Here’s the list of local events in April 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 May’s list will follow in due course.
For end of March 2025 events – https://scottcoe.co.uk/west-anglia-east-midlands-real-world-poetry-events-march-2025/
Tuesday 1st 18:00
Peterborough.
Peterborough Stanza – Publication Group. Room 014, University Centre Peterborough, Peterborough Regional College, Park Crecent, 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 1st 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 1st 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 1st 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 1st 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 2nd 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 2nd 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’ Facebook page for this and other events
Thursday 3rd 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 3rd 18:30
Lincoln.
Let The Imp Out. The Pessimist Restaurant and Wine Bar, Mint Ln, LN1 1UD (w3w = ///repay.silly.vine)
Free entry but donations welcome
Regular event – First Thursday of the month
See Yellowbelly Records Instagram Page for more details
Thursday 3rd 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 3rd 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 4th 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 5th 11:00
Nottingham.
Gobs Collective Poetry Workshop. Meeting Room 4, Nottingham Central Library, 1 Carrington Street, NG1 7FH (w3w = ///scenes.tilt.reader)
Workshop: Hosting and compèring (with Katie Ailes)
See GOBS Collective’s website for further details
Saturday 5th 18:00
Blackfordby.
Showcase Event. Blackfordby Old School Room, Main Street, DE11 8AB (w3w = ///icons.assume.preoccupied)
Performance Poetry, Artistic Expression & Story telling
Contact marynikoloff@gmail.com for more details
Saturday 5th 18:30
Cambridge.
CB1 Poetry. Town & Gown Pub & Theatre, 8 Market Passage, CB2 3PF (w3w = ///heave.rings.friday)
Poetry Open Mic.
Usually 1st Sunday of the month, but advertised as first Saturday in April
Further details on CB1 Poetry’s Facebook page
Saturday 5th 18:30
Cambridge.
Saturday Night Write. Thrive, 5-7 Norfolk St, CB1 2LD (w3w = ///rigid.factories.orange)
Creative writing & poetry workshop.
See the Artemis Writers website for further details
Monday 7th 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 8th 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 8th 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 8th 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 9th 19:00
Lincoln.
The Secret Poets Society. The Komodo, Butchery Court, Butchery Ct, Alleyway, LN2 1JJ (w3w = ///rooms.maker.beast)
Spoken Word evening hosted by November Carter
Every 2nd Wednesday
See The Komodo Lincoln’s Instagram page for this and other events
Wednesday 9th 19:00
Nottingham.
John Harvey and Rob Etty. Five Leaves Bookshop, 14a Long Row, NG1 2DH (w3w = ///mini.tonic.bubble)
John Harvey and Rob Etty, a Shoestring Press poetry reading.
See Five Leaves Bookshop’s website for further details and other events
Wednesday 9th 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
Wednesday 9th 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
Thursday 10th 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 10th 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
Friday 11th 18:30
Nottingham.
ISABELLA DORTA’S SPRING TOUR 2025. Rough Trade Nottingham, 5 Broad St, NG1 3AJ (w3w = ///keep.bottom.rides)
See Isabella Dorta’s Eventbrite page for more details and other dates
Friday 11th 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 – Usually 3rd Friday of the month – ONE WEEK EARLIER IN APRIL
See Some Antics Facebook page for event post with cost and to sign up for slots. Also for future dates.
Friday 11th 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
Friday 11th 19:00
Nottingham.
Gobs Collective: Rachelle Foster’s Orchid Book Launch. The Carousel, 25 Hockley, NG1 1FH (w3w = ///walks.jokes.oppose)
Come to the exciting launch of ‘Orchid’, Rachelle Foster’s debut poetry collection. Expect a Q&A, GOBS Collective performances and an open mic.
See GOBS Collective’s website for further details
Friday 11th 19:30
Stamford.
Luke Wright: Joy. Stamford Arts Centre, 27 St Mary’s Street, PE9 2DL (w3w = ///fame.slowly.surely)
Luke returns with a new set of poems that get to grips with the idea of JOY.
Supported by local poet, Pete Cardinal Cox.
See Stamford Arts Centre website for further details of this and other events
Saturday 12th 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, mostly 2nd Saturdays
Bring your favourite poems – classics or modern. Everyone welcome. Free entry.
See Walkers Bookshop’s website for this and other events
Saturday 12th 14:00
Leicester.
This is Where You Belong. Attenborough Arts Centre, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, LE1 7HA (w3w = ///melt.sharp.sticks)
Showcase bringing together poetry & film
2pm – 5pm
See Apittame’s Linktree for more details
Saturday 12th 18:30
Lincoln.
Sloth Storytelling. Minerva Building, University of Lincoln Campus, LN6 7TS (w3w = ///stores.activism.buzz)
Stories, Poetry & Spoken word
See Sloth Event’s Instagram page for more details
Saturday 12th 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
Sunday 13th April 16:00
Ely.
The Sundown Sessions. The Nyton Guest House, 7 Barton Rd, CB7 4HZ (w3w = ///spurted.snoring.support)
Live Music & Spoken word
Every 2nd of the month Sunday 4pm – 7pm
Monday 14th 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 15th 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 15th 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
Wednesday 16th 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 17th 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 17th 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
Sunday 20th 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
Stamford.
Playing With Words.
Is taking a break in April but will return Monday 19th May.
Monday 21st 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 22nd 18:00
Peterborough.
Peterborough Stanza – Performance Group. Room 014, University Centre Peterborough, Peterborough Regional College, Park Crecent, 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 22nd 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 23rd Time TBC
Peterborough.
Event details coming soon
University Centre Peterborough, Peterborough Regional College, Park Crescent, PE1 4DZ (w3w = ///mouse.crate.festivity)
Wednesday 23rd 19:00
Nottingham.
Pints ‘n’ Poets. The Playwright, 38 Shakespeare Street, NG1 4FQ (w3w = ///error.sugars.goods)
Music & Poetry open mic, plus featured artists
See the Pints ‘n’ Poets Facebook page for more details
Thursday 24th 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 24th 19:00
Leicester.
Word!. Attenborough Arts Centre, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, LE1 7HA (w3w = ///melt.sharp.sticks)
Open Mic plus featured artists. In association with Some Antics.
See Word Poetry’s website for this and other events
Thursday 24th 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
See Poetry Scum’s Instagram Page for more details
Thursday 24th 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
Friday 25th 17:00
Peterborough.
Mark Grist’s Big Box Bonanza. Allama Iqbal Community Centre, 157 Cromwell Rd, PE1 2EL (w3w = ///paints.orchestra.horns)
Get ready for poetry, stories, games, and BIG surprises in this fun-filled, interactive family show!
Further details on Jumped Up Theatre’s Facebook page
Friday 25th 18:00
Peterborough.
Different Leaf: Poetry Workshop. Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery, Priestgate, PE1 1LF (w3w = ///placed.snail.glue)
An opportunity to explore John Clare’s key themes and create your own poem. With Syntax Poetry Collective through their Syntax Calendar Program funded by Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants.
Further details on Syntax Poetry Collective’s Facebook page
Friday 25th 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 Rushden Rhymes’ Instagram Page for further details
Friday 25th 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
Saturday 26th 10:30
Stamford.
Shakespeare on the Stone. Stamford Poetry Stone, St Michael’s Churchyard, High St, PE9 2BB (w3w = ///hands.miss.lakes)
Once again we gather to celebrate (as close as we can) to the anniversary of the birth and death of the great playwright and poet. Come along and share your favourite pieces.
See Stamford Poetry’s Facebook page for more details of this and other events
Saturday 26th 11:00
Nottingham.
Gobs Collective Poetry Book Club. Meeting Room 2, Nottingham Central Library, 1 Carrington Street, NG1 7FH (w3w = ///scenes.tilt.reader)
Join us in-person or via Zoom to talk about Amy Acre’s Mothersong, followed by writing activities based on poems from the collection.
See GOBS Collective’s website for further details
Saturday 26th 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
Sunday 27th 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
Wednesday 30th 19:00
Nottingham.
Adventures in poetry. Five Leaves Bookshop, 14a Long Row, NG1 2DH (w3w = ///mini.tonic.bubble)
Adventures in poetry: Andrew Duncan and Rod Mengham.
See Five Leaves Bookshop’s website for further details and other events
Wednesday 30th 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. THIS MONTH IS THE 2025 STAMFORD POET LAUREATE FINAL – Stamford Poetry’s biggest night of the year!
See Stamford Arts Centre website for this and other events