Our 2023 poetry competition is now open and, in a head-spinning break from tradition, there is NO THEME! That’s right, you can send us that limerick you wrote on Mongolian Throat Singing, or the Ode to Roy (Keene). Whatever you think will appeal to our judge, the awesome Leanne Moden. As always, our competitions are open to all, anywhere in the world.

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In Summer 2023, Nottingham’s new Central Library will open its doors to the public. This long-awaited opening is the start of a new chapter for Nottingham and will be celebrated across the city with a whole Year of Stories and storytelling.

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Our stage wants YOU. Show us what you can do… and then show everybody else!

Want to perform your work on the only stage at Glastonbury Festival dedicated to poetry in all shapes, sizes and guises? Then read on…

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Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
Until 16th Feb

Have you ever looked up in the evening sky, and seen the rabbit who lives on the moon?  Have you ever wondered how she got there, and what she does night after night?

This magical piece of storytelling theatre recounts some of the extraordinary myths and folk tales of China and East Asia, each one a firm favourite with generations of Chinese and East Asian families.  A show rich with music, wonder, and surprise.

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Nonsuch Studios, Nottingham
8th Feb

Are you looking for new ideas on how to develop youth voice within your organisation? Are you an aspiring young professional or an early-career creative wanting to have your voice heard to make a change?

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online
8th Feb

The monthly meetup!

We'll be doing some writing, a quiz and having a laugh.

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Stamford Arts Centre
8th Feb

Logan Dankworth, columnist and Twitter warrior, grew up romanticising the political turmoil of the 1980s. Now, as the EU Referendum looms he is determined to be in the fray of the biggest political battle for years. Meanwhile, Logan’s wife Megan wants to leave London to better raise their daughter. As tensions rise at home and across the nation, something is set to be lost forever.

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Various Venues Leicester
8th - 26th Feb

We’re delighted to be back for 2023 with an exciting programme to help us celebrate this special anniversary, including returning faces, established acts and the freshest talent, gracing venues across the City. There will be a huge range of comedy shows and events in venues across Leicester and Leicestershire and we hope you will get out and about, explore the City and County and see some fantastic comedy.

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The Robert Hardy Building, Bishop Grosseteste University, Longdales Rd, Lincoln
9th - 23rd Feb

The workshops are delivered by two expert facilitators who have expertise in poetry, group facilitation and mental health, Writer and Assistant Professor of Mental Health; Dr Mark Pearson from University of Nottingham, and Dr Helen Foster, Research Associate from the University of Leicester.

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The Old Town Hall - Bourne, Lincolnshire
9th Feb

Come and share your original poetry with us at our Open Mic session in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of The Shambles.

Or…if you prefer, you can recite an old classic or favourite… or just come along and listen to others’ literary creations and enjoy a glass or two of your favourite tipple in our lovely venue.

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Bar Social - Derby
9th Feb

This time with Nottingham spoken word artist, Chris Oliver.

Chris will be delivering a workshop at 6pm and then headlining when the open mic starts at 7.30pm. There will be an open mic and DJ DP Beats will be there with his tunes. The open mic is open to any form of creativity, not only spoken word.

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City Arts - Nottingham
9th Feb

Nottingham’s premier poetry group DIY Poets are delighted to bring their latest showcase as a hybrid in person/zoom event to City Arts, Nottingham.

Featured poet will be Charlotte Lunn plus 10 wonderful DIY Poets. There will also be an open mic with sign up at the event – either as a zoom performer or at venue performer.

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Five Leaves Bookshop* 14a Long Row, Nottingham
11th Feb

Abolishing the Police is both a contribution to this conversation and an invitation to join it. It provides rigorous and accessible analyses of why we might want to abolish the police, what abolishing them would involve, and how it might be achieved, introducing readers to the rich existing traditions of anti-police theory and practice.

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Online
Deadline 12th Feb

To help celebrate Disability Direct’s 30th birthday, they are asking any poets and spoken word artists who identify as D/deaf, disabled, or having a long-term impairment to respond to the theme of disability in Derby and their 30-year history.

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Online
14th Feb

This set is perfect for Valentine’s Day with stories drawn from British folklore and history - tales of romance, loss and the power of love

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The Playwright, Nottingham
15th Feb

SMUT! is a night of poetry and storytelling in Nottingham celebrating human sexuality. A verbal burlesque that can feature anything from a deeply moving love letter, to an erotic limerick. Whether it's heartfelt, cheeky or downright indecent, we'd love to see you at this Open Mic Night. SMUT! is an inclusive safe-space to enjoy all kinds of love and the writing it inspires.

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New Arts Exchange
16th Feb

Our ongoing collaboration with NTU’s Postcolonial Studies Centre, CADALFEST (Celebrating Adivasi and Dalit Arts and Literature Festival), concludes this February with an event with Bengali Dalit writer, Kalyani Thakur Charal.

Kalyani’s vision of social justice, democracy and equality is inspiring and powerful. Join her for poetry and readings from her novel Andhar Bil, and a discussion about her activist and editorial work.

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Museum of Making, Derby
15th - 19th Feb

Returning for a third year, the UK Ghost Story Festival rises again in one of the UK’s most haunted cities, taking over Derby’s Museum of Making for a packed weekend of readings, workshops, panels, interviews, performances and more. Whether you’re a fan, a reader or a writer of supernatural tales, the UK Ghost Story Festival is a must-attend!

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GRAYS Coffee Shop & Kitchen, Leicester
17th Feb

February sees Some-Antics celebrate 5 years of bringing poetry and comedy to the good people of Leicester! This is a free event! Pay What You Want with cash or card if you prefer. Our features will be paid so any contributions, however small above 40p, will be appreciated.

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Rendezvous Hinckley
22nd Feb

Here's the spoken word event you've been waiting for! Come out and enjoy an evening of poetry and performance as artists take the stage to share their work. This is a great opportunity to support the local arts community and hear some new voices.

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University of Derby
1st April

The Writers’ Conference returns in April 2023, bringing writers from all over the region, and beyond, together with the industry, for a day of inspiration and networking. Get your creative juices flowing, discover new pathways and make connections.

Hosted at the University of Derby, this will be a day of workshops, panel discussions and talks – including from keynote speakers (to be announced).

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