We run down some of the must-see events from this year's Nottingham Poetry Festival...
Poets Against Racism
When: Friday 26 April, 7pm - 9.30pm
Where: New Art Exchange
How much: Free
Poets Against Racism (PAR) are a performance collective bringing Midlands-based poets, spoken word artists and rappers together to challenge the rise in racism and bigotry in our society. This event encourages new performers to join more established poets in creating a safe space to explore identity, belonging and how to celebrate diversity in a post-Brexit world.
Antosh Wojcik: How To Keep Time
When: Saturday 27 April, 6pm - 7.15pm
Where: Nonsuch Theatre
How much: £9
Using just his voice and a Roland TD-4KP electronic drumkit, award-winning poet Antosh Wojcik explores the effects of dementia on speech, memory and family in his debut work for theatre, How to Keep Time, produced by Penned in the Margins.
You Can NOTTS Be Serious!
When: Sunday 28 April, 2pm - 4.30pm
Where: The Lord Roberts
How much: Pay what you can
In support of Comic Relief, this self-titled poetic smorgasbord hosts an open mic, four rip-busting headliners and a limerick competition, because why not? If you fancy yourself as a bit of a poet, pop along to make sure you're in with a chance of winning the mysterious prize…
NTU x NTSU Spoken Wordshop: Chris McLoughlin
When: Sunday 28 April, 4.30pm - 6pm (Workshop) 6.30pm - 8.30pm (Performance)
Where: The Landing, NTSU City Campus
How much: Free
NTU’s Writer in Residence Bridie Squires and Write The Poem Facilitator Chris McLoughlin deliver a spoken-word poetry workshop followed by an open mic, support acts, and finally an extended performance from Chris McLoughlin. There are only 15 places available for the workshop, so look your spot by emailing bridie.squires@ntu.ac.uk
NPF Present: Caroline Bird, Georgina Wilding & Ioney Smallhorne
When: Sunday 28 April, 7pm - 10pm
Where: Metronome
How much: £9
One of the writers-in-residence for charity First Story, Caroline Bird had her first collection published at age 15. Since then, she has exploded in the poetry world, having been one of the five official London 2012 poets, being shortlisted for numerous prizes and publishing several collections with varying themes and tones. Bird will be supported by Georgina Wilding and Ioney Smallhorne.
The Fighting Nightingales
When: Sunday 28 April, 7pm - 11.30pm
Where: The Ned Ludd
How much: Free
Join Nottingham’s strangest spoken word hybrid for an evening of jazz, funk, jazz/funk (because some things need to be mixed, come on guys, wake up), chit chat and tall tales set to some uniquely styled music. Drop in to The Ned Ludd for an evening of proper nice spoken word and a few tunes too!
An Evening of Contemporary Iranian Poetry
When: Monday 29 April, 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Where: Waterstones, Bridlesmith Gate
How much: £4-6
To celebrate the launch of The Book of Tehran, this special evening reading and conversation is dedicated to captivating contemporary Iranian poetry.
Yoga and Poetry: Creativity in Motion
When: Saturday 4 May, 11am - 1pm
Where: Bahia Yoga
How much: £15
Allow the stillness of the mind to support your poetry with a gentle one-hour yoga practice followed by facilitated writing. Beginners of both are welcome. Mats can be provided but attendees are encouraged to bring their own if possible. Places are limited so please contact the studio to book your space.
How To Get Your Poetry Published
When: Saturday 4 May, 3pm - 5pm
Where: Nottingham Writer's Studio
How much: £12 (NWS members) £18 (non members)
The full guide to going from amateur poem jotter to the owner of a published collection, join publisher Teika Bellamy at our very own Notts Writer’s Studio for a couple of hours of demystifying your thoughts about the strange world of publication and a couple of tidbits of insider information on the closely-kept secrets of publishers.
NPF & NTU Curated and Created Present: Linton Kwesi Johnson, Jamie Thrasivoulou & Bridie Squires
When: Saturday 4 May, 7.30pm - 10.30pm
Where: Metronome
How much: £15
The first black poet to be published in Penguin Modern Classics, Linton Kwesi Johnson’s work has always been political, vital and necessary, drawing attention to topics like systemic racism, police abuse and National Front attacks. Support from Jamie Thrasivoulou and LeftLion's own Bridie Squires
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