Events + Short Courses + Festivals
Wed 1st
1.45-4pm |
Bank Street Writers
We are a group of writers who meet once a month in the centre of Bolton, Lancashire (UK) for readings, discussions, workshops and visits.
Members' interests include poetry, fiction, scriptwriting, factual writing - in fact, almost everything you can do with the written word!
Newcomers are always welcome at our informal meetings, and there's no commitment to join - but if you do, you'll also receive our regular Newsletter.
| Venue: |
Bank Street Unitarian Chapel, Crown Street, Bolton BL1 2RU |
| Contact: |
01204 669858 bswscribe@aol.com |
|
Wed 1st
7.30pm |
Irwell Writers
Irwell Writers offers a warm welcome to all kinds of writers in the Bury area.
| Venue: |
The Mosses - Cecil Street (opposite Asda), Bury, BL9 0SB |
| Entry: |
£3 non-members |
| Contact: |
01204 884370 |
|
Wed 1st
7pm for 7:30pm |
Dead Good Poets' Society
After a brief hiatus due to the closure of the Everyman Theatre and Bistro, Dead Good Poets' Society is back with its long-running (22 years and counting) Poetry Open Floor. will meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month finishing at 10pm.
At the Open Floor, there will be numerous spaces for poets to perform their own poems. Numerous comfortable seats for audience members to sit in wonderment and appreciation. Numerous opportunities for natter and ...
| Venue: |
Garden Café , Blackburne House - Hope St, Liverpool, L8 7PE |
| Entry: |
£2/1 |
|
Thu 2nd
1.30pm-4.30pm |
Meet the Authors at MMU
An afternoon with Chicken House authors, including Melvin Burgess, who will be talking about his newly released book The Hit, Stuart Hill, Icemark series, Sam Hepburn Chasing the Dark, David Massey Torn and Daniel Smith My Friend the Enemy. Plus Barry Cunningham, Managing Director of Chicken House, Annie Everall, Consultant,Trainer & Director of Authors Aloud UK, who will lead a discussion on new fiction for children and young people.
| Venue: |
Lecture Theatre 104,Geoffrey Manton Building,Manchester Metropolitan University, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6LL |
| Entry: |
£3 including refreshments £1.50 students/unwaged (payable at the event) |
| Entry: |
Kathryn.flagner@cumbriacc.gov.uk (to book) |
|
Thu 2nd
|
Guitar n Verse @ Gullivers
Guitar n Verse! is back in Manchester, upstairs at Gullivers!
Usual script, headline musician/singer and headline poet and of course open mic for first hour or so - let me know if you fancy a slot, poetry or music.
This months special guest, originally from Israel, now living in the USA but here for a mini tour of the UK where she is now very well respected and popular, all welcome!
| Venue: |
Gullivers - 109 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LW |
| Entry: |
£2 (incl ticket for raffle) |
| Contact: |
Jeff 07984197175 jeffinbolton@yahoo.com |
|
Fri 3rd
7pm |
An Evening of Poetry Reading
Whether you write poetry and want to share your words or if you would just like to sit and listen, we hope you will be able to join us for these friendly, informal evenings.
|
Fri 3rd
8pm |
Liver Coustic
A brand new open mike night for poets and musicians.
8pm for 9pm start. Hosted by myself, Guy Taunton - hope you can come and read or play!
| Venue: |
Lyric Lounge, Basement Twenty - 20 Hardman Street, Liverpool L1 9AX |
| Entry: |
Free |
|
Sun 5th
7.30pm |
Chanje Kunda and Cultureword presents Speakfreely
Chanjekunda and Cultureword presents Speakfreely, a Speakeasy Spin Off
Back by popular demand, a funkalicious night of experimental Spoken Word and Music, hosted by Chanje Kunda.
|
Sun 5th
7:30pm |
Once More With Meaning - OPEN MIC PLUS GUESTS
Join us for Bury's brand new and only regular poetry open mic!
Stemming from Bury College's theatre show, Once More with Meaning is now a night of poetry, local ale, and probably a whole lot of eccentricity, judging by the kind of people us poets associate with (namely other poets). It will be a night of two halves: open mikers all get to read one poem (two if you keep it short - let that be a lesson to you), then we wrap it up with a guest for fifteen minutes. We'll have a bit of a break, g...
|
Sun 5th
1pm |
Sundays at Sudley
A family afternoon of music, poetry and performance.
First time and established performers welcome.
Original material encouraged.
For those wishing to perform, please arrive around 12:30 pm'ish and add your name to the list.
| Venue: |
Sudley House - Mossley Hill Rd, Liverpool, L18 8BX |
| Contact: |
Tony Kehoe kehoesongs@yahoo.co.uk |
| Entry: |
Free |
|
Tue 7th
5-7pm |
Harwood Library Poetry Evening
We are inviting local poets to read their work at the event. If you would like to give a reading, please get in touch with Harwood Library on or by email on harwood.library@bolton.gov.uk
|
Tue 7th- Sun 12th
7-8.15pm |
The Long View of Contemporary Poetry
The Poetry Writers' Group will read a rich mix of poems: a few of their own and some favourites by other well-known poets.
|
Tue 7th
5.30-7pm |
'Igniting the spark' creative writing workshops
A weekly writing workshop held every Tuesday night at Dean Clough, Halifax and run by local poet, Gaia Holmes.
The workshop is informal, covers many literary genres (such as autobiography, biography, creative non-fiction, poetry and fiction) and involves stimulating exercises to generate poetry or prose. The sessions involve lots of writing, gentle group discussions, tea/coffee, biscuits and sometimes cake!
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a novice or a seasoned writer. The ‘Igniting the spark’ workshop welcomes writers of all abilities and is the perfect place for you to exercise your creative muscles, be inspired and put pen to paper.
|
Wed 8th
9:30am |
Mum or Dad's the Word
A writing workshop for parents and carers. A space to be honest and write about what it really is to be a parent (the joy and the frustration, the giggles and the tears, the bouncy castle and the vomiting).
Mother of a two year old and facilitator of writing workshops for 5 years, I want to encourage people to take time away from the children in their lives and gather their thoughts. A 2hr holiday from the environment where your brain skips from one thing to another as demands constantly shift. A time to write about the children in our lives, record the memories we are making so they aren't lost and also to escape the mind-set of the parent and be playful and adventurous with language, often an area we neglect as adults.
| Venue: |
Battery Park Cafe - 615A Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 9AN |
| Entry: |
£5 (first session half price) 10% off food and drink |
.
| Contact: |
Sara L Dixon 07743685221 mumordadstheword@gmail.com |
|
Wed 8th
7.30pm |
Hiya Luv
A new poetry night is on it's way - it'll be gorgeous, it'll be fresh, it'll be hosted by Manchester's adopted citizens Jackie Hagan and Gerry Potter. There'll be glittery cake, guest poets, prizes and a first come/first served Open Mic.
| Venue: |
The Crescent - 20 The Crescent (near Uni's Peel Park & Adelphi campuses), Salford, M5 4PF |
| Entry: |
£2 |
| Contact: |
jaclyn hagan jaclynhagan@hotmail.com |
|
Thu 9th
8.30 pm |
Write Out Loud - Wigan
At The Tudor Open Mic people crowd in to listen to bawling, drunken, old, young, new and subtle poets. Some funny, some melancholy, some political and some absurd. Come on down, all welcome!
|
Thu 9th
7.30pm |
Spoken Weird
Come one, come all and try your best to keep your pants on: it’s SPOKEN WEIRD, Halifax’s astonishing new spoken word night!
Located at The Sportsman – a notorious live venue – Spoken Weird is an opportunity for you to check out some of the north’s finest up-and-coming spoken word artists, and to throw your own hat into the ring by taking part in our OPEN MIC – poetry, rapping, short stories, visceral rants, lists of stuff you’d do if you got drunk and stole a time machine, it’s all good!
The show will feature sets from punk poet Cayn White, storm-raising Midnight Shelley and the thought-provoking Hot Contents. But the REAL stars of the show will be our open-mic-ers.
Guest Speakers:
- Cayn White
-
Midnight Shelley
-
Hot Contents
|
Thu 9th
7pm |
Michael Symmons Roberts and special guest Les Murray
Manchester Writing School at MMU in association with the International Anthony Burgess Foundation is proud to present two internationally acclaimed poets in this very special event.
When Michael Symmons Roberts published his first poetry collection Soft Keys it was Les Murray, Australia's leading poet, who heralded him as 'a poet for the new, chastened, unenforcing age of faith that has just dawned.'
Tonight's event marks the launch of Drysalter, Michael's sixth and most ambitious collection to date, and we are delighted to be bringing together both poets in Manchester to celebrate, to read from and to discuss their work. All welcome.
|
Thu 9th
8pm |
Albert Poets
Long standing poetry night 8pm at the Albert (next to Huddersfield Library) with guest poets:
|
Thu 9th
7:30pm |
Lend Me Your ears
A monthly night, which celebrates original creative writing and music as a whole. Original works from authors, poets, singer song writers, bands and film makers will be performed along with a broad spectrum of music being played in between acts from blues,jazz and folk to funk, hip hop and indie etc. Set in the beaufiful newly refurbished back room of the Castle Hotel.
|
Thu 9th
12.30 pm |
Midday Poets Writing Workshop
Fun two-hour workshop with the emphasis on creating mew poems. All welcome.
| Venue: |
Huddersfield Library and Art Gallery - Princess Alexandra Walk, Huddersfield, HD1 2SU |
| Entry : |
£2 suggested donation |
| Contact: |
mary matusz marymatusz@phonecoop.coop |
|
Sat 11th
2-4.30pm |
Postcards from the Past workshop with Rosie Garland
If you are thinking of entering our Postcards from the Past writing competition, sponsored by the Midland Hotel, and would like some inspiration and top tips on writing history-inspired fiction, book a place on this special workshop with much admired author Rosie Garland. Rosie will be talking about the research behind her startling debut novel A Palace of Curiosities, featuring Victorian freak show stars The Lion Faced Girl and The Flayed Man, and leading participants through a series of practical workshops to generate new story ideas.
|
Mon 13th
7pm |
Write Out Loud Stockport
Come and share your poems at this fantastic, friendly open-floor poetry night set in the wonderfully stimulating environment of Stockport Art Gallery.
Beginners especially welcome.
| Venue: |
Stockport Art Gallery - Wellington Road South, Stockport, SK3 8AB |
| Entry: |
£1 Donation please |
|
Mon 13th
5.30-7.30pm |
Weaving Words
Rochdale's own creative writing group.
Anyone interested in any genre of creative writing is invited to attend.
| Venue: |
Wheatsheaf Library ,Baillie Street, Rochdale, OL16 1JZ |
| Entry: |
Free |
| Contact: |
shaycycles@gmail.com |
|
Mon 13th
8pm |
Open Mic at Trof
The open mic is open to anyone and everyone (though it's mainly musicians who play) - we have two mics and three DI boxes (for plugging in guitars etc). It's been getting rather busy lately, so get there as early as you can (all the slots tend to go by 9pm-ish!)
The slots are long enough to play 2-3 songs. The audience is really supportive and it's usually busy, with a wide mix of people (musicians and non-musicians) in the audience.
It's run by Tom Kerswill, Ollie Smith and Josh McClurg...
| Venue: |
Trof - Northern Quarter - 8 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1EU |
|
Mon 13th
7:30 pm |
Cellar Door
Join Jake and Emma for the spring installment of Cellar Door! Open-floor poetry on the second floor of The Bear and Billet pub, Chester. New performers and spectators are always welcome! Please invite your friends, too. Bring something to read and join us for more poetry than you can shake half a Cheshire Cat at!
|
Mon 13th
1-3p.m |
Darnhill Scribblers
We run Story Groups in all of the listed areas for adults aged 18+ to have a go at storytelling, writing activities and workshops, meet writers and poets and, most importantly, have loads of fun!
We will also run a variety of mini projects, publish a quarterly magazine and hold annual writing festivals over the next three years.
| Venue: |
Darnhill Library - Argyle Parade, Heywood, OL10 3RY |
| Entry: |
free |
| Contact: |
01706361300 Emma at Cartwheel Arts on 01706 361300
emma@cartwheelarts.org.uk |
|
Mon 13th
7pm |
Magical Animals
Magical Animals is a night of spoken word, comedy, poetry and motivational cakes magicked up by Jackie Hagan. Open Mic, Guest Performer, and the chance to win the coveted Magical Animals Tiara. To reserve a 4 minute spot or find out what's on this month email magicalanimals@live.co.uk or find jackiehaganpoet on Facebook.
| Venue: |
The Sandbar - 120-122 Grosvenor Street, Manchester, M1 7HL |
|
Tue 14th
8pm |
Speakeasy
Speakeasy is Macclesfield's alternative open-mic night. We set a theme each fortnight and together we explore it. Share tales from your own life, read poetry or prose, sing a song...It can be your own work or somebody else's, fiction or non-fiction.
We're a friendly group who want you to feel comfortable sharing whatever the theme brings to mind, and we encourage exploring new perspectives on each theme. Use it as a chance to perform your own material or share something special that you've discovered!
| Venue: |
The Snowgoose Café Bar - 52-54 Sunderland Street, Macclesfield, SK11 6HN |
| Entry: |
Free |
| Contact: |
host@macc-speakeasy.co.uk |
|
Tue 14th
5.30-7pm |
'Igniting the spark' creative writing workshops
A weekly writing workshop held every Tuesday night at Dean Clough, Halifax and run by local poet, Gaia Holmes.
The workshop is informal, covers many literary genres (such as autobiography, biography, creative non-fiction, poetry and fiction) and involves stimulating exercises to generate poetry or prose. The sessions involve lots of writing, gentle group discussions, tea/coffee, biscuits and sometimes cake!
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a novice or a seasoned writer. The ‘Igniting the spark’ workshop welcomes writers of all abilities and is the perfect place for you to exercise your creative muscles, be inspired and put pen to paper.
|
Tue 14th
7pm |
East Manchester and Tameside Stanza
The group will include discussion of the work of published poets, members sharing their own work (if they want to), and doing writing exercises as a group. Some of the Stanza meetings may involve writing to a theme, but always aim to be flexible, fun and suitable for anyone with an interest in poetry!
| Venue: |
Stalybridge Station, Rassbottom Street, Stalybridge, SK15 1RF |
|
Wed 15th
6pm |
Anthony Burgess:The Writer and his World - Exhibition opens
A new exhibition examining the international life and adventures of Anthony Burgess.
Open weekdays 10am-2pm.
| Venue: |
International Anthony Burgess Foundation, Chorlton Mill, 3 Cambridge Street,Manchester M1 3BY |
| Entry: |
Free |
| Contact: |
0161-235-0776 |
|
Wed 15th
7pm |
Marsden Writeoutloud
An open-floor poetry evening, open to all to read a poem, your own or a favourite. Also open to short story tellers, singer/songwriters, etc.
Beginners encouraged.
This follows on our successes with the Poetry Jams at Marsden Jazz Festival, and the sell-out Samuel Laycock evening.
| Venue: |
Marsden Library, Marsden Mechanics Hall, Peel Street, Marsden, HD7 6BW |
| Entry: |
£2 |
| Contact: |
Host/compere: Julian Jordan julian@writeoutloud.net |
|
Wed 15th
10am |
Midday Poets read at Coffe Morning Plus
| Venue: |
Huddersfield Library and Art Gallery - Princess Alexandra Walk, Huddersfield, HD1 2SU |
| Entry: |
FREE |
| Contact: |
Mary Matusz marymatusz@phonecoop.coop |
|
| Sat 18th+ |
Horrible Histories: Rotten Rationing Big Picture Show
Step into the horrible world of Rotten Rationing with a brand new, immersive 360-degree Big Picture Show for all the family based on the world’s bestselling children’s history book series, Horrible Histories®, written by Terry Deary and illustrated by Martin Brown.
| Venue: |
IWM North,The Quays,Trafford Wharf Road,Trafford Park,Manchester M17 1TZ |
| Contact: |
(0)161 836 4000 iwmnorth@iwm.org.uk |
|
| Wed 22nd |
MMU Humanities Year 10 Day
The Faculty of Humanities, Languages and Social Science are delighted to invite you to attend MMU’s first ever Humanities Year 10 day (we will accept bookings for year 9 students as well). This is intended to showcase all subject areas within the Faculty – History, Politics Philosophy, English and Creative Writing, Sociology, Languages and Information, Technology and Communications.
Student Ambassadors will be delivering subject workshops based on topics derived from a Performance/In Conversation with writers, Anjum Malik (Nahid) and Sufiya Ahmed (Secrets of a Henna Girl). They will participate in two workshops during the day.
|
Wed 22nd
7pm |
Writers of the Third Kind (New Creative Writing)
From the beginning off 2008 to 2010, me and Amanda Speakman co-ran a creative writing and exercise workshop called Trio Writers.
After a long break, we have decided to start up again under a different name 'Writers of the Third Kind' but will operate under a similar format of discussion of people's works and in the second half of the night - a series of specially selected exercises to hopefully stir you into writing.
| Venue: |
The Sweet Green Tavern,127 Crook Street, Bolton, BL3 6DD |
| Entry: |
Free |
| Contact: |
Andy N aen1mpo@yahoo.co.uk |
|
Wed 22nd
7.30pm |
neo:live
neo:live returns for a second month of poetry and music at the beautiful St George's House, Bolton. With guest poet Dominic Berry, and the dual comperes of Nat Clare and Paul Blackburn, it is shaping up to be one not to be missed. And yes, open mic slots available as well, e-mail to reserve a slot.
|
Wed 22nd
9.30am |
Mum or Dad's the Word
A writing workshop for parents and carers. A space to be honest and write about what it really is to be a parent (the joy and the frustration, the giggles and the tears, the bouncy castle and the vomiting).
Mother of a two year old and facilitator of writing workshops for 5 years, I want to encourage people to take time away from the children in their lives and gather their thoughts. A 2hr holiday from the environment where your brain skips from one thing to another as demands constantly shift. A time to write about the children in our lives, record the memories we are making so they aren't lost and also to escape the mind-set of the parent and be playful and adventurous with language, often an area we neglect as adults.
| Venue: |
Battery Park Cafe - 615A Wilbraham Rd, Manchester,, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 9AN |
| Entry: |
£5 (first session half price) 10% off food and drink. |
| Contact: |
07743685221 mumordadstheword@gmail.com |
|
Wed 22nd
7pm |
'The Long View of Contemporary Poetry'
The Poetry Writers' Group will read a rich mix of poems: a few of their own and some favourites by other well-known poets.
| Venue: |
Proof Bar - 30a Manchester Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 9PH |
| Entry: |
Free (part of the Chorlton Fest) |
| Contact: |
p.atkinson63@googlemail.com |
|
Thu 23rd
1pm |
Z-arts: The Waving Cat of Japan by The Krazy Kat Theatre Company
Maneki Neko 'The Waving Cat' is the Japanese cat-shaped figurine that is said to bring good luck and of whom there are many folk tales and legends. In this visually exciting new Sign Language Arts creation Krazy Kat celebrate their thirty year birthday by presenting a spectacular traditional Japanese puppet-style theatrical fantasy. A tropical storm, a wicked Sorceress, a not so smart Prince and three tricky tasks to perform before midnight? Yikes! Luckily, Maneki Neko the Waving Cat is on hand, or paw, to help.
Suitable for ages 3-7 (Early Years, Reception and Key Stage 1)
| Venue: |
Z-arts, 335 Stretford Road, Manchester M15 5ZA |
| Entry: |
£4.50 per pupil, teachers go free |
| Contact: |
To book contact Vicky Clarke on 0161 232 6098 vicky@z-arts.org |
|
Thu 23rd
7.30pm |
Prole Art Threat
Manchester Fall poetry night, with Fall Poetry Zine from Stinky Bear Press on sale. Readers include: Richard Barrett, Ann Matthews, Adrian Slatcher, Steven Waling, Tim Allen, Sarah Crewe, Pascal O'Loughlin, Pat Phaggs, Charlotte Henson, Leanne Bridgewater plus others to be confirmed!
|
Thu 23rd
7pm |
Poetry nites@the book case
Bringing the best in contemporary poetry every month to the UK's funkiest small town, at The Book Case, Hebden Bridge's small-but-beautiful independent bookshop.
Sculpted: Poetry of the North West. Launch of this definitive, ground breaking anthology of poems by 62 of the North West's best contemporary poets. Lindsey Holland, J.T Welsch, Andrew Oldham, Melissa Lee-Houghton, Angela Topping and John Siddique read.
|
Sun 26th
7pm |
Write Out Loud - Middleton
This is the première poetry open mic night in Rochdale and Middleton!
Everyone is welcome to read their poems in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Free cakes from Gemma, raffle, lots of fantastic poetry and all for the bargain price of £2!
|
Sun 26th
5pm |
Open Mic
A relaxed and fun event
Calling all singers , musicians , poets & comedians
Free pint for all performers
| Venue: |
The Junction @ Marsh - 1 Westbourne Road , Huddersfield HD1 4LA |
| Entry: |
Free to enter |
| Contact: |
01484 318477 |
|
Mon 27th
8pm |
RAW @ Contact
RAW is Rhythm And Words, a brand new open mic night at Contact Theatre, Oxford Road. A necessary fusion of hip hop, spoken word and poetry.
Hosted by Justin Dooley (UNSUNG) and Martin Stanich (Pen-Ultimate), RAW offers up a FREE open mic night for all poets and emcees in Manchester! It is a platform for all you creative souls in the city to showcase your work in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We want YOU to transmit your work from the page to the stage!
So, whether you're a poet, emcee or appreciator, come down and join us on the fourth Monday of the month (every month!) for poetry, hip-hop and freestyle hi-jinx.
There's no need to book in advance for a slot, simply come down, sign up and perform...simples!
|
Mon 27th
5.30pm |
Weaving Words
Rochdale's own creative writing group. Meeting at the Library from 5.30pm to 7.15pm on 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month. Refreshments are provided.
| Venue: |
Wheatsheaf Library - Baillie Street, Rochdale, OL16 1JZ |
| Entry: |
Free |
| Contact: |
shaycycles@gmail.com |
|
Mon 27th 6pm
|
Hard Rain Poetry : Innocence
-
6pm- 8pm poetry/ creative writing workshop
The workshop will look at the poetry of the mystical poet and artist Blake, using his words to inspire us to write or feel. The themes covered will be innocence and experience. The session coincides with an exhibition of his work at the John Rylands Library. The sessions are a relaxed way to share poetry, ideas and creativity. No writing or poetry experience necessary.
- 8pm -10pm poetry performance/reading with open mic.
A Manchester born poet, Nadeem Zafar has been writing since 1988. He emerged onto the performance poetry scene in 2001 and has performed his work at theatres, libraries, bars and pubs. He uses clear image-based description in his work, which mainly explores the dynamic of human relationships.
Open mic (This is an opportunity to share poems, bring your own poems or poems by Blake to read or play. Musicians also very welcome to perform).
| Venue: |
Isis Café, 910 Stockport Road, Levenshulme, manchester M19 (near Albert Road) |
| Entry: |
FREE. Everyone welcome, no writing experience necessary |
|
Mon 27th
8.30pm |
Inn Verse
Inn Verse returns, at it's new venue The Sandbar on Grosvenor Street, and with it's new hosts Anna Percy and Dermot Glennon.
Inverse is the friendly no microphone read-around where you can read your own poetry or someone else's, or just listen and meet and chat with some of Manchester's finest poetry talents.
If that all sounds like the strangest late night should have gone to bed TV phone chat adverts you've ever heard, then why not come down and meet local poets in your area looking for love (or approval, whichever's more attainable).
And, in these times of austerity there's 10% off food and drink for all attendees so you won't have to make the sort of budget cuts that stifle your growth.
|
Tue 28th
7pm |
East Manchester and Tameside Stanza
The group will include discussion of the work of published poets, members sharing their own work (if they want to), and doing writing exercises as a group. Some of the Stanza meetings may involve writing to a theme, but always aim to be flexible, fun and suitable for anyone with an interest in poetry!
| Venue: |
Stalybridge Station, Rassbottom Street, Stalybridge, SK15 1RF |
|
Tue 28th
8pm |
Speakeasy
Each fortnight, a theme is set and everyone is welcome to join us, sharing whatever they wish relating to or exploring some angle of the theme. That includes music, poetry, prose, articles, anecdotes – Anything at all, their own work or someone else's. We then often use the material shared as jumping-off points for discussion or debate on aspects of the theme. Uupcoming themes include 'Work', 'The Supernatural' and 'Words'.
Let me know if this is something you would be happy to list and if you require any further details.
| Venue: |
Snowgoose Café Bar, 52-54 Sunderland Street, Macclesfield, SK11 6HN |
| Entry: |
Free |
|
Tue 28th
Wed 29th
Thu 30th |
MMU Continuing Professional Development Course:Reading and Writing Crime Fiction
This is a creative writing course that investigates the popular genre of crime fiction and gives students the opportunity to study, discuss and write crime stories.
Students will discuss novels from the reading list and look closely at aspects of the crime writer's craft. Students may be asked to give short, informal presentations on one aspect of crime fiction that interests them – and all students will be expected to participate in tutor-led creative writing exercises. This course is particularly suitable for those who like reading widely, wish to expand their knowledge of various crime fiction sub-genres (including Nordic, inter-war and international crime fiction) - and would like to try writing their own short crime stories under the supervision of novelist Gregory Norminton and guest critics who've published on crime writing.
The cost is £300 for those who wish to attend the sessions, or £1,000* for those who wish to complete and submit assessed coursework at the end, with additional one-to-one writing and tutorial support, to gain 40 Master's-level credits – which can be taken into a full-length MA Creative Writing programme (*£1,000 for home/EU students; £2,778 for international students).
| Venue: |
Geoffrey Manton, MMU, oxford Rd, Manchester |
| Entry: |
£300 |
| Contact: |
James Draper: 0161 247 1787 j.draper@mmu.ac.uk |
|
Tue 28th
7pm |
The Poetry Society Wigan Stanza
Wigan Stanza meet every 4th Tuesday in the month to share writing, reading and enjoyment of poetry. If you love poetry, this is for you!
|
Tue 28th
7pm |
Poem catchers:Writing a Perfect Love Poem
| Venue: |
Stalybridge Station,Rassbottom Street - Stalybridge |
|
Tue 28th
5.30-7pm |
'Igniting the spark' creative writing workshops
A weekly writing workshop held every Tuesday night at Dean Clough, Halifax and run by local poet, Gaia Holmes.
The workshop is informal, covers many literary genres (such as autobiography, biography, creative non-fiction, poetry and fiction) and involves stimulating exercises to generate poetry or prose. The sessions involve lots of writing, gentle group discussions, tea/coffee, biscuits and sometimes cake!
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a novice or a seasoned writer. The ‘Igniting the spark’ workshop welcomes writers of all abilities and is the perfect place for you to exercise your creative muscles, be inspired and put pen to paper.
|
Wed 29th
7:30pm |
Anthropoetry
anthro-po´ĕ-tre n. A humorous, musical, spoken word journey around the human anatomy, attempting to get the measure of modern life.
Written and performed by Ben Mellor
With music and sound design by Dan Steele.
What is it?
How do we express our spleen? Whose business do we stick our noses into? When did we start wearing our hearts on our sleeves, and why are we up to our elbows in heels and bums? BBC R4 Slam Champion Ben Mellor takes you on a stand-up poetry and music fuelled tour around the body, attempting to get the measure of modern life through anatomical analogy. With sounds, beats, beeps and whistles by Dan Steele.
What’s it about?
Anthropoetry is inspired by anthropometry, the study of measuring the human body. Informed by archaic quack medicine and hokey beliefs, combined with searingly topical social and political commentary and some personal body and soul searching, Ben presents a set of brand new spoken word poems and stories that get to the heart of modern life. Presented with Ben’s trademark mix of free-verse poetry, rap, beatbox and a healthy dose of satirical humour, the text is underscored live by Dan’s use of guitar, keys, drumpad and live-looping technology.
| Venue: |
Contact Theatre - Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA |
| Entry: |
£8/ £5 concession |
| Contact: |
0161 274 0600 |
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Thu 30th
8pm |
The Chester Poets
The Chester Poets have been meeting in Chester since 1973. They now hold a monthly open floor event upstairs in the Boot Inn at which all are welcome to come and read or listen to the poetry and join in the ensuing discussions.
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Fri 31st
7.30pm |
North West All Star Poetry Slam
An X-Factor for poets featuring some of the North West's leading slam poets. Our all killer/no filler line up has been handpicked by our compere Tony Walsh, aka Longfella, and includes:
- Dave Viney
- Rod Tame
- Dominic Berry
- Helen Clare
- Joy France
- Mark Mace Smith
- Clare Kirwan
- Kieran King
- Louise Fazackerly
| Venue: |
Heaton Park Sports and Social Bar - 315 Bury Old Road, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 1JA |
| Entry: |
£5 |
|
Sat 1st+
| Not Another Festival
Not Another Festival will bring together some of Manchesters key artistic organisations (Contact, The Royal Exchange Theatre, Gorsehill Studios and Z-arts) and youth organisations providing a platform for artistic collaboration and exchange. The festival will celebrate the vibrancy and creativity of Manchesters young people enabling them to make a positive contribution to their communities. In turn it is hoped that this will bring about greater social cohesion and provide a springboard for them to cultivate their own arts journey.
| Venue: | Contact Theatre, OXFORD ROAD, MANCHESTER M15 6JA |
|
Sun 2nd
1pm | Final Sundays
Writing workshop with published poet and compere, Sarah L Dixon. Bring your imagination + dependent on numbers (average about 6/7 last year) we should complete 3-5 exercises). |
Sun 2nd
6.30pm | Book Launch: On Euclid Ave by J.Fergus Evans
Fergus Evans is a yarn-spinnin’, boy-kissin’, spoken word and performance artist from Georgia, USA. Join him and special guests Michelle Green, Jackie Hagan and Gerry Potter for the launch of his intimate debut poetry collection. From the hottest bar in a hot Southern city to an overcast afternoon in an abandoned park in Manchester, On Euclid Ave is a transatlantic gaggle of modern day folk-tales and quiet revelations. |
Sun 2nd
7.30pm | Once More With Meaning - OPEN MIC PLUS GUESTS
Join us for Burys brand new and only regular poetry open mic Stemming from Bury Colleges theatre show, Once More with Meaning is now a night of poetry, local ale, and probably a whole lot of eccentricity, judging by the kind of people us poets associate with namely other poets. It will be a night of two halves: open mikers all get to read one poem two if you keep it short - let that be a lesson to you, then we wrap it up with a guest for fifteen minutes. Well have a bit of a break, get a drink from the bar, then re-commence and do it all again
| Venue: | The Met,entrance in through The Automatic restaurant,Market Street, Bury BL9 0BW |
| Entry: | £2 (concs. £1) |
|
Sun 2nd
7.30pm | Chanje Kunda and Cultureword presents Speakfreely
Chanjekunda and Cultureword presents Speakfreely, a Speakeasy Spin Off. Back by popular demand, a funkalicious night of experimental Spoken Word and Music, hosted by Chanje Kunda.
| Venue: | Night and Day Cafe - 26 Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JN |
| Entry: | £3 |
|
Mon 3rd
7.30pm | Puzzle Poets Live
Each month we have a guest poet before our open mic session.
Everyone is welcome to contribute their stanzas in the Open Mic that follows. We all get an enthusiastic encouraging welcome from the audience so why not give it a go? Very friendly atmosphere.
| Venue: | Puzzle Hall Inn, Hollins Lane, Sowerby Bridge HX6 2QG |
| Entry: | Free donation to the hat | | Contact: | freda davis freda247davis@gmail.com |
|
Mon 3rd
7.30pm | Puzzle Poets Live
Each month we have a guest poet before our open mic session. Everyone is welcome to contribute their stanzas in the Open Mic that follows. We all get an enthusiastic encouraging welcome from the audience so why not give it a go? Very friendly atmosphere.
| Venue: | Puzzle Hall Inn, Hollins Lane, Sowerby Bridge HX6 2QG |
| Entry: | Free donation to the hat | | Contact: | freda davis freda247davis@gmail.com |
|
Mon 3rd
7.30pm | Puzzle Poets Live
Each month we have a guest poet before our open mic session. Everyone is welcome to contribute their stanzas in the Open Mic that follows. We all get an enthusiastic encouraging welcome from the audience so why not give it a go? Very friendly atmosphere.
| Venue: | Puzzle Hall Inn, Hollins Lane, Sowerby Bridge HX6 2QG |
| Entry: | Free donation to the hat | | Contact: | freda davis freda247davis@gmail.com |
|
Mon 3rd
7.30pm | Puzzle Poets Live
Each month we have a guest poet before our open mic session. Everyone is welcome to contribute their stanzas in the Open Mic that follows. We all get an enthusiastic encouraging welcome from the audience so why not give it a go? Very friendly atmosphere.
| Venue: | Puzzle Hall Inn, Hollins Lane, Sowerby Bridge HX6 2QG |
| Entry: | Free donation to the hat | | Contact: | freda davis freda247davis@gmail.com |
|
Mon 3rd
8pm | Zest! Open Floor Poetry
Our Guest Poet will be Katrina Naomi and the evening will be compèred by Leih Steggall. Katrina Naomi is a South-London based poet. Her first full collection The Girl with the Cactus Handshake (Templar Poetry, 2009) was described as “arresting and vivid” by the judges of the London New Poetry Award.
| Venue: | Alexanders Theatre Bar,2 Rufus Court, Chester, Chester, CH1 2JW |
| Entry: | £3 (concs. £2) |
|
Wed 5th
7pm | Reading: MMU End of Year Student Poetry Reading and Open Mic
The Manchester Writing School at MMU presents its end of year student poetry reading and open mic night. The first half will be a showcase of poets in their first year of the MA in Creative Writing. The second half consists of an open mic night for any alumni, current students whether doing the MA or an undergraduate degree and friends. You do not need to register for the open mic, just turn up and bring a poem. This is a great chance to hear new talent and meet old colleagues, and we look forward to seeing you there
| Venue: | International Anthony Burgess Foundation, Engine House, Chorlton Mill, 3 Cambridge Street,Manchester M1 5BY |
| Entry: | Free Free, no booking required |
|
Thu 6th–
Sat 29th
| Z-arts: Tracing Prescence by Elizabeth Kwant Schools Exhibition Belongings Workshops
A series of large-scale portraits by Manchester artist Elizabeth Kwant during an Artist in Residence with the Boaz Trust, a charity working to help destitute asylum seekers. Her work questions the fragility of existence, at once beautiful yet haunting. To accompany the exhibition, Elizabeth is offering 2.5 hr workshops for classes of 30 students exploring the theme Belongings. Using personal objects and photographs we will create a series of collaborative collages in response to discussions around the topic of Belongings. All works will be exhibited as part of refugee week in 2013. Suitable for Ages 10 16. year 6 Primary, or years 7-11 secondary. For curriculum areas: Art, Geography, PSHE and Citizenship.
| Venue: | Z-arts Gallery, 335 Stretford Road, Manchester M15 5ZA |
| Entry: | £200 | | Contact: | Vicky Clarke 0161 232 6098 vicky@z-arts.org |
|
Wed 12th
| Public Services A Level day (Year 12)
For students interested in a career within Public Services (civil service, housing associations, NHS, Police etc.) they would benefit from our Public Services degree programme which incorporates the study of fascinating topics, such as major incident management, police and politics and civil justice, with practical community engagement projects. Students can find out more, sample lectures and meet students at this A Level day. |
Thu 13th+
10am-11.30am
12.30pm-2pm | Culture and Conflict workshop
A temporary workshop surrounding our Al-Mutanabbi Street Exhibition, looking at culture and conflict using Al-Mutanabbi as an example, and creating a story/poem/piece of fine art/all of the above as a response to attacks (both physical and psychological) on personal freedoms. Suitable for years 9, 10 and 11. |
Thu 20th
| MMU Technology A Level day (Year 12)
Our Technology Sixth Form Day is designed to showcase our different university routes of study within technology disciplines including hardware, software and communication application and technology infrastructure. The day will enable your students to gain a practical insight and get hands on experience. The day is aimed at year 12 students currently studying AS levels or equivalent in science, technology and media related subjects. |
Thu 20th
6.30pm | Readings: Persian poetry on tour
Persian poetry is has a rich heritage and many Classical Persian poets, such as Rumi and Hafez, are famous across the world. But little is known about how contemporary Persian-language poets have continued to enrich and enliven their tradition. Shakila Azizzada, Azita Ghahreman and Reza Mohammadi are three of the most acclaimed Persian poets writing today. Join them as they read from their work alongside their translators, poets Mimi Khalvati, Maura Dooley and Nick Laird. A Poetry Translation Centre event.
| Venue: | International Anthony Burgess Foundation, Engine House, Chorlton Mill, 3 Cambridge Street,Manchester M1 5BY |
| Entry: | Free Free, no booking required |
|
Tue 25th+
7pm | East Manchester and Tameside Stanza
Discussion of the work of published poets, members sharing their own work if they want to, and doing writing exercises as a group. Some of the Stanza meetings may involve writing to a theme, but always aim to be flexible, fun and suitable for anyone with an interest in poetry
| Venue: | Stalybridge Station, Rassbottom Street, Stalybridge, SK15 1RF |
|
Tue 25th+
8pm | Speakeasy
Each fortnight a theme is set and everyone is welcome to join us sharing whatever they wish relating to or exploring some angle of the theme. That includes music poetry prose articles anecdotes. Anything at all their own work or someone elses. We then often use the material shared as jumping off points for discussion or debate on aspects of the theme. Upcoming themes include Work The Supernatural and Words. Let me know if this is something you would be happy to list and if you require any further details. |
Wed 26th
| MMU Humanities A Level Conference Year 12
Aimed at year 12 students who have completed their AS exams and have started to think about what they may want to study at university. We are offering an exciting programme of taster lectures and workshops in various Humanities subjects so your students can sample these and get an idea of what university study would be like. There will also be a very useful How to fill in your UCAS form workshop with practical tips on what Admissions tutors look for when making decisions about applications. In addition your students will have a chance to meet current MMU students and ask them questions about what it is like to study Humanities at university.
| Venue: | Geoffrey Manton MMU Oxford Road Mancheser M15 6LL |
| Entry: | Free Free | | Contact: | to book hlssschools@mmu.ac.uk |
|
Wed 3rd+
4.30pm | MMU Schools Networking Event
This event is hosted by MMUs Faculty of Humanities Languages and Social Science and the Manchester School of Art and they are joined by partner organisations representing Manchesters major museums galleries libraries and theatres. All of these organisations offer schools outreach programmes featuring extended projects competitions courses and events for teachers and pupils. A drop-in programme of talks and sample CPD sessions will run between 5-8pm in with refreshments and networking from 4.30pm. You will be able to visit information stands and find out more about programmes of activities run by the university and the Creative Learning Network institutions. Join us to explore how we can support your teaching plan for the academic year 201314.
| Venue: | Geoffrey Manton MMU Oxford Road Mancheser M15 6LL |
| Entry: | Free Free | | Contact: | to book hlssschools@mmu.ac.uk |
|
Fri 11th
1pm | Manchester Literature Festival presents Malorie Blackman
Malorie Blackman is one of the UKs most imaginative and convincing writers for young readers. She has been awarded numerous prizes for her work including the Red House Childrens Book Award and the Fantastic Fiction Award. In 2005 she was honoured with the Eleanor Farjeon Award in recognition of her contribution to childrens books and in 2008 she received an OBE for her services to childrens literature. Join Malorie for a lively discussion about the inspiration behind her hugely popular novels including Noughts and Crosses Boys Dont Cry and Noble Conflict. This event is part of Manchester Literature Festival and is presented in partnership with MMU Manchester Childrens Book Festival.
| Venue: | Z-arts 335 Stretford Road Manchester M15 5ZA |
| Entry: | £4 | | Contact: | 0161 232 6089 |
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For more events, see: