Here’s the list of local events in May 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 June’s list will follow in due course.

Thanks to everybody who has fed back to me with updates/comments, your support putting this list together every month is greatly appreciated. It’s of course difficult to police all the information, so in response to some concerns I will be publishing some inclusion guides soon.

For end of April 2025 events – https://scottcoe.co.uk/west-anglia-east-midlands-real-world-poetry-events-april-2025/

Thursday 1st 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 1st 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 2nd 18:00
Peterborough.
Key Seeds: Mind, Run Wild. The Key Theatre, Embankment Road, PE1 1EF (w3w = ///gladiators.rock.punch)
Mind, Run Wild is a one-person spoken word show about imagination, rule breaking, and belief. With Charley Genever.
Tickets from £8
See The Key Theatre’s website for tickets, plus more details of this and other events

Friday 2nd 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 3rd 10:30
Sleaford.
Introduction to Poetry workshop. Sleaford Library, 13 – 16 Market Place, Sleaford NG34 7SR (w3w = ///found.follow.events)
With Julie Street, from 10:30am to 12pm. Free entry but places are limited
See Julie Street – Sleaford Poet Laureate’s Facebook page for further details

Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th
Northborough.
Posies for Patty. St. Andrew’s Church, Church St, PE6 9BN (w3w = ///oddly.argued.tinsel) and The Pack Horse, Lincoln Rd, PE6 9BL (w3w = ///feast.strutting.searcher)
A weekend of events as Northborough celebrates the 225th anniversary of the birth of Martha ‘Patty’ Clare, wife of John Clare.
See Peterborough Stanza’s Instagram for more details, or their Facebook profile

Sunday 4th 18:00
Peterborough.
Woodston Writers. Woodston Library, 68 Orchard Street, PE2 9AL (w3w = ///lush.toast.social)
Writing group
See Friends of Woodston Library’s Facebook page for further details

Sunday 4th 18:00
Nottingham.
Bad Betty Live. Peggy’s Skylight, 3 George Street, NG1 3BH (w3w = ///also.elaborate.jumps)
Featured acts.
See Bad Betty’s Facebook page for further details

Sunday 4th 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
Further details on CB1 Poetry’s Facebook page

Monday 5th 19:00
Cambridge.
The Carlton Arms, 53 Carlton Way, Arbury, CB4 2DF (w3w = ///pops.sung.tens)
Music & Spoken word open mic
1st Monday of each month
See The Carlton Arms’ website for more details of this and other events

Monday 5th 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 6th 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 6th 18:00
Sleaford.
Sleaford Live: Unplugged at The Hub. The Hub, Navigation Wharf, Carre Street, NG34 7TW (w3w = noble.form.green)
Open mic – music & spoken word
See The Hub’s website for more details of this and other events

Tuesday 6th 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 6th 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 6th 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 7th 18:30
Peterborough.
Medusa Reclaimed. University Centre Peterborough, Peterborough Regional College, Park Crescent, PE1 4DZ (w3w = ///mouse.crate.festivity)
An empowering evening of art, poetry, music and meditation to raise money for Peterborough Women’s Aid. Tea and homemade cake will be served in the interval.
Free Entry
See University Centre Peterborough on Eventbrite for more details

Wednesday 7th 19:00
Nottingham.
The Melancholy Humour of C P Cavafy. Five Leaves Bookshop, 14a Long Row, NG1 2DH (w3w = ///mini.tonic.bubble)
The Nottingham Poetry Society David Holliday Annual Lecture 2025 with Gregory Woods
See Five Leaves Bookshop’s website for further details and other events

Wednesday 7th 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 7th 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 8th 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 – (Usually First Thursday of the month) 2nd Tuesday in May
See Yellowbelly Records Instagram Page for more details

Thursday 8th 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 8th 19:00
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 8th 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 9th 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

Saturday 10th 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 10th 12:00
Leicester.
New Beginnings. Leicester Guildhall, Guildhall Lane, LE1 5FQ (w3w = ///perky.quench.beside)
Performance poetry, artistic expression and storytelling showcase
Contact marynikoloff@gmail.com for more details

Saturday 10th 16:00
Ely.
In Person Launch for ‘A Holding’ . Ely Methodist Church, 13 – 15 Chapel St, CB6 1AD (w3w = ///goodnight.songs.adopt)
Please join Beth and Allographic Press for the in person launch for her new pamphlet, A Holding.
Guest reader: Ken Cumberlidge
See Fen Speak’s Facebook page for more details

Saturday 10th 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 11th 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 12th 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 13th 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 13th 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 14th 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 14th 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 15th 19:00
Ely.
Fen Speak. Centre E, 24 Barton Rd, CB7 4DE (w3w = ///radiating.sounding.hamster)
Poetry & spoken word open mic.
Free entry – donations welcome. Bring your own refreshments.
See Fen Speak’s Facebook page for further details

Thursday 15th 19:30
Dyke.
Thirsty For Words. The Wishing Well Inn, 21 Main Road, PE10 0AF (w3w = ///brightens.earth.banana)
Poetry Open Mic
See Thirsty For Words’ Facebook page for more details

Thursday 15th 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 15th 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 16th 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
See Some Antics Facebook page for event post with cost and to sign up for slots. Also for future dates.

Saturday 17th 13:00
Nottingham.
GOBS Spring Spruce featuring Headway Nottingham. City Arts, 11-13 Hockley, NG1 1FH (w3w = ///owners.lock.privately)
The afternoon will include writing activities, an open mic response, food, refreshments, music, and a featured performance by Headway Nottingham’s Creative Writing Group.
See GOBS Collective’s website for further details

Saturday 17th 14:00
Helpston.
Gathering at John Clare’s Grave. Helpston Churchyard, Church Ln, PE6 7DT (w3w = ///daydream.rarely.suspect)
Come and read your favourite John Clare poems.
If weather bad or building work still present, then will convene at John Clare Cottage:
Woodgate, PE6 7ED (w3w = ///swatted.tactical.swoop)
See What The Thunder Said’s Facebook page for more details

Sunday 18th 14:00
Sudbury.
Word Habit. The Brewery Tap, 21 East Street, CO10 2TP (w3w = ///skidding.unless.flickers)
Featured artists plus Open Mic. 2pm – 5pm. Word habit happens 4 times each year: March, May, July & September.
See Word Habit’s Facebook page for more details

Sunday 18th 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 19th 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 19th 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 20th 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 20th 18:15
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
Regular event – every 3rd Tuesday
See Notts BCN’s Instagram Page for more details

Tuesday 20th 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 20th 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 21st 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

Wednesday 21st 19:00
Stamford.
Community open mic. Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre Lounge, Broad Street, PE9 1PX (w3w = ///stages.aims.drill)
Open mic music, spoken word & comedy.
Disabled access via lifts in lobby
See Stamford Corn Exchange’s website for details of this and other events

Wednesday 21st 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 22nd 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 22nd 14:00
Huntingdon.
Adult Poetry Workshop with Julie Stevens. 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

Friday 23rd 18:30
Spalding.
White Horse Writers Open Mic. Sergi’s Tapas Bar, 10/11 Francis Street, PE11 1AT (w3w = ///goat.charm.those)
Open Mic night – For writers, singers, sword swallowers, magicians and clowns.
See White Horse Writers’ Facebook page for this and other events

Saturday 24th 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 25th 13:00
Coventry.
Positive Images Festival Poetry Workshops. Central Library, Smithford Way, CV1 1FY (w3w = ///laptop.ruler.fries)
Free workshops with former Coventry Poet Laureate Emilie Lauren Jones
Bi-Monthly on the following Sundays. 2025: 25th May, 27th July, 28th Sept & 30th Nov. 2026: 25th Jan & 26th March.
See Emilie Lauren Jones’ Instagram Page for more details

Sunday 25th 15:00
Leicester.
Apittame Arts: Creative Writing Session. Attenborough Arts Centre, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, LE1 7HA (w3w = ///melt.sharp.sticks)
This is a space to experiment, share, and connect with like-minded people.
3pm – 4.30pm: Sunday 25th May & Sunday 29th May, 2025
Price £ pay what you can
See Apittame’s Linktree for more details

Sunday 25th 15:00
Uppingham.
Open Mic Night. The Crown, 19 High Street East, LE15 9PY (w3w = ///fearfully.released.nerves)
Live music, comedy, poetry, Unicycle chain saw juggling (possibly)
See The Crown Uppingham’s website for details of this and other events

Tuesday 27th 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 28th 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 29th 19:00
Leicester.
Word!. Attenborough Arts Centre, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, LE1 7HA (w3w = ///melt.sharp.sticks)
Open Mic plus featured artists.
Usually last Thursday of the month
See Word Poetry’s website for this and other events

Thursday 29th 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 29th 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 30th 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 30th 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