HOME OF FEN SPEAK AND THE FENLAND POET LAUREATE AWARDS 2012-2017
Fen Speak is Ely's long-running regular poetry, spoken word and storytelling open mic night where local writers come together to share their work in a friendly environment.
Who: all are welcome - poets, spoken word artists, non-fiction or fiction writers, or those just wanting to listen! The events include first time readers as well as regular contributors.
What: poetry, fiction, non-fiction - each reader gets a slot of around 3 minutes, depending on how busy the night is. It's free to attend, with donations taken to cover running costs. Just turn up and sign up, or email in advance to book your reading slot. There are also often special guest readers, such as local poets who have recently had new work published.
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Why: come to share your work, gain confidence in performing it, hear and meet other fantastic writers, and find out more about writing happening in the fens - the reasons to come are endless!
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Where: Events are mix of in-person and online events, with the in-person ones in Ely's Babylon Gallery, Waterside, CB7 4AU.
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When: third Wednesday of every month - see below for the latest dates. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30 start, and we usually finish around 9.30pm.
Events on Facebook
UPCOMING EVENTS
Next Event:
Wednesday 17th April with David Clarke
Online via Zoom
7 for 7.30 start
This month we have a headline set from David Clarke. David Clarke's first pamphlet, Gaud, won the Michael Marks award in 2013. His first collection, Arc, was published by Nine Arches Press in 2015 and was longlisted for the Polari Prize. Another pamphlet,Scare Stories, was published by V Press in 2017 and was named a Poetry School ‘Book the Year.’ His second collection, The Europeans, was published by Nine Arches in 2019. His poems have appeared in publications including Magma, Poetry Wales and The Guardian.
Upcoming events:
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15th May - Ely with Paul Stephenson
- 19th June - Ely with Julie Stevens
