WEST ANGLIA / EAST MIDLANDS REAL WORLD POETRY EVENTS – AUGUST 2024

Here’s the list of local events in August 2024. 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 September’s list will follow in due course.

For end of July 2024 events – https://scottcoe.co.uk/west-anglia-east-midlands-real-world-poetry-events-july-2024/

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. LTB Showrooms, 1 Warwick Row, CV1 1EX (w3w = ///squad.trial.voices)
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

Find out more about Fire & Dust, in July’s Spoken Word Spotlight here

Friday 2nd 19:30
Nottingham.
Belonging. New Art Exchange, 39-41 Gregory Boulevard, NG7 6BE (w3w = ///defeat.gravy.cope)
Featured spoken word artists
See Nott Another’s Instagram Page for more details

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

Saturday 3rd time & location TBA
Oakham.
Creative Writing with Karen.
Sadly Oakham Refil Shoppe has closed with immediate effect – awaiting alternative venue info from Karen

Sunday 4th 12:00
Leadenham.
The Poet Tree at Lincolnshire Day of Folk Festival. Leadenham House, LN5 0PU (w3w = ///much.important.wheels)
Join former Stamford Poet Laureate Scott Coe & current Sleaford Poet Laureate Julie Street, for open mic poetry and prose under the canopy of a Beech Tree.
See Stamford Poetry’s & Day of Lincolnshire Folk’s Facebook pages for more details

Sunday 4th 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 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
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 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
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 – First Tuesday of every month.
See Stamford Poetry’s Facebook page 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 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’s Facebook page for this and other events

Thursday 8th 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 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
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

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

Thursday 8th 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 9th 18:30
Nottingham.
Fluent in Both Vol 5: Femme Fatale!. New Art Exchange, 39-41 Gregory Boulevard, NG7 6BE (w3w = ///defeat.gravy.cope)
Featured spoken word artists
See Fluent in Both on Eventbrite for more details

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 (on 3rd Saturday February & March & on 2nd Saturday April to July).
Bring your favourite poems – classics or modern. Everyone welcome. Free entry.
See Walkers Bookshop’s website for this and other events

Saturday 10th 11:00
Nuneaton.
Park Life Reads. Wembrook Community Centre, Donnithorne Avenue, CV11 4QL (w3w = ///parade.deals.modern)
Warwickshire Libraries is hosting its second annual Park Life Reads festival to celebrate nature and wellbeing in the north of the county.
11am – 4pm
See Nuneaton Library & Information Service on Eventbrite 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 14:00
Sudbury.
Poetry & spoken word at Wine Boutique. Wine Boutique, 3 Gaol Ln, CO10 1JL (w3w = ///adverbs.spoiler.array)
Featured artists
See Wine Boutique’s website for more details of this and other events

Monday 12th 14:00
Kenilworth.
Warwickshire Young Poet Laureate Workshop. Kenilworth Library, Smalley Pl, CV8 1QG (w3w = ///proof.author.stand)
12th August 2pm – 4pm (ages 13 – 17)
See Kenilworth Library & Information Service on Eventbrite for more details

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
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 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
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 14th 19:30
Nottingham.
Free your mind – 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 King William IV on Eventbrite 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.
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 14:00
Nuneaton.
Warwickshire Young Poet Laureate Workshop. Nuneaton Library, Church St, CV11 4DR (w3w = ///mass.upgrading.tins
16th August 2pm – 4pm (ages 13 – 17)
See Nuneaton Library & Information Centre on Eventbrite for details

Friday 16th 19:00
Derby.
Apricot Jam. Dubrek Studios, 67 Bridge Street, DE1 3LB (w3w = ///jokes.cute.glad)
Spoken word & music open mic plus featured artists.
See Apricot Jam’s Instagram Page for further details

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 & Open Mic. Everyone welcome. Monthly event – 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.

Friday 16th 19:00
St Ives.
Leon Al Bakry Spoken Word/Poetry. Cromwell Barn, Burleigh Hill Farm, Somersham Road, PE27 3LY (w3w = ///prominent.educated.slang)
See Leon Al Bakry’s Instagram Page for further details

Saturday 17th 11:00
Nottingham.
We are Nottingham – Chalk Poetry. Nottingham Central Library, 1 Carrington Street, NG1 7FH (w3w = ///scenes.tilt.reader)
11am – 3pm Outside Nottingham Central Library – submitted poems chalked out
See Nottingham Poetry Festival’s Instagram Page for further details

Saturday 17th 13:00
Coventry.
Hillfields Readers Group Open day. St Peter’s Hillfields, Charles St, Coventry CV1 5NP (w3w = ///salads.encounter.email)
Open mic for poetry, prose or acoustic sets
Email positiveimagescoventry@outlook.com or contact Kate on 07886 689416 for more info

Sunday 18th 14:00
Peterborough.
Mark Grist: Bears Don’t Get Scared. Waterstones, 40 Bridge Street, PE1 1DT (w3w = ///cave.ending.master)
Join poet & author Mark Grist for a children’s storytime session for his new book ‘Bears Don’t Get Scared’
See Waterstones’ website for details of this and other events

Monday 19th 19:00
Spalding.
White Horse Writers sessions. The Red Lion, Market Place, PE11 1SU (w3w = ///moves.acted.ending)
Group writing sessions: Fiction, Poetry, Prose, etc.
See White Horse Writers’ Facebook page for this and other events

Monday 19th 19:30
Grantham.
Grantham Writes. Riverside Development in the North East Corner of Welham Street, NG31 6QS (w3w = ///crowned.audio.insert)
Third Monday of every month.
Contact granthamwriterstoo@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.
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 to Saturday 31st
Stamford.
We All Live Under The Same Sun. The Gallery at the Stamford Arts Centre, 27 St Mary’s Street, PE9 2DL (w3w = ///fame.slowly.surely)
A poetry and art exhibition, which features contributions from poets, students, artists, and photographers in the area, highlights the similarities among the diverse backgrounds, cultures, languages, and nationalities that make Stamford such a wonderful place.
See Stamford Arts Centre website for opening times and more details of this and other events

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
See Pinggg…K’s Facebook page for further details

Wednesday 21th 18:00
Nottingham.
Poetry Kitchen. Hopkinson, 21 Station Street, NG2 3AJ (w3w = ///dive.pasta.uses)
This free event is an Open Mic and platform for the local creative community to come together share their art, and connect with other like-minded folk.
Regular event – Third Wednesday of every month.
See Hopkinson on Eventbrite for more details

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

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

Saturday 24th 12:00
Stamford.
We All Live Under The Same Sun – Open Afternoon. The Gallery at the Stamford Arts Centre, 27 St Mary’s Street, PE9 2DL (w3w = ///fame.slowly.surely)
Come & chat to Stamford Diversity Group about the exhibition and their other projects.
A poetry and art exhibition, which features contributions from poets, students, artists, and photographers in the area, highlights the similarities among the diverse backgrounds, cultures, languages, and nationalities that make Stamford such a wonderful place.
See Stamford Arts Centre website for opening times and more details of this and other events

Saturday 24th 19:00
Lincoln.
The Green Road Spoken Word. 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.
See The Green Room Spoken Word Fellowship Facebook page for this and future events, or on their Instagram page

Sunday 25th 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

Sunday 25th 14:00
Leicester.
Bodacious Poetry Sundays. Omi Bar, 46 Welford Rd, LE2 7AA (w3w = ///causes.wink.listed)
Open mic – Every last Sunday of each month
See Carol Leeming’s Instagram Page for more details

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 19:00
Milton Keynes.
A Poems, Prose & Pizza Affair. Bucks Star Brewery, 17 Twizel Close, MK13 0DX (w3w = ///vandalism.offer.icebergs)
Open mic plus featured artists. Every 4th Wednesday of the month
See Bucks Star Brewery’s website for more details of this and other events

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 – Last Wednesday of every month.
See Stamford Arts Centre website for this and other events

Thursday 29th 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 29th 19:00
Nottingham.
Poetry Scum. The Robin Hood Inn, Mansfield Rd, Sherwood, NG5 2FR (w3w = ///woof.feeds.aura)
Headliners and Open mic
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 18:00
Leicester.
Get Mouthy x Queer Coffee Link up. The Big Difference, 68 High Street, LE1 5YP (w3w = ///slime.sadly.police)
Poetry workshop followed by Featured artists plus open mic. Everyone welcome.
See Get Mouthy’s Instagram page for more 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