VERVE FESTIVAL of
POETRY & SPOKEN WORD

'VERVE Poetry Festival Stands at the beating heart of all that is poetry, and all that might be. 

Vibrant, alive, provactive and curious - we need more festivals like this.'

- Joelle Taylor

Joelle Taylor is the T. S. Eliot Prize-winning poet, former UK Slam Champion, and founder of SLAMbassadors, whose work has electrified international stages and earned her an MBE for services to poetry.

WHO WE WORK WITH

'VERVE has hand-crafted community, aspiration and pride in the Birmingham poetry and spoken word scene out of pure passion, quirk and creative ideas over the past almost-decade.

VERVE is a central reason why Birmingham is seen as a centre and beacon for poetry and development.'

- Jazmine Gardosi

Jasmine Gardosi is the previous Birmingham Poet Laureate, a BBC Words First finalist, and the 2021 UK Slam Champion, known for her electrifying performances blending poetry, beatboxing, and gender identity.

VERVE's POETRY LEGACY: LEARNING INITIATIVE - FREE OPPORTUNITES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 

VERVE's Learning Initiative is a multifaceted educational program designed to engage learners of all ages and backgrounds in the art of poetry. We offer workshops, lectures, and retreats (a future incentive) aimed at nurturing creativity, developing literary skills, and building community, from introductory poetry workshops for beginners to advanced masterclasses for seasoned writers, there's something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
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Our educational offerings extend beyond the traditional classroom setting, with opportunities for experiential learning and hands-on participation through outreach programs and collaborations with schools, libraries, and community organisations. We strive to make poetry accessible for the next generation of poets and spoken word artists.
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• ​Through our school slam program, we ignite a passion for poetry in young minds by engaging with over 500 children each year.

• By providing mentorship, resources, and opportunities for self-expression, we empower students to find their voice and share their stories through the power of spoken word.

• Our school slam initiative not only fosters creativity and confidence but also cultivates empathy, critical thinking, and communication skills, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth.​

• Partnering with the Poetry Society's Young Poets Network, we offer a platform for emerging voices to shine.

• Through our free competitions, performance opportunities in the festival program, and professional workshops, we provide young poets with the tools, support, and recognition they need to thrive.

'Being at the Verve Poetry Festival feels like an instant buzz of energy.

It comes from every direction: the vibrant diversity of the audiences, the imaginative programming, the connection with other poets at every stage in their careers.

It is the poetry festival that Birmingham richly deserves'.

- Imtiaz Dharker

Multi-award-winning poet, artist and filmmaker, recipient of the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry, former Chancellor of Newcastle University, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, whose work has been studied on the UK national curriculum.

EMERGING POETRY ANTHOLOGIES

Annual VERVE poetry festival competitions have resulted in 8 anthologies, nurturing emerging poets and capturing the essence of each festival. These collections explore a diverse range of voices and experiences, and stand as a testament to our commitment to presenting new artists.