
Step Up and Speak Out:
There’s nothing quite like the magic of an open mic—the raw energy, the unfiltered words, and the chance to share your truth. At VERVE Festival of Poetry & Spoken Word, we’re thrilled to offer several opportunities for you to grab the mic and let your voice be heard. Whether you're a seasoned performer or stepping up for the first time, our open mics are the heart of the festival’s community spirit. Here’s everything you need to know:
Open Mic Schedule
15th February
The Big Gay Poetry Night | 8:00 PM Celebrate queer voices in this vibrant evening of poetry and pride. Arrive 30 minutes early to put your name down and secure your chance to perform. GET TICKETS
Young Poets Takeover | 11:00 AM A special event exclusively for poets aged 11-25. While this is a free event, it is ticketed, so don’t forget to book your spot. Young voices, this stage is all yours! GET TICKETS
All Day Open Mic | All Day A relaxed, drop-in style open mic session where the stage is yours whenever you’re ready. This is for people who have booked a ticket to attend an event on SATURDAY 15th FEBRUARY. We encourage you to grab a SATURDAY PASS to soak up the festival’s full experience. It's a great investment for your practice as a poet.
16th February
VERVE Closing Gala | 4:30 PM End the festival on a high note by sharing your words at this grand finale. Arrive 30 minutes before the event to sign up for your slot. GET TICKETS
Important Open Mic Info
Open Mic Slots for Ticket Holders: To perform at the Big Gay Poetry Night or the Closing Gala open mics, you must hold a ticket for the specific event. The All Day Open Mic on Saturday is an exception, though we’d love for you to attend a festival event or grab a SATURDAY PASS to support the vibrant festival atmosphere.
Young Poets Takeover: This event is free and ticketed, and it’s exclusively for young people aged 11-25. Booking is essential, so secure your spot early!
Arrive Early: For the Big Gay Poetry Night , Young Poets Takeover and Closing Gala, open mic slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the event is your best chance to get on the list.
No Guarantees: While we’d love to fit everyone in, we can’t ensure a spot for all open mic performers. If you’re traveling from afar to perform, we recommend attending an event at the festival to make the most of your trip. We cannot hold slots in advance.
Volunteers: We deeply value our incredible volunteers, but please note that volunteering does not guarantee an open mic slot.
Why Perform at VERVE?
Sharing your work at VERVE Festival means joining a community that celebrates every voice, every story, and every kind of poetry. Our open mics are more than just a chance to perform—they’re a chance to connect with fellow poets, be inspired, and make unforgettable memories.
So, what are you waiting for? Warm up your words, find your rhythm, and get ready to share your brilliance with a room full of poetry lovers.
👉 GET YOUR TICKETS OR PASSES NOW to secure your place at one of our events and maybe even the open mic stage! We’ll see you there.
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