney and the illustrator Chris Riddell, with readings from the young poets. Event starts at 2pm.

Performance, Free, Prize

Sefton Libraries: Sefton Slams and open mic

Sefton Libraries will be hosting ‘Sefton Slams’ and open mic poetry competition hosted by poet Steph Pike on National Poetry Day. The afternoon will include a recital of Steph Pike’s poetry and performance by competition entrants with a break included for tea , coffee and biscuits.

Performance, Free, Library, Prize, Open mic

Oxford: Blackwell’s Poetry Fiesta: National Poetry Day

As part of this year's National Poetry Day celebrations, Blackwell's is proud to present an all day Poetry Fiesta in our beautiful Norrington Room!

A wonderful and diverse group of outstanding poets from Oxford and across the country will be performing. Please join us throughout the day to catch them in lyrical action!

Each poet will have a time slot throughout the day. Timings to be confirmed closer to the event.

This event is FREE to attend.

This event is just one amongst several fantastic events we have lined up for this year's National Poetry Day. For more information on others, please see our main Eventbrite listings page at blackwellsoxford.eventbrite.com

Performance, Free

Oxford, Blackwell’s: ‘Stressed Unstressed’ or Can poetry make you happier?

Can poetry make you happier? A conversation with Jonathan Bate, Paula Byrne, Andrew Schuman, and Sophie Ratcliffe, editors of 'Stressed, Unstressed', led by John Mitchinson, co-founder of the groundbreaking publishing house, Unbound.

'Words are, of course, the powerful drug used by mankind'. So wrote Rudyard Kipling in 1923. With this in mind, bestselling writer Paula Byrne set out to create an anthology of poetry which would act as a kind of mental health toolkit.With her co-editors, the Shakespearean scholar Jonathan Bate, NHS General Practitioner Andrew Schuman, and writer and critic Sophie Ratcliffe, she produced 'Stressed Unstressed: Classic Poems to Ease the Mind'.

The anthology has sold 20,000 copies worldwide, with all proceeds going to the mental health foundation, ReLit.
Unbound was formed in 2010. An award-winning publishing house, it uses one of the oldest methods of bringing books to readers - the subscription model (aka crowdfunding). John Mitchinson, its co-founder, has always been committed to supporting new poetry collections - from established writers such as Roz Kaveney and Murray Lachlan Young to emerging talents such as George Chopping and Iona Lee.
The evening aims to be as inclusive as possible, with plenty of time for audience participation and Q & A.

Please join us for what is certain to be an enriching evening. This event will be held in the Norrington Room.
This event is just one amongst several fantastic events we have lined up for this year's National Poetry Day. For more information, see our main Eventbrite listings page: blackwellsoxford.eventbrite.com

Reading, Performance

Oxford, Blackwell’s: Get Creative with Art and Poetry for Performance

Oxford: Blackwell's bookshop: a lively, interactive Poetry Performance workshop at 11 am, led by Diana Moore, author of Objects in the Ashmolean, An Art and Poetry Resource.

Age guide: 7 to 11 years

For parents and children.

Come and join in, and help to devise short performance pieces using poetry, song, music, dance, drama - and humour.

Diana Moore lives in Oxfordshire. She writes and performs for children and adults. Her work takes her into schools, theatres, residential homes, museums, libraries, business meeting rooms – and book stores. She has two other books published, A Fishy Coat Tale and Other Poems and A Visitor to the Forest.

Examples of Diana’s projects include: The Ashmolean Museum (Runcible Rhymes/Live Fridays/Art & Poetry for Performance/Poetry Tours), the Story Museum (Mr Lear’s Birthday Party), Oxford Central Library (Alice’s Day), Wantage (Not Just) Betjeman Literary Festival (poetry workshops for schools), The Lady Nuffield Home (art and poetry presentations), and a Lottery Funded theatre production at Nordern Farm Centre for the Arts (Words, Wit and Flamingos?) for Adults with Dyslexia.

Free

Portrait of a Poet: New Lenses on Portraiture

To celebrate National Poetry Day Waterstones Tottenham Court Road have joined up with Complete Works Poetry to present three exceptional UK poets reading their work: Mona Arshi, winner of the Forward Prize; Karen McCarthy Woolf, recently described by the Sunday Times as ‘changing the way we look at collections’; and Caleb Femi, the Young Poet Laureate.

The reading will be accompanied by the first showing of an exhibition of portraits of poets with stunning new photography from Caleb Femi and Naomi Woddis showing the new faces of UK poetry; diverse, fierce and sometimes even sexy.

Performance, Exhibition

Poemdemonium

Poemdemonium is an open-mic night celebrating a fusion of poetry, short stories, and music to appeal to seasoned open mic veterans and newcomers alike. Whether you’re a budding bard, aspiring creator or sensational strummer, we’d be delighted to showcase your talents. We aim to provide a relaxed atmosphere and a chance to be immersed and participate in an evening of creative frivolity like no other.

Performance, Open mic

Freedom and Walls Poetry Workshop

Theme: Freedom and Walls
Exploring through readings and writing exercises, ideas of freedom and imprisonment. Bring a pen, some paper and your imagination (and a poem on the topic if you have one) to work with Marilyn Longstaff, poet and member of Vane Women www.vanewomen.co.uk

Library

Visit to Thomas’ School, Clapham

Performance and workshops

Performance

National Poetry Day – John Clare

14th YEAR
National Poetry Day – Light a Candle for John Clare

BRING YOUR JOHN CLARE POEM

A reading of John Clare's poetry will take place on
National Poetry Day

- Thursday 28th September 2017

7pm

- In the Guildhall Courtyard by the statue of John Clare.

Guest Speakers
everybody reads

A silent man in Life's affairs
A thinker from a boy
A peasant in his daily cares
The Poet in his joy

John Clare was an English poet who lived mostly in rural Northamptonshire from 1793-1864. He is now regarded as the most important English poet of the natural world. But he also wrote many poems, essays and letters about the environment, corruption, politics, love, social change, poverty and folk life in rural England.

In every language upon earth
On every shore o’re every sea
I gave my name immortal birth
And kept my spirit with the free

Project Co ordinator
Peter Mulligan
01604-715793
caprojects.pm@gmail.com

Performance, Free

Poetry Workshop: Freedom

Be it the mass trespass, the right to roam or a walk in the landscape, Derbyshire poet Judy Brown will help you explore what freedom means for local people and places in your own poetry and inspired by museum objects. Her second book, Crowd Sensations (2016), is a Poetry Book Society recommendation.

Library

Poetry Platform at York Explore

Poets from York and beyond will entertain and surprise you with spellbinding words and music. 12-2pm in the Café at York Explore. Free. Drop-in.

Performance, Library

The Poetry Postie at The Postal Museum

All aboard! Take a magic train ride with the Poetry Postie and be inspired by her colourful, quirky, interactive performance.

Follow a gallery trail and use stories in our collections to create poetic postcards, parcels and songs.

Details: FDN and KS1 classes
30 pupils max per session
1 hour 30 minutes

Cost: £120 plus VAT per session

To find out more and how to book visit: postalmuseum.org/for-schools

Performance

Knighton Poetry Marathon

Poetry Marathon – a free poetry festival in support of people displaced by war and violence. A pop-in event - a whole free day of poetry and music with exhibits, books and refreshments. In the morning the community market is next door so you can even do your shopping too. 15 published poets (including an ex-presenter from Poetry Please) and nationally known musicians

Performance, Free, Exhibition

St Andrews School, Woking: House Poetry Competition

St Andrew's School, Woking:  a visiting poet, children performing and the Houses vying for the prestigious House Poetry Cup.

Performance

Addenbrookes Hospital: Taking Note

Addenbrooke's Hospital: we will be sharing poetry and taking note of moments of happiness on National Poetry Day.

Performance, Exhibition

Morley Arts Festival Launch

Morley Arts Festival will feature a Poets Corner on Queens Street adjacent to Morley Town Hall.
Throughout National Poetry Day residents and shopkeepers can perform their own poetry or a poem from their favourite poet.
The launch event at 6pm will feature the winners and runner ups from the Children's Poetry Competition performing their work

Reading, Performance, Free, Open mic

Literary Dundee: Caroline Bird and Rachel McCrum

Join us for this special pre-festival celebration of In These Days of Prohibition (Caroline Bird, Carcanet Press) and The First Blast To Awaken Women Degenerate (Rachel McCrum, Freight Books).
Caroline and Rachel will perform work from their new collections, with music from solo acoustic act Roseanne Reid and her distinctive brand of Americana magic.

Performance

The Underground Theatre, Eastboune: Freedom, A Search for Meaning

Local poets & poetry performers are invited to submit poems for on stage performance on the theme of “freedom“.
Individual poets may perform for up to 10 min or as a duo/group for 15 min. The programme format (3 x 30 min sections with 2 x 20 min breaks) will be finalised based on the selected submissions.
The Theatre is fully equipped with lighting and sound with big screen video projection, and cabaret style seating. There is a licensed cafe/bar.

Performance, Free

Boat Poets River Late with MBNA Thames Clippers

Celebrating National Poetry Day, the Totally Thames Boat Poets will be taking up a one night residency on the MBNA Thames Clippers, joining a host of other artists for pop up performances inspired by the River Thames. The work of the Boat Poets is in response to a number of residencies on working boats on the River Thames, conducted over Summer 2017.

Boats will depart from Westminster Pier, and pop up performances will take place from 19:30 onwards. Just pay the standard oyster fare for a Thames Clipper, and get a special pop up performance with your journey.

The first service departing from Westminster pier after 19:30, and then every stop after this on the same RB1 service – exact timings TBC

Performance

Willoughby Gallery: poetry competition for Lincolnshire schools

A poetry competition on the theme of 'Freedom' or a title of your own choice open to all primary and secondary aged children in Lincolnshire.

Closing date for entries is Friday 13 October 2017.

Free, Prize

Reading and Signing Paul Sutherland and Robert Etty

Join us to celebrate National Poetry Day 2017 with readings by local poets Paul Sutherland and Robert Etty. Paul will be reading from his New & Collected Works and Robert will read from his new collection, Passing the Story Down the Line.
Tickets available at £4 including a complimentary glass of wine or soft drink.

Performance

Glasgow: poem for your thoughts

Poem Share Moment: George's Square, Glasgow. Learn a poem , wear a 'I have a poem for you' sign and be willing to recite it to a perfect stranger for a moment of connection.

Performance, Free

Poetry Postie and the Postal Service of Happiness

NPD ambassador Sally Crabtree aka The Poetry Postie will be at the Postal Museum in London with her Postal service of Happiness. Become part of the walking stamp collection, hop on the bike and create an instant sing-o-gram or delve in to the post bag for a poetic delivery. A chance also to make your very own Parcel Pet!

Performance

Poetry trail and Open Mic

There will be a poetry trail around the shops and businesses of Poynton, Cheshire, from the 18th September-2nd October. On the 28th September there will be an Open Mic Event (7pm start)in Poynton library for all to attend.

Library, Open mic, Exhibition

Northwood Community Arts: Poetry Workshop with Charlotte Baldwin

Poetry workshop with Charlotte Baldwin, published poet and creative writing tutor, in association with Northwood Community Arts, to get your creative juices flowing. Through a series of guided exercises, the session will inspire you to explore your own life experiences in new ways and translate them into rich, image filled poems. Free - booking required as places are limited!

Free, Library

Writing The Garden

After a summer of writers' groups visiting The Gibberd Garden and a Writing Workshop on 11 August, the poems resulting from the inspirational Garden will be read, by the authors, during the evening of 28th September from 7pm. The event, to be held in the Barn Tea Room, will also feature other garden themed poems and music.

Performance

Birmingham Poetry Festival 2017

Birmingham's poetry and spoken word festival returns in September 2017 celebrating the festival's fifth anniversary year. We are also celebrating National Poetry Day and its 'FREEDOM' theme with lots of free poetry and a few free poetry books too.

Performance, Free, Open mic

The Life Rooms with North End Writers & Pauline Rowe

The Life Rooms, Walton, Liverpool will celebrate poetry all day with service-users and staff of Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust as well as guest readers, local residents and writers. Event organised by Poet-in-Residence, Pauline Rowe, supported through our partnership with local charity,North End Writers.

Performance, Free, Library, Open mic

Speaking the Forest

Forest of Dean poetry in performance released online throughout the day. Local people - including the writers themselves - will be performing poems that say something about the Forest of Dean. Available online from 8am onwards at www.readingtheforest.co.uk.

Performance, Free

Colchester Institute: experimental workshops

Experimental workshops with Graphic Arts Students to produce poetry usual a range of visual methods based on Austin Kleon, William Burroughs, Jean Michel Basquiat and Tristan Tzara.

Performance, Free, Prize, Exhibition