We’re thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration between VERVE Poetry Festival and The Poetry Society, uniting to bring the Poetry Society Young Poets Open Mic to Birmingham Hippodrome. This event promises to be a vibrant and inspiring space for emerging poets and performers to connect, share their work, and celebrate their love of poetry.
Taking place on Saturday at 11:00 am, the event is free to attend and open to young poets aged 25 and under. Attendees can expect captivating headline sets from three talented Foyle Young Poets: Yousef Alawi, Lauren Lisk, and Tilly Wiggins. These young writers have already made their mark in the literary world and are set to inspire the next generation of poetry lovers with their powerful performances.

But that’s not all—this event is about fostering a sense of community. If you’re aged 25 or younger and have a poem you’d love to share, bring it along and sign up for the open mic. Early arrival is encouraged to secure your spot.
After the performances, stick around for free refreshments and an informal meet-up. Connect with fellow young poets, share ideas, and discover more about The Poetry Society’s Young Poets Network—a valuable resource offering guidance, opportunities, and support for young poets at all stages of their creative journey.
For more details about the Young Poets Network, click here: Young Poets Network – The Poetry Society.
A bit about FOYLES Young Poets of the Year Award
At the heart of this event is the incredible legacy of the Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award, a prestigious competition that has been nurturing young literary talent since its founding by The Poetry Society in 1998. Open to poets aged 11-17, this free-to-enter competition has launched the careers of many renowned poets, including Sarah Howe, Helen Mort, Phoebe Power, and Jay Bernard.
With over 6,600 entries annually, the award is one of the largest and most competitive of its kind worldwide. Each year, 100 winners (15 top winners and 85 commended poets) are selected by a panel of esteemed judges, celebrating creativity from across the UK and beyond.
The top 15 winners have their poems published in the annual Foyle Young Poets Anthology, distributed widely to schools, libraries, and literary organizations. They also receive the unique opportunity to attend a week-long residential Arvon course or benefit from sustained mentoring to hone their craft alongside peers and professional poets.
The impact of the award extends far beyond the competition itself. Many alumni have gone on to achieve remarkable success in the literary world, publishing collections with renowned presses like Faber & Faber and Carcanet, and receiving accolades such as the T.S. Eliot Prize and Ted Hughes Award.
For more information about the Foyle Young Poets Award visit foyleyoungpoets.org.
Join Us to Celebrate Young Talent
This partnership between VERVE Poetry Festival and The Poetry Society highlights a shared commitment to nurturing young talent and creating inclusive spaces for creative expression.
\Whether you’re an aspiring poet or simply a lover of words, the Poetry Society Young Poets Open Mic is an event not to be missed.
Join us at Birmingham Hippodrome for a morning of creativity, community, and inspiration—and be part of a growing movement to celebrate and support young poets as they take center stage.
Time: Saturday, 11:00 am
Location: Birmingham Hippodrome
Price: Free
Bring a friend, bring a poem, and bring your passion for poetry. We can’t wait to see you there!
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