This month, we find ourselves in big sky country. Take a walk along Ely’s riverside, you’ll find a regular spoken word event, situated in a gallery overlooking the river Great Ouse.
This is Fen Speak.

Ely’s very own poetry, storytelling and spoken word open mic night, Fen Speak is now in it’s eleventh year. Since 2022, they’ve been operating their event as a hybrid model “after growing new friends during lockdown”
Currently hosted by local poets Stewart Carswell and Beth Hartley, “We enjoy the support and joy of having Babylon Gallery as a venue – down by the river. Readers perform with a changing backdrop of local and internationally renowned artwork. This year, our April, July and November editions are online, with March, May, June, September, October and December in the gallery”
It’s an open mic format, usually with a featured act. Just simply sign up on the night, on the months that they’re live in person, in the gallery. Or online when they’re on Zoom.

Regularity: Monthly (apart from August!)
When: 3rd Wednesday of the month. Doors at 7pm for a 7.30 start.
Where: Babylon Gallery, Waterside, CB7 4AU (w3w = ///dark.bonfires.rush)
Free parking at Ship Lane, approx. 3 minutes away. Approx. 10-15 minutes walk from Ely station, along Annesdale and the riverside walk.
Disabled access: Ramped access, and accessible toilet – but may not support power chair use. Please get in touch if they can help.
T loop available and we do encourage our readers to use the mic.
Bar: Cash Bar.
Cost: Free, with donations taken.
Further details/Social Media: Fen Speak on LinkTree or on Facebook

Whilst you’re here, why not read Spoken Word Spotlight February 2024 – The Green Road Spoken Word, Lincoln