Poetry, Literature, and Writing Events and Workshops in Derby.
Derby’s rich social and cultural history is a goldmine for those looking to gain inspiration and expand upon their creativity and learning outside of the university. So why not explore and get involved with some of the forthcoming events around the city? Here’s a breakdown on everything that is happening this month.
Upcoming Poetry Events:
From voicing the written word to exploring the rhythmic powers behind the art of poetry and spoken word, Derby has a lot in store for lovers of poetry.
Derby Poetry Festival
Derby Poetry Festival is an annual event to celebrate the diverse and rich talents in the poetry community. This year’s festivities are due to take place from the 22nd to 25th November.
Join Vanessa Kisuule and Sophie Sparham at She Speaks
On 22nd November 2018 She Speaks and Derby Poetry Festival are coming together for an explosive evening of performances from some of the UK’s most electrifying poetry talents such as Vanessa Kisuule and Sophie Sparham!
Vanessa Kisuule is a writer and performer that is based in Bristol and with over 10 slam titles under her belt, she is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Kisuule has also performed an array of poetry at renowned venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, The British Library and Glastonbury. She has also published poetry collections such as ‘Joyriding The Storm’ and ‘A Recipe For Sorcery’ with publishing house, Burning Eye. It is then to no surprise that Kisuule has been appointed as Bristol City Poet for 2018 – 2020.
On 22nd November 2018, Vanessa Kisuule will be supported by a host of local poets including acclaimed performer Sophie Sparham!
This is an opportunity that you do not want to miss. So to get involved and see the latest updates on this year’s line-ups check out Derby Poetry Festival’s Facebook page.
Tickets: £8
The festival also has a line-up of other events at the Maypole Cafe Bar such as City-Zen One Mic on 24th November and Word Wise on 23rd November and on the last Friday of the month.
Twisted Tongue
Twisted Tongues is a monthly open mic night for spoken word artists, poets, storytellers, comedians. It’s a great way to get involved with Derby’s arts and entertainment scenes.
Join Twisted Tongues for the Derby Poetry Festival’s After Party
To celebrate this year’s instalment of Derby Poetry Festival, Twisted Tongues is hosting an after show party at the Old Bell Hotel in Derby for an evening of “poetry, drinking and chatting”.
Entry is £1 for students and £2 for non-students.
To get involved with Twisted Tongues check out their Facebook page!
More on Derby’s Literary Scene:
Derby is also home to other literary events beyond poetry. Perhaps you want to develop your creative writing or critical thinking and reading skills? If that is the case here is what Derby can offer you:
The English Society at the University of Derby
The English society was founded by third year students at the University of Derby with the aim of bringing together some of the humanities students to socialise and exchange knowledge and ideas relating to the philosophies of literature in both it’s social and historical contexts. As both a cultural and academic organisation, the society intends to host a mini seminar series to assist English studies to allow an expansion around a few topics covered in modules such as critical theory and deconstructing ideologies in literature.
With close ties the Decolonisation and Literature Network at the University of Derby that enables students to explore world and colonial literatures that are often excluded from public knowledge systems – the society also seeks to incorporate topics, studies and events that comment on the cultural and historical legacies of racial, sexual, political and religious differences within the literary scene and wider society through platforms such as their fortnightly podcast with Phantom Media.
To get involved take a look at the English Society’s socials on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Writing East Midlands
Writing East Midlands is a regional hub for literary talents across all ages and offers a variety of events and workshops from poetry to script writing.
Their Young Writer’s Groups is a network of five creative writing groups across the East Midlands. The groups are run by professional writers who are disciplined with the writing and publishing industry. They offer a great introduction into the world of creative writing and how to develop your skills. It is also great way to connect with other writing talents within your local community.
Derby Book Festival
Derby Book Festival is an annual event that takes place every summer to celebrate the wealth of international as well as local writing talents. Past attendees have included poets, historians, politicians, illustrators and musicians. With such a diverse audience, Derby Book Festival is ideal for anyone who is passionate about storytelling.
The next festival will take place between 31st May to 8th June 2019 so keep a look out on their website for updates.
If you’re highly anticipating the festival and feel the urge to get involved now, their shared reading groups are a great way to volunteer and expand upon your literary passions with members of the public. The meetings are designed to encourage individuals to read and discuss a variety of literary works ranging from poetry to short stories.
As this the initiative is based on volunteering and strengthening communal ties, much of the meetings take place either weekly or fortnightly in schools, care homes and centres across Derby and the East Midlands. It is certainly a great way to contribute to improving not only child but also adult literacy and education while sharpening up your own skills.
To get involved simply visit Derby Book Festival’s website to find out about dates and how to apply.
More information on the all of events listed above will be in the latest issue of the Writers Block.
