We’ve received this powerful message from poet and activist Kayla Martell Feldman , co-author of a letter that now holds over 1,700 signatures—including many from the Verve Poetry Press family. It is a call to solidarity, visibility, and action in support of trans and non-binary people, especially within our creative communities. As a press and platform that has published, celebrated, and stood beside trans and non-binary poets through our books, events, and anthologies, we are sharing this letter with our wider community in the hope that more voices will add their names to the growing call for change. Please read the full letter below, and consider signing in solidarity : An Open Letter of Solidarity With the Trans Community from UK Writers The UK Supreme Court ruling of 16th April 2025 was the result of a coordinated and privately funded attack   on the human rights and dignity   of trans and non-binary people in the UK. We call upon our industry to meet this moment with bravery and solidarity. As writers, the undersigned stand in solidarity with the trans community. The signatories of this letter attest to the fact that writers with a bioessentialist view of womanhood and a binary view of sex and gender are in the minority. We call on our industries - theatre, film, TV, radio, literature and journalism - to do the same.  As outlined by the Good Law Project , this Supreme Court hearing took place on shaky legal ground and without the involvement of any trans voices; they also noted that had any trans organisations been involved, they would likely have been faced with harassment and threats. The UK has become an increasingly hostile place for trans and non-binary people, with a   186% increase in hate crimes against trans people in the last five years . We are deeply concerned that this ruling will embolden a bigoted but powerful minority in their harassment of trans and non-binary people and attempts to hound gender non-conforming people out of public spaces. This will have consequences not just for trans people but for anyone who deviates from gender norms, making society less safe for everyone. This Supreme Court ruling contributes to the erosion of the rights of marginalised LGBTQ+ communities globally. This has been seen recently in Uganda , Hungary  and the US , to name only a few examples. Transparency International UK, which aims to fight corruption worldwide,   warned two months ago about the impact of private donors’ influence in British politics , “with the US showing what could happen here if money in politics is left unchecked”.  The recent nomination lists for the Olivier Awards, the Booker Prize, and the T.S. Eliot Prize demonstrate the power of stories that challenge bigotry and intolerance, with LGBTQ+ writers and artists making vital contributions to the broad landscape of arts and culture, public discourse, and the economy. Cultural conversations are hugely important to how people are perceived and treated in society, and it is paramount that trans visibility, representation and protection be an ongoing and sustained commitment for all arts organisations going forward, with quantifiable efforts to promote trans voices and stories. We applaud Equity’s swift and emphatic response to the ruling , and the specificity of their next steps of active support for their trans and non-binary members, and we call upon others to join them. We urge other unions, theatres, agencies, publishers, and news outlets to sign this letter and make their own statements of how they will actively support their trans and non-binary staff, contractors, and service users. Total Current Signatures: 1,752 Click here to add your name  (please note this list is updated manually) LINKS: www.thestage.co.uk/news/michaela-coel-and-james-graham-demand-active-support-for-transgender-people

If you can't make the festival, we're hosting the workshops again of the coming months so you don't miss out. This series offers a unique opportunity to engage with acclaimed poets and enhance your writing skills from the comfort of your home. Each workshop is designed to inspire creativity, explore various poetic forms, and provide a supportive environment for both emerging and established poets. Workshop Details: The Spring 2025 series will feature a diverse lineup of workshops covering various themes and techniques. Participants can expect interactive sessions that include writing exercises, discussions, and group feedback. All workshops will be conducted via Zoom, ensuring accessibility for poetry enthusiasts worldwide. Workshop Packages: Dozen Workshops Spring 2025 From £179.47 Half Dozen Workshops From £90.00 Trio of Workshops From £49.50 Individual Workshops: Ruth Padel Workshop - The Swerve Tue, Mar 4 • 7:00 PM • From £18.50 Helen Calcutt Workshop - Visiting Mary Tue, Mar 11 • 7:00 PM • From £18.50 Pascale Petit Workshop - Writing the Animal Tue, Mar 18 • 7:00 PM • From £18.50 Aoife Lyall Workshop - Soundscape Tue, Mar 25 • 7:00 PM • From £18.50 Theresa Lola Workshop - After Poems Tue, Apr 8 • 7:00 PM • From £18.50 Scarlett Ward Workshop - Speaking the Silences Tue, Apr 15 • 7:00 PM • From £18.50 Anthony Vahni Capildeo Workshop - Valentines Hot & Cold Tue, Apr 22 • 7:00 PM • From £18.50 Marjorie Lotfi Workshop - What is Home if Not a Choice? T ue, Apr 29 • 7:00 PM • From £18.50 Richard Scott Workshop - Ancestry, Intertextuality and Ghosts Tue, May 6 • 7:00 PM • From £18.50 Susannah Dickey Workshop - Lyric Shame Tue, May 20 • 7:00 PM • From £18.50 Victoria Kennefick Workshop - A Family Affair Tue, May 27 • 7:00 PM • From £18.50 Carrie Etter Workshop - The Wall Thin as a Wren's Bone: Simile in Poetry Tue, Jun 3 • 7:00 PM • From £18.50 Meet The Editor - A 1-2-1 Bespoke Power Injection for Your Poetry Tue, Jun 10 • 7:00 PM • From £59.99 Key Features: Expert Guidance:  Learn from experienced poets who will share their insights and provide constructive feedback. Interactive Sessions:  Engage in live discussions and collaborative exercises to refine your craft. Flexible Access:  Join live sessions or access recorded workshops at your convenience. How to Register: Stay tuned for updates on the official VERVE Poetry Festival website and Eventbrite page for detailed information on workshop schedules, facilitators, and registration links. Spaces may be limited, so we encourage early registration to secure your spot. Join Us: Whether you're looking to delve into new poetic forms, seek inspiration, or connect with a community of fellow writers, the VERVE Poetry Zoom Workshop Series is the perfect platform to elevate your poetry journey. We look forward to writing with you this spring! Note: For the most current information and to register for workshops, please visit the VERVE Poetry Festival Eventbrite page.

Can’t make it to VERVE in person? No problem!  Experience the vibrant energy and incredible performances from anywhere in the world with our live-streamed events . All events are streamed live  and available to re-watch for up to one month after the festival . Whether you’re in a different time zone or juggling a busy schedule, you can immerse yourself in the festival at your own pace. Why Attend VERVE Online? Global Access:  Join from anywhere in the world—no travel required. Flexible Viewing:  Missed a session? No problem! Re-watch all events up to a month after the festival. Exclusive Content:  Gain access to performances, readings, and workshops featuring some of the best voices in contemporary poetry. Community Connection:  Engage with fellow poetry lovers online and stay connected to the VERVE community. VERVE 2025 Online Events Tickets to all our streamed events are available to watch via secure link on YouTube LIVE  from the festival. Here’s what’s on: Online Pass: All Streamed Events Wednesday • 8:30 PM • From £38.62 LOUD POETS SLAM 2025 BIRMINGHAM HEAT at VERVE Thursday • 7:30 PM • From £8.30 THE PAMPHLET HOUR  featuring Laurie Bolger, Troy Cabida, Betty Doyle, Ellora Sutton Friday • 7:00 PMFrom £6.39 FRIDAY NIGHT HEADLINE EVENT  with Dzifa Benson, Anthony Joseph, Richard Scott Friday • 8:30 PMFrom £8.30 Sixth Verve Poetry Performance Lecture – Susannah Dickey: Why Not You? Saturday • 1:00 PM • From £6.39 Magma Matters: Past, Present and Future Saturday • 2:30 PM • From £6.39 'POETRY UNBOUND' SPECIAL at VERVE  with Imtiaz Dharker & Padraig O Tuama Saturday • 4:30 PM • From £6.39 SATURDAY HEADLINE EVENT  with Theresa Lola, Victoria Kennefick, Anthony Capildeo Saturday • 6:00 PM • From £8.30 BIG GAY POETRY NIGHT VERVE SPECIAL  featuring Joelle Taylor, Sanah Asan and Kandace Johnson. Saturday • 8:00 PM • From £8.30 Discovering The New Carthaginians with Nick Makoha Sunday • 1:00 PM • From £6.39 SUNDAY HEADLINE EVENT with Helen Calcutt, Pàdraig Ò Tauma, Ruth Padel & Carrie Etter Sunday • 2:30 PM From £8.30 VERVE CLOSING GALA WITH OPEN MIC with Courtney Conrad and Jamie Thrasivoulou Sunday • 4:30 PM • From £6.39

VERVE Poetry and Spoken Word Festival hosts an annual Poetry Festival in Birmingham, Online Poetry Workshop series, and Poetry Book Shop. VERVE FESTIVAL of POETRY & SPOKEN WORD Join our mailing list. Subscribe Now Thanks for submitting! ABOUT Not just an annual 5 day poetry festival! We also host monthly open mic nights, quarterly featured poetry, a year long Poetry Collective for new writers, and a sell out workshop series featuring established poets all year long. CONTACT VERVE VERVE has cultivated a reputation for its dynamic and celebratory approach to programming poetry of every kind, whether it be raucous spoken word events, quiet poetry readings, studious workshops, immersive poetry, collaborative projects, or open mic. LOCATION BIRMINGHAM @ THE HIVE / THE HIPPODROME / GLEE CLUB / CHERRY REDS / ONLINE MISSION & HISTORY INFO OUR PARTNERS STAY IN THE LOOP SUBSCRIBE Join our mailing list. Get early ticket access. Subscribe Now Thanks for submitting! CONTACT VERVE

Open call for experimental live poetry at VERVE 2026. Apply now for a £300 bursary to showcase your scratch performance at Birmingham Hippodrome. Open Call for Experimental Live Poetry at VERVE 2026 Are you developing a bold new poetry performance? Testing out something strange, hybrid, or genre-breaking? We want to hear from you. As part of our 2026 festival programme, VERVE Poetry Festival is excited to launch WORK IN POETRY — an open call for emerging experimental works in live poetry and spoken word. This showcase is a space for scratch performances, works-in-progress, and interdisciplinary pieces exploring the possibilities of poetry on stage. What We’re Looking For. We’re inviting proposals from poets, performers, and artists working in and around poetry who are developing: Scratch performances or works-in-progress Experimental or interdisciplinary approaches Performance poetry that incorporates sound, movement, visuals, digital media, or audience interaction Projects that are part of a DYCP or other development process New voices pushing the boundaries of poetry on stage Old voices with new material. What We Offer. A professionally produced slot at VERVE Poetry Festival 2026 A £300 fee per performance (solo or group) Basic technical support (generic lighting and sound - this is a SCRATCH - not a 'show') An opportunity to perform in front of a live audience and gather feedback Promotion as part of the official festival programme *W e cannot supply accommodation but will cover travel. This is a testing ground, not a finished product. We welcome risk taking, raw edges, and creativity in development. SUBMISSIONS OPEN Who should apply? We actively encourage submissions from: ANY PHASE OF THEIR POETRY CAREER - artists ;) Poets and performers from underrepresented backgrounds Artists working at the intersection of poetry and other disciplines Anyone with a weird, wild, or wonderful idea that needs a stage to grow How to apply. Please complete our online submissions form. Your proposal should tell us: What the performance is and how it works Where you’re at in the development process Why this opportunity is important for your creative journey Let’s see what poetry can do. Let’s create WORK IN POETRY. Submit Your Proposal Submissions Open: SEPTEMBER 1st Submission Deadline: OCTOBER 31st Submit via: OUR WEBSITE SUBMISSIONS OPEN Event Details Date: Friday 8th May 2026 Time: 2 PM – 5:00 PM Location: Birmingham Hippodrome Fee: £300 per artist/group Number of commissions: 4 x 20 minutes each Event type: Scratch performance showcase SUBMISSIONS OPEN WORK IN POETRY is part of our wider programme celebrating bold, innovative, and experimental voices in poetry and live literature.

WORK IN POETRY As part of our 2026 festival programme, VERVE Poetry Festival is excited to launch WORK IN POETRY — an open call for emerging experimental works in live poetry and spoken word. This showcase is a space for scratch performances, works-in-progress, and interdisciplinary pieces exploring the possibilities of poetry on stage. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS - OCTOBER 31st 2025 What We’re Looking For. We’re inviting proposals from poets, performers, and artists working in and around poetry who are developing: Scratch performances or works-in-progress Experimental or interdisciplinary approaches Performance poetry that incorporates sound, movement, visuals, digital media, or audience interaction Projects that are part of a DYCP or other development process New voices pushing the boundaries of poetry on stage Old voices with new material. What We Offer. A professionally produced slot at VERVE Poetry Festival 2026 A £300 fee per performance (solo or group) Basic technical support and rehearsal time An opportunity to perform in front of a live audience and gather feedback Promotion as part of the official festival programme This is a testing ground, not a finished product. We welcome risk taking, raw edges, and creativity in development. Who should apply? We actively encourage submissions from: Poets at ANY PHASE OF THEIR POETRY CAREER Poets and performers from underrepresented backgrounds Artists working at the intersection of poetry and other disciplines Anyone with a weird, wild, or wonderful idea that needs a stage to grow. When's the scratch event? Date: Friday 8th May 2026 Time: 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM Location: Birmingham Hippodrome Fee: £300 per artist/groupNumber of commissions: 4 Event type: Scratch performance showcase WORK IN POETRY is part of our wider programme celebrating bold, innovative, and experimental voices in poetry and live literature. Full Name Email Artist Name / Group Name Leave blank if same as above. How many poets / performers are in your piece? Where are you based? City, town or region. Short Artist Bio Tell us a little about you and your practice (max 100 words). File upload Upload File Project / Performance Details What is the work about? How will it be performed? What makes it experimental? Tell us where you’re at with it (e.g. DYCP, early concept, in development). Max 500 words. Where you’re at in the development process? Let us know why this particular platform feels right for you at this stage in your journey. Why this opportunity, why now? Let us know why this particular platform feels right for you at this stage in your journey. Tech Requirements / Setup Notes Outline any anticipated technical needs. We offer basic tech (mic, PA, projector if needed). Link to Previous Work (optional) Link 2 You can include one or two links (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo, website, Instagram video). Access Needs (optional) We’re committed to access. Let us know if there’s anything we can do to support you. Upload a Video Proposal Upload File Max 2 minutes, MP4 format, up to [set file size limit]. Anything else you'd like to tell us? Optional – share any other context, collaborators, inspirations, etc. Submit