Here’s the list of local events in February 2025. If I’ve missed anything you think should be included or needs correcting – please let me know.
Details are to the best of my knowledge at time of writing or amending during the month, please check event with hosts before attending in case of restrictions/changes.
Keep checking throughout the month in case I’ve been able to add anything else, otherwise March’s list will follow in due course.
For end of January 2025 events – https://scottcoe.co.uk/west-anglia-east-midlands-real-world-poetry-events-january-2025/
Saturday 1st 11:00
Spalding.
Shake off the blues: White Horse Creative Circle’s Informal Meet-up. Bookmark, 18-20 The Crescent, PE11 1AF (w3w = ///volume.pump.asleep)
Meet-up, chat and share
See White Horse Creative Circle’s Facebook page for this and other events
Saturday 1st 19:00
Northampton.
Saturday Night @ The OM. The OM, 39 Queens Park Parade, NN2 6LP (w3w = ///cakes.fits.rewarding)
Featured poetry/performance artists
See OM Studio Northampton’s Facebook page for this and other events
Sunday 2nd 14:00
Leicester.
Queer Coffee Linkups. The Exchange Bar, 50 Rutland St, LE1 1RD (w3w = ///junior.heads.deck)
Featuring Carolina Rodrigues
See Queer Coffee Linkups’ Instagram for further details
Sunday 2nd 18:30
Cambridge.
CB1 Poetry. Town & Gown Pub & Theatre, 8 Market Passage, CB2 3PF (w3w = ///heave.rings.friday)
Poetry Open Mic.
1st Sunday of the month
Further details on CB1 Poetry’s Facebook page
Monday 3rd 19:00
Derby.
Monday Musings Spoken Word. Dubrek Studios, 67 Bridge Street, DE1 3LB (w3w = ///jokes.cute.glad)
Spoken Word & Open Mic
Every 1st Monday
See Connecting Creatives Derby’s Instagram Page for further details
Tuesday 4th 18:00
Peterborough.
Peterborough Stanza – Publication Group. Room 014, University Centre Peterborough, Peterborough Regional College, Park Crescent, PE1 4DZ (w3w = ///mouse.crate.festivity)
Supported by UCP, the Stanza will run two groups (Publication & Performance) per month in Room 014.
Tuesdays between 6 & 8pm
Publication workshops (announced so far) 2025: 1st Tuesdays of each month February-July.
See Peterborough Stanza’s Instagram for more details, or their Facebook profile
Tuesday 4th 18:00
Sleaford.
Sleaford Ivy Writers. The Ivy, 64 S Gate, NG34 7RL (w3w = ///slams.arrive.lofts)
Writing collective.
Regular event – First Tuesday of every month.
Places are limited, please bring £2 to cover room hire when attending – contact juliestreet62@gmail.com for more details
Tuesday 4th 19:00
Nottingham.
Poetry Night. The Organ Grinder, 21 Alfreton Road, NG7 3JE (w3w = ///flown.brass.speaks)
Open mic with guest speakers.
Regular event – First Tuesday of every month.
See Openbook’s website for more details of this and other events
Tuesday 4th 19:30
Litchfield.
Poetry Alight. Duke of York, 23/25 Greenhill, WS13 6DY (w3w = ///ends.mimic.recall)
Open mic with guest speakers.
1st Tuesdays on the following months in 2024: 2nd July, 17th Sept, 12th Nov & 2nd Dec.
See The Lichfield Poets Facebook page for more details
Tuesday 4th 20:00
Bedford.
Ouse Muse. Eagle Bookshop, 16-20 St Peters Street, MK40 2NN (w3w = ///wisdom.plug.shiny)
Featured artists plus open mic.
Regular event – First Tuesday of every month.
See Ouse Muse’s Facebook page for further details
Wednesday 5th 18:30
Peterborough.
Peterborough Poet Laureate Final. University Centre Peterborough, Peterborough Regional College, Park Crescent, PE1 4DZ (w3w = ///mouse.crate.festivity)
Supported by UCP, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
See Syntax Poetry’s Instagram for more details, or their Facebook page
Wednesday 5th 19:00
Wisbech.
Wisbech Stanza. Wisbech Castle, The Crescent, PE13 1ES (w3w = ///union.reply.expel)
Hosted by Kim Allen, former Fenland Poet Laureate.
Regular event – First Wednesday of every month.
Contact wisbechstanzagroup@gmail.com to sign up and further event details
See Wisbech Stanza’s Facebook page for this and other events
Wednesday 5th 19:30
Lincoln.
Uncaged. The Birdcage, 54 Baggholme Road, LN2 5BQ (w3w = ///gifted.studio.caves)
Regular event – First Wednesday of every month.
See Outspoken Poets’s Facebook page for this and other events
Thursday 6th 18:30
Lincoln.
Sofa Sessions. STACK Lincoln, 151 High St, LN5 7AA (w3w = ///random.horns.tune)
Open Mic night. Singers, Music, Comedy, Poetry & Spoken word.
Weekly, every Thursday.
See STACK Lincoln’s Facebook page for further details
Thursday 6th 18:45
Peterborough.
Good Shout Spoken Word. Here We Aren’t, 18 Godric Square, PE2 7JL (w3w = ///modest.hats.worked)
Featured artists & open mic
Regular event – First Thursday of every month (Except December & January).
Further details on Good Shout Spoken Word’s Facebook page
Thursday 6th 19:30
Coventry.
Fire & Dust. Priory Visitor Centre, 6 Priory Row, CV1 5EX (w3w = ///wonderfully.eggs.washed)
Please note: The LTB is now closed. Fire&Dust will temporarily be hosted in Coventry’s Priory Visitor Centre. Featured artists plus open mic.
Just turn up to watch, but recommend ticket to book open mic slot.
Regular event – First Thursday of every month.
See Here Comes Everyone magazine on Eventbrite for more details
Friday 7th 19:30
Nottingham.
Speech Therapy. Bunker’s Hill, 36-38 Hockley, Lace Market, NG1 1FP (w3w = ///volunteered.actors.enjoyable)
Spoken word open mic.
Regular event – First Friday of the Month.
See Speech Therapy’s Instagram Page for more details, or on their Facebook page
Saturday 8th 10:30
Stamford.
Poetry at Walkers. Walkers Bookshop, High Street, PE9 2AL (w3w = ///mostly.finest.bunk)
On the sofa’s upstairs at Walkers.
Monthly event (on 3rd Saturday February & March & on 2nd Saturday April to November).
Bring your favourite poems – classics or modern. Everyone welcome. Free entry.
See Walkers Bookshop’s website for this and other events
Saturday 8th 20:00
Kenilworth.
Tree House Sessions. Tree House Bookshop, 4 The Square, CV8 1EB (w3w = ///video.appear.clay)
Open mic for music and spoken word.
Second Saturday of every month
See Tree House Bookshop’s website for more details of this and other events
Monday 10th 19:30
Leicester.
Get Mouthy. The Big Difference, 68 High Street, LE1 5YP (w3w = ///slime.sadly.police)
Featured artists plus open mic. Everyone welcome.
Regular event – Second Monday of every month
See Get Mouthy’s Instagram page for more details
Tuesday 11th 19:30
Grantham.
Open Mic with host Mike Alderson, at The Lord Harrowby, 65 Dudley Road, NG31 9AB (w3w = ///pets.puzzle.sounds)
Bring your own or favourite classics/modern poems. Everyone welcome, free entry – * PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE SADLY NO DISABLED FACILITIES*
Regular event – is now 2nd Tuesday of every month.
See Stamford Poetry’s Facebook page for more details of this and other events
Tuesday 11th 19:30
Lincoln.
Wordsmiths. BeerHeadZ, 4 Eastgate, LN2 1QA (w3w = ///safely.onions.reward)
An evening of poetry and spoken word
2nd Tuesday of every month.
See BeerHeadZ Lincoln’s Facebook page for further details
Tuesday 11th 19:30
St Ives (Cambridgeshire).
Open Mic in the Riverport Cafe at St Ives Corn Exchange, The Pavement, PE27 5AD (w3w = ///yesterday.meanders.recorders)
Poetry & Folk music – Bring your own or favourite classics/modern poems. Everyone welcome, Entry fee varies. Often between £2 – £4 (cash only).
Regular event – Second Tuesday of every month
See St Ives Corn Exchange’s website for this and other events
Tuesday 11th 19:30
Stony Stratford.
Scribal Gathering. Upstairs at The Crown, Market Square, MK11 1BE (w3w = ///unheated.indoor.trifle)
Music and Spoken Word Open Mic, plus featured performers
Regular event – Second Tuesday of every month
See Scribal Gathering’s Facebook page for further details
Wednesday 12th 19:30
Nottingham.
Free Minds – Poetry open mic. King William IV, 6 Eyre Street Nottingham NG2 4RG (w3w = ///farms.random.chew)
Free minds is a poetry night open to all forms of poetry and for all stories to be told.
Regular event – Second Wednesday of every month.
See Free Minds Poetry’s Instagram page for more details
Wednesday 12th 19:00
Stamford.
Rhymes on the rocks. Spirits of Stamford. 11 St Paul’s Street, PE9 2BE (w3w = ///usual.wizard.loss)
Poetry Open Mic
Regular event – Second Wednesday of every month
See Rhymes on the rocks’ Facebook page for further details
Thursday 13th 18:30
Lincoln.
Sofa Sessions. STACK Lincoln, 151 High St, LN5 7AA (w3w = ///random.horns.tune)
Open Mic night. Singers, Music, Comedy, Poetry & Spoken word.
Weekly, every Thursday.
See STACK Lincoln’s Facebook page for further details
Thursday 13th 19:00
Derby.
Real Talk Spoken Word. Dubrek Studios, 67 Bridge Street, DE1 3LB (w3w = ///jokes.cute.glad)
Featured artists plus Open Mic
Every 2nd Thursday
See Real Talk Spoken Word’s Instagram Page for further details
Thursday 13th 14:00
Huntingdon.
Open Mic Poetry Event. Commemoration Hall, 39 High Street, PE29 3AQ (w3w = ///escalated.tank.landowner)
Free entry.
See Commemoration Hall’s website for details of this and other events
Thursday 13th 19:00
Nottingham.
DIY Poets – February Showcase. City Arts, 11-13 Hockley, NG1 1FH (w3w = ///owners.lock.privately)
Featured artists plus open mic.
See City Arts’ website for details of this and other events
Thursday 13th 19:30
Northampton.
The Bardic Open Mic. The Lab. 95-97 Charles Street, NN1 3BG (w3w = ///bigger.zones.jelly)
Music & Spoken word open mic.
Regular event – Second Thursday of every month.
See The Lab’s website for details of this and other events
Thursday 13th 20:00
Lincoln.
Open Mic Night. The Dog and Bone. 10 John Street, LN2 5BH (w3w = ///talked.using.items)
Open Mic with host Gaz Clitheroe. Music, Comedy, Poetry & Spoken Word all welcome.
Regular event – Second Thursday of every month.
See Dog and Bone’s Facebook page for this and other events
Friday 14th 19:00
Lincoln.
SpeakEasy @ The Green Room. Lincoln A.O.D.S, 33 Tentercroft Street, LN5 7DB (w3w = ///ducks.amuse.adults)
£1 entry fee to non-members. Pre-book an open mic slot.
Usually 2nd Friday of every month
See SpeakEasy @ The Green Room’s Facebook page for this and future events, or on their Instagram page
Sunday 16th 19:30
Lincoln.
Third Sunday Spoken Mic. The Joiners Arms, Victoria St, W Parade, LN1 1HU (w3w = ///late.office.divide)
Guidelines: this is a family home and a community pub. Imagine there is a six year old child who will repeat everything you read at school tomorrow.
Regular event – Third Sunday of the month
Email Rob at seagrave1716@gmail.com for more details
Monday 17th 19:30
Stamford.
Playing With Words. MindSpace, 39 Broad Street, PE9 1PX (w3w = ///themes.bonus.snow)
Fun word games, poetry and writing prompts with former Stamford Poet Laureate Scott Coe. Everyone welcome. Free entry.
Third Monday of every month (Except April & Sept 2025).
This is a free event but encourage you to bring donations towards hot drinks.
Places are limited. Please see the MindSpace website to book
Monday 17th 19:45
Lincoln.
Guild Session. St Mary’s Guildhall, 2-18 Sibthorp St, LN5 7SH (w3w = ///nights.visits.speaks)
An evening of amazing music and poetry in a beautiful 12th century building in the centre of Lincoln.
Third Monday of every month.
See The Guild Session’s Facebook page for this and other events
Tuesday 18th 19:30
Bury St Edmunds.
Poetry Aloud. Live at upstairs at Oakes Barn. St Andrew’s St South, IP33 3PH (w3w = ///booklets.operation.inflict)
Poetry Aloud Open Mic sessions are hybrid Live / Zoom meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of each month except December.
See Poetry Aloud’s Instagram Page for further details
Tuesday 18th 19:30
Leicester.
Pinggg…K! The Y Theatre, 7 East Street, LE1 6EY (w3w = ///edgy.soil.camp)
Once a month (3rd Tuesday) free spoken word. Open mic & featured artists.
See Pinggg…K’s Facebook page for further details
Tuesday 18th 19:30
Leicester.
Word! Leicester Comedy Festival Special. International Arts Centre, Garden St, LE1 3UA (w3w = ///scuba.trader.game)
Featured artists plus open mic
See Word Poetry’s Instagram Page for further details
Tuesday 18th 20:00
Derby.
Poetry in the pub. The Golden Eagle, 55 Agard St, DE1 1DZ (w3w = ///critic.doors.dads)
Reading poetry & raising funds for Cancer Research
See DEDA Poets’ Facebook page for more details
Wednesday 19th 19:30
Biggleswade.
A Way With Words. The BIGG Theatre Bar, 36 High Street, SG18 0JL (w3w = ///powerful.adverbs.outbursts)
Open minded spoken word and poetry open mic night – every third Wednesday of the month
Turn up on the night, sign up and connect with emerging writers, artists and poets in this relaxed and inclusive open mic night.
Fully accessible
See The BIGG Theatre’s website for more details of this and other events
Thursday 20th 18:30
Lincoln.
Sofa Sessions. STACK Lincoln, 151 High St, LN5 7AA (w3w = ///random.horns.tune)
Open Mic night. Singers, Music, Comedy, Poetry & Spoken word.
Weekly, every Thursday.
See STACK Lincoln’s Facebook page for further details
Thursday 20th 18:30
Nottingham.
Nottingham BCN Open Mic. Mezzanine Bar, Broadway Cinema. 14-18 Broad Street, NG1 3AL (w3w = ///bottom.proper.powder) https://w3w.co/bottom.proper.powder
Featured artists plus open mic
See Notts BCN’s Instagram Page for more details
Thursday 20th 19:30
Nottingham.
Full Circle. The Cock and Hoop, High Pavement, NG1 1HN (w3w = ///option.fish.fuzzy)
Poetry Open Mic, usually every 3rd Thursday
See Notts Poetry’s Instagram Page for more details
Thursday 20th 20:00
Northampton.
The Good Vibes. The Lab. 95-97 Charles Street, NN1 3BG (w3w = ///bigger.zones.jelly)
Music & Spoken word open mic. Monthly event (3rd Thursday) – free entry
See The Lab’s website for details of this and other events
Friday 21st 19:00
Leicester.
Some Antics. Phoenix Cinema & Arts Centre, Midland Street, Phoenix Square, LE1 1TG (w3w = ///bands.drip.onion)
Featured artists plus Spoken Word Slam – 2024 Championship Final
See Some Antics Facebook page for event post with cost and to sign up for slots. Also for future dates.
Saturday 22nd 14:00
Leicester.
We are the Headliners. Leicester Central Library, Bishop Street, LE1 6AA (w3w = ///solar.torn.spoken)
Spoken word event – Fourth Saturday of each month.
Hosted by Beltane Spring Fayre Group, phone 0116-270-4765 for more info
Saturday 22nd 19:00
Peterborough.
Key Nights. The Key Theatre Studio, Embankment Road, PE1 1EF (w3w = ///gladiators.rock.punch)
Scratch-style performance opportunity for local creatives who are making work in any artform. Perfect for those looking to test ideas in front of a supportive audience and take original work to the next level.
See The Key Theatre’s website for details of this and other events
Sunday 23rd 13:00
Coventry.
Positive Images Poetry Workshops. Central Library, Smithford Way, CV1 1FY (w3w = ///laptop.ruler.fries)
Free workshops with former Coventry Poet Laureate Emilie Lauren Jones
Usually the last Sunday of every month. Email: emilielaurenwriter@gmail.com for info
Leicester.
Sadly it would seem (due to unforeseen circumstances), that Bodacious Poetry Sundays at the Omi Bar has come to an end.
However, suggest you follow/keep an eye on Carol Leeming’s Instagram Page for any new events coming soon
Tuesday 25th 18:00
Peterborough.
Peterborough Stanza – Performance Group. Room 014, University Centre Peterborough, Peterborough Regional College, Park Crescent, PE1 4DZ (w3w = ///mouse.crate.festivity)
Supported by UCP, the Stanza will run two groups (Publication & Performance) per month in Room 014.
Tuesdays between 6 & 8pm
Performance workshops (announced so far) 2025: Jan 21st, Feb 25th, Mar 18th, Apr 22nd, May 20th & Jun 16th.
See Peterborough Stanza’s Instagram for more details, or their Facebook profile
Tuesday 25th 19:00
Nottingham.
Dandelions Poetry. Broadway Cinema, 14-18 Broad Street, NG1 3AL (w3w = ///bottom.proper.powder)
Featured artists plus open mic
See Dandelions Poetry’s Facebook page for more details
Tuesday 25th 19:30
Leicester.
Rough Draft. The Y Theatre, 7 East Street, LE1 6EY (w3w = ///edgy.soil.camp)
Once a month (forth Tuesday) we hold our scratch nights, each artists getting fifteen minutes to share their work, be that script in hand or something more polished.
From gut-wrenching theatre to side-splitting comedy, melodic music to punchy poetry, and all those arty bits in between.
See Y Theatre’s website for further details
Wednesday 26th 19:30
Hinckley.
AccessAbility Arts presents Spoken Word. Rendezvous Hinckley, 119 Factory Road, LE10 0DP (w3w = ///trooper.exhales.heartache)
Featured artists plus open mic.
Pay as feel event. To book at open mic slot email thekaysdl@gmail.com
See AccessAbility Arts’ Facebook page for more details of this and other events
Wednesday 26th 19:30
Stamford.
Pint of Poetry. The Gallery Bar at the Stamford Arts Centre, 27 St Mary’s Street, PE9 2DL (w3w = ///fame.slowly.surely)
Open mic Poetry & Spoken Word. Everyone welcome, free entry.
Regular event – Usually last Wednesday of every month.
See Stamford Arts Centre website for this and other events
Thursday 27th 13:00
Coventry.
Coventry Stanza. The Old Windmill, 21 Spon Street, CV1 3BA (w3w = ///exit.pizza.then)
Fourth Thursday of each month.
Email Emma: e.t.kemp@gmail.com for more details
Thursday 27th 18:30
Lincoln.
Sofa Sessions. STACK Lincoln, 151 High St, LN5 7AA (w3w = ///random.horns.tune)
Open Mic night. Singers, Music, Comedy, Poetry & Spoken word.
Weekly, every Thursday.
See STACK Lincoln’s Facebook page for further details
Thursday 27th 19:00
Nottingham.
Poetry Scum. The Robin Hood Inn, Mansfield Rd, Sherwood, NG5 2FR (w3w = ///woof.feeds.aura)
Headliners and Open mic
(Usually Last Thursday of the month, moved due to Christmas)
See Poetry Scum’s Instagram Page for more details
Thursday 27th 19:00
Spalding.
White Horse Creative Circle Open Mic. The Royal Mail Cart, 101 Pinchbeck Rd, PE11 1QL (w3w = ///warthog.large.footballers)
See White Horse Creative Circle’s Facebook page for this and other events
Thursday 27th 19:30
Cambridge.
Desperate Fleas. The Blue Moon. 2 Norfolk St, CB1 2LF (w3w = ///files.gloves.poet)
Mixed open mic: Comedy, Music, Spoken Word
Regular event – Last Thursday of every month.
Please be aware, the building is wheelchair accessible but unfortunately we do not have disabled toilets
See The Blue Moon’s website for this and other events
AWAITING DETAILS OF NEW VENUE
Bourne.
Thirsty For Words.
Poetry Open Mic.
Regular event – Last Thursday of every month.
Friday 28th 10:00
Little Paxton.
Nature Writing with Nic. Paxton Pits Environmental Education Centre, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, High Street, PE19 6ET (w3w = ///novels.hook.snowballs)
This course provides the opportunity to engage with the natural world through creative writing.
See Wildlife Trust BCN’s Eventbrite page for more details
Friday 28th 18:45
Leicester.
Poetry Club. LCB Depot, 31 Rutland Street, LE1 1RE (w3w = ///judge.judges.legal)
Featured artists plus open mic
Last Friday of the month
See Literati Arts Instagram Page for further details
Friday 28th 19:00
Rushden.
Rushden Rhymes. Scribble Studio, (Via passageway between 6 & 8) Church St, NN10 9YT (w3w = ///sues.producers.wool)
Open mic poetry with host Jazmine Cartwright.
7pm to 9pm – Last Friday of the month
See Jazmine Cartwright’s Instagram Page for further details
Friday 28th 19:30
Derby.
Word Wise. Dubrek Studios, 67 Bridge Street, DE1 3LB (w3w = ///jokes.cute.glad)
Monthly Event. Poetry, Spoken word and music.
Regular Event – last Friday of every month
See Word Wise’s Facebook page for more details
