WE'VE GOT YOUR POEM/'S Thank you for sending us your poems! We will read all poems once the competition has closed on the 20th of the Month. If you are shortlisted or WIN, we will contact you before the end of the month. Take care! VERVE x WRITE, CONNECT and GROW in our POETRY WORKSHOPS JOIN OUR SUBSTACK COMMUNITY DISCOVER BOLD, BRILLIANT POETRY IN OUR BOOKSHOP

Ways to sponsor VERVE Poetry Festival. Sponsor Arts and Culture. Sponsorship in poetry and creative writing. VERVE FESTIVAL of POETRY & SPOKEN WORD WHAT WE DO We platform emerging voices and bring internationally acclaimed poets to Birmingham. We champion access, equity, and innovation in poetry. We believe that poetry can be an agent for connection, care, cultural representation and joy. 'VERVE is one of Britain's finest literary festivals bringing the most exciting new and experienced poets to enthusiastic audiences. One of my favourite festivals anywhere!' - Daljit Nagra radio presenter of the weekly Poetry Extra on Radio 4 Extra, former Chair of the Royal Society of Literature, Council of Society of Authors, national advisor to Poetry By Heart, and a PBS New Generation Poet. WHAT WE DELIVER 16 FESTIVAL EVENTS 20 IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS 50+ POETS & PERFORMERS 2000+ TICKETS SOLD FOOTFALL 500 ONLINE PARTICIPANTS 5,930 EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS 400+ POETRY BOOKS SOLD 400+ POETRY BOOKS SOLD of LIVE EVENTS 3600+ £5000 REDISTRIBUTED TO EARLY-CAREER POETS/WRITERS 5 DAYS WHO WE SERVE THE VERVE POETRY AUDIENCE Emerging poets and writers both nationally and internationally Practicing professional poets and spoken word artists Curious readers and seasoned poetry lovers Young poets aged 16–25 Primary and secondary school children across Birmingham. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. CELEBRATING INCLUSIVE / DIVERSE / EXPERIMENTAL AUDIENCES + POETRY Our audience is as diverse as our poetry, reflecting a tapestry of multicultural, multigender, diasporic, international, and hyper-local communities - everyone is welcomed with open arms. 'VERVE Poetry Festival Stands at the beating heart of all that is poetry, and all that might be. Bibrant, 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. WHAT WE NEED We’re building something meaningful, but we can’t do it alone. VERVE is a Community Interest Company run by working artists. Our ambition is always bigger than our budget. The economic climate for culture has diminished after decades of austerity, and though we have continued to evolve and establish new ground due to our personal commitment, we've done so sacrificially because we love what we do so much. To grow sustainably, remain accessible, and continue championing new voices, we need support. YOUR SPONSORSHIP HELPS US TO: Provide outreach and education to young and emerging writers Run accessible, inclusive, and representative programming Commission and publish new work Document and share voices from the Midlands and beyond Keep ticket prices low and workshops accessible Offer opportunities to underrepresented communities Provide long-term development for emerging artists Platform new literature and amplify unheard voices Cover core production, print, access, and documentation costs WHAT YOU GET Sponsoring VERVE is more than visibility — it’s a strategic alignment with values that matter: culture, creativity, community, and access. Whether you’re supporting a headline event, a foyer space of live art and poetry, a development programme for young poets, or our free-to-access open mics — your brand is seen, felt, and appreciated. BRAND EXPOSURE: 3,600+ estimated festival footfall across 5 days 2,000+ tickets sold to a wide-ranging, culture-engaged audience 6,000 email subscribers with above-industry-average open rates 500+ online participants through streamed events and digital workshops 25,000 reach across social platforms - Instagram, BlueSky, Substack Presence across 16 live events and 20 workshops Branded signage at your sponsored event or space Name/logo on printed programme, booking pages, and digital ads Mentions across VERVE’s social platforms (Instagram, Twitter/X, Facebook) Your team included in our post-festival impact report STRATEGIC VALUE: Clear alignment with CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), ESG (Environmental Social Governance) or community investment targets Fulfilment of your culture, education or wellbeing objectives Demonstrable support for diverse, inclusive, and accessible programming Partnership with a CIC (Community Interest Company) with national recognition Opportunities for team engagement via tickets, workshops, or hosted events Association with a vibrant, critically acclaimed arts festival SPONSOR-ABLE FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES SCHOOL SLAM *a yearly initiative engaging schools across the city in writing & performing poetry. IMMERSIVE FESTIVAL ATRIUM *poetry on demand / poetry game / pop-up bookshop. POETRY COMPETITION *culminating in a published anthology every year! POETRY CINEMA FILM NIGHT *with popcorn! *selected from films submitted to our competition. THE POETRY SCHOOL LIVE POETRY LECTURES *alternative page-poetry lectures exploring history's, herstory's, contemporary culture, form, craft + practice. YOUNG PEOPLES DAY FESTIVAL *spin off micro-fest within VERVE to encourage children. POETRY IN PERFORMANCE WIP EVENT *celebrating & encouraging experimental live poetry. DAILY FEATURED POET HEADLINERS *festival favourite celebrating new works in poetry from professional poets with audience Q+A. CONCURRENT ONLINE *STREAMED* FESTIVAL ALL DAY OPEN MIC THE BIG GAY POETRY NIGHT 22 IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS *SPONSORABLE YEAR-LONG COMMUNITY PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES MONTHLY COMMUNITY OPEN MIC *providing a platform for everyone to share: a tradjectory in career development. COMMUNITY WRITING GROUPS *working to support mental health, language, communication & expression. POEM OF THE MONTH *a monthly poetry competition paying poets for their poems as well as providing exposure. BIRMINGHAMS POETRY COLLECTIVE *the only poetry development programme in the west-midlands outside of formal education sustaining a strong poetry community for the city. QUARTERLY SPOKEN WORD NIGHTS *presenting national/international poets with local talent & emerging poets. ONLINE POETRY WORKSHOPS *accessible seasonal workshops providing work for poets, and high quality practice development for our audience. HOW SPONSORSHIP WORKS Sponsorship with VERVE is flexible and impact-driven. You can choose to sponsor a specific part of the festival, like a headline performance, the festival atrium, a day of workshops or support a wider programme that runs throughout the year. Opportunities range from £300–£5,000, depending on scale, visibility, and impact. You might choose to: Sponsor a single event or workshop Fund an element of our outreach or mentoring programmes Invest in access costs (e.g. free ticketing, BSL, travel bursaries) Brand a space, stage, or printed product Support an entire strand of year-round programming We work with you to shape the partnership so it supports your goals — whether you're focused on education, visibility, wellbeing, or giving back to your community. You choose the focus. We make it visible, meaningful, and aligned. SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES BRONZE Support one individual event. Includes shout-out across VERVE social channels for your chosen event. Your own self-produced banner can be displayed at the event. Great for small businesses or individuals looking to make a local impact. £300 / £600 SILVER Sponsor a curated strand of programming. Support one of the following: The Atrium installation space Our Young People’s Showcase A poetry headliner event A selection of open call events Sponsorship includes multiple appearances across festival marketing. Involves backing three workshops (x3) or equivalent public offerings. £1200 GOLD Become a Festival Partner. Listed as a Festival Sponsor across all major materials. High-visibility branding across the programme, website, and venues. Opportunities for bespoke co-branding or involvement in shaping a festival strand or event. Ideal for organisations looking to demonstrate meaningful support for the arts, culture, and community. £5000 '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 a 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. WHO WE WORK WITH OUR MISSION Through a dynamic and thought-provoking programme of performances, workshops, and discussions, we aim to nurture creativity, amplify marginalised voices, and recognise established artists while providing a platform for new writers. We showcase the richness and vitality of contemporary poetry, championing a vibrant community that values artistic expression, cultivates empathy, and encourages dialogue. OUR VISION The vision of VERVE Poetry Festival is to be a beacon for contemporary poetry, inspiring a diverse and inclusive community where artistic expression thrives, marginalised voices are heard, and the transformative power of poetry initiates empathy, dialogue, and positive social change. We aspire to create a lasting impact on the literary world, empowering individuals to boldly explore and develop their craft while celebrating the richness and vitality of poetic expression. VERVE's POETRY LEGACY: LEARNING INITIATIVE 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. 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. 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 birthed 8 anthologies, nurturing emerging poets and capturing the essence of each festival. These collections explore a diverse range of voices and experiences, and stand testament to our commitment to presenting new artists. OUR STORY Born from a Twitter idea, VERVE Poetry & Spoken Word Festival has blossomed into a beacon of creativity and community in Birmingham. Since 2017, VERVE has been synonymous with lively programming, inclusive spaces, and a vibrant celebration of poetry in all its glory. 2017: The inaugural VERVE Poetry Festival launches in Birmingham, aiming to celebrate contemporary poetry with a diverse array of performances and workshops hosted in WATERSTONE's with a broken lift, tiny budget but packed full of diverse poets. 2018: Building on its initial success, the festival expands its programming, attracting a larger audience and featuring more poets so stepping up in the world into THE OLD REP THEATRE! 2019: VERVE continues to grow, showcasing an even broader range of poets and workshops, solidifying its place in the poetry community. 2020: Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, VERVE adapts and successfully hosts virtual events, maintaining its vibrant spirit and community engagement. 2022: VERVE collaborates with the BBC for the Contains Strong Language Festival in Birmingham, enhancing its reach and impact. 2023: The festival returns with in-person events from February 15th to 19th, continuing its mission to support and celebrate contemporary poetry. 2024: Year of the collective, a pilot development programme for practicing poets with performance opportunities and career advancement + a festival first RUN YOUR POWERTRY TO THE MUSIC platforming community grass-root poetry events Run Your Mouth, Empower Poetry, Tell it to the Music + The Poetry Hotel. 2025: Biggest selling festival. Platform for THE BIG GAY POETRY NIGHT. Becoming a CIC. Launching POEM OF THE MONTH + community driven SUBSTACK offering insights, behind the scenes info and a publishing space for our poetry community. WANT TO SUPPORT VERVE? We’d love to build a partnership that’s as creative as the festival itself. Whether you’re interested in sponsoring a specific event, a strand of programming, or year-round development work — get in touch. Rick Sanders rick@vervepoetryfestival.com BECOME A SPONSORED PARTNER

Ways to sponsor Poetry Culture with VERVE Poetry Festival. Sponsoring VERVE is more than visibility — it’s a strategic alignment with values that matter: culture, creativity, community, and access. Whether you’re supporting a headline event, a foyer space of live art and poetry, a development programme for young poets, or our free-to-access open mics — your brand is seen, felt, and appreciated. VERVE FESTIVAL of POETRY & SPOKEN WORD WHAT WE DO We platform emerging voices and bring internationally acclaimed poets to Birmingham. We champion access, equity, and innovation in poetry. We believe that poetry can be an agent for connection, care, cultural representation and joy. 'VERVE is one of Britain's finest literary festivals bringing the most exciting new and experienced poets to enthusiastic audiences. One of my favourite festivals anywhere!' - Daljit Nagra radio presenter of the weekly Poetry Extra on Radio 4 Extra, former Chair of the Royal Society of Literature, Council of Society of Authors, national advisor to Poetry By Heart, and a PBS New Generation Poet. WHAT WE DELIVER 16 FESTIVAL EVENTS 20 IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS 50+ POETS & PERFORMERS 2000+ TICKETS SOLD FOOTFALL 500 ONLINE PARTICIPANTS 5,930 EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS 400+ POETRY BOOKS SOLD 400+ POETRY BOOKS SOLD of LIVE EVENTS 3600+ £5000 REDISTRIBUTED TO EARLY-CAREER POETS/WRITERS 5 DAYS WHO WE SERVE YOU BELONG HERE!! Emerging poets and writers both nationally and internationally Practicing professional poets and spoken word artists Curious readers and seasoned poetry lovers Young poets aged 16–25 Primary and secondary school children across Birmingham. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. CELEBRATING INCLUSIVE / DIVERSE / EXPERIMENTAL AUDIENCES + POETRY Our audience is as diverse as our poetry, reflecting a tapestry of multicultural, multigender, diasporic, international, and hyper-local communities - everyone is welcomed with open arms. 'VERVE Poetry Festival Stands at the beating heart of all that is poetry, and all that might be. Bibrant, 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. WHAT WE NEED We’re building something meaningful, but we can’t do it alone. VERVE is a Community Interest Company run by working artists. Our ambition is always bigger than our budget. The economic climate for culture has diminished after decades of austerity, and though we have continued to evolve and establish new ground due to our personal commitment, we've done so sacrificially because we love what we do so much. To grow sustainably, remain accessible, and continue championing new voices, we need support. YOUR SPONSORSHIP HELPS US TO: Provide outreach and education to young and emerging writers Run accessible, inclusive, and representative programming Commission and publish new work Document and share voices from the Midlands and beyond Keep ticket prices low and workshops accessible Offer opportunities to underrepresented communities Provide long-term development for emerging artists Platform new literature and amplify unheard voices Cover core production, print, access, and documentation costs WHAT YOU GET Sponsoring VERVE is more than visibility — it’s a strategic alignment with values that matter: culture, creativity, community, and access. Whether you’re supporting a headline event, a foyer space of live art and poetry, a development programme for young poets, or our free-to-access open mics — your brand is seen, felt, and appreciated. BRAND EXPOSURE: 3,600+ estimated festival footfall across 5 days 2,000+ tickets sold to a wide-ranging, culture-engaged audience 5,930 email subscribers with above-industry-average open rates 500+ online participants through streamed events and digital workshops Presence across 16 live events and 20 workshops Branded signage at your sponsored event or space Name/logo on printed programme, booking pages, and digital ads Mentions across VERVE’s social platforms (Instagram, Twitter/X, Facebook) Your team included in our post-festival impact report STRATEGIC VALUE: Clear alignment with CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), ESG (Environmental Social Governance) or community investment targets Fulfilment of your culture, education or wellbeing objectives Demonstrable support for diverse, inclusive, and accessible programming Partnership with a CIC (Community Interest Company) with national recognition Opportunities for team engagement via tickets, workshops, or hosted events Association with a vibrant, critically acclaimed arts festival SPONSOR-ABLE FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES SCHOOL SLAM *a yearly initiative engaging schools across the city in writing & performing poetry. IMMERSIVE FESTIVAL ATRIUM *poetry on demand / poetry game / pop-up bookshop. POETRY COMPETITION *culminating in a published anthology every year! POETRY CINEMA FILM NIGHT *with popcorn! *selected from films submitted to our competition. THE POETRY SCHOOL LIVE POETRY LECTURES *alternative page-poetry lectures exploring history's, herstory's, contemporary culture, form, craft + practice. YOUNG PEOPLES DAY FESTIVAL *spin off micro-fest within VERVE to encourage children. POETRY IN PERFORMANCE WIP EVENT *celebrating & encouraging experimental live poetry. DAILY FEATURED POET HEADLINERS *festival favourite celebrating new works in poetry from professional poets with audience Q+A. CONCURRENT ONLINE *STREAMED* FESTIVAL ALL DAY OPEN MIC THE BIG GAY POETRY NIGHT 22 IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS *SPONSORABLE YEAR-LONG COMMUNITY PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES MONTHLY COMMUNITY OPEN MIC *providing a platform for everyone to share: a tradjectory in career development. COMMUNITY WRITING GROUPS *working to support mental health, language, communication & expression. POEM OF THE MONTH *a monthly poetry competition paying poets for their poems as well as providing exposure. BIRMINGHAMS POETRY COLLECTIVE *the only poetry development programme in the west-midlands outside of formal education sustaining a strong poetry community for the city. QUARTERLY SPOKEN WORD NIGHTS *presenting national/international poets with local talent & emerging poets. ONLINE POETRY WORKSHOPS *accessible seasonal workshops providing work for poets, and high quality practice development for our audience. HOW SPONSORSHIP WORKS Sponsorship with VERVE is flexible and impact-driven. You can choose to sponsor a specific part of the festival, like a headline performance, the festival atrium, a day of workshops or support a wider programme that runs throughout the year. Opportunities range from £500–£2,000, depending on scale, visibility, and impact. You might choose to: Sponsor a single event or workshop Fund an element of our outreach or mentoring programmes Invest in access costs (e.g. free ticketing, BSL, travel bursaries) Brand a space, stage, or printed product Support an entire strand of year-round programming We work with you to shape the partnership so it supports your goals — whether you're focused on education, visibility, wellbeing, or giving back to your community. You choose the focus. We make it visible, meaningful, and aligned. '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 a 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. WHO WE WORK WITH OUR MISSION Through a dynamic and thought-provoking programme of performances, workshops, and discussions, we aim to nurture creativity, amplify marginalised voices, and recognise established artists while providing a platform for new writers. We showcase the richness and vitality of contemporary poetry, championing a vibrant community that values artistic expression, cultivates empathy, and encourages dialogue. OUR VISION The vision of VERVE Poetry Festival is to be a beacon for contemporary poetry, inspiring a diverse and inclusive community where artistic expression thrives, marginalised voices are heard, and the transformative power of poetry initiates empathy, dialogue, and positive social change. We aspire to create a lasting impact on the literary world, empowering individuals to boldly explore and develop their craft while celebrating the richness and vitality of poetic expression. VERVE's POETRY LEGACY: LEARNING INITIATIVE 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. 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. 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 birthed 8 anthologies, nurturing emerging poets and capturing the essence of each festival. These collections explore a diverse range of voices and experiences, and stand testament to our commitment to presenting new artists. OUR STORY Born from a Twitter idea, VERVE Poetry & Spoken Word Festival has blossomed into a beacon of creativity and community in Birmingham. Since 2017, VERVE has been synonymous with lively programming, inclusive spaces, and a vibrant celebration of poetry in all its glory. 2017: The inaugural VERVE Poetry Festival launches in Birmingham, aiming to celebrate contemporary poetry with a diverse array of performances and workshops hosted in WATERSTONE's with a broken lift, tiny budget but packed full of diverse poets. 2018: Building on its initial success, the festival expands its programming, attracting a larger audience and featuring more poets so stepping up in the world into THE OLD REP THEATRE! 2019: VERVE continues to grow, showcasing an even broader range of poets and workshops, solidifying its place in the poetry community. 2020: Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, VERVE adapts and successfully hosts virtual events, maintaining its vibrant spirit and community engagement. 2022: VERVE collaborates with the BBC for the Contains Strong Language Festival in Birmingham, enhancing its reach and impact. 2023: The festival returns with in-person events from February 15th to 19th, continuing its mission to support and celebrate contemporary poetry. 2024: Year of the collective, a pilot development programme for practicing poets with performance opportunities and career advancement + a festival first RUN YOUR POWERTRY TO THE MUSIC platforming community grass-root poetry events Run Your Mouth, Empower Poetry, Tell it to the Music + The Poetry Hotel. 2025: Biggest selling festival. Platform for THE BIG GAY POETRY NIGHT. Becoming a CIC. Launching POEM OF THE MONTH + community driven SUBSTACK offering insights, behind the scenes info and a publishing space for our poetry community. WANT TO SUPPORT VERVE? We’d love to build a partnership that’s as creative as the festival itself. Whether you’re interested in sponsoring a specific event, a strand of programming, or year-round development work — get in touch. BECOME A SPONSORED PARTNER

YOUNG PEOPLE POETRY SOCIETY YOUNG POETS OPEN MIC LOCATION BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME ABOUT THE EVENT TIME Saturday - 11:00am PRICE FREE Book Tickets Book Stream A space for up-and-coming young poets and performers to meet one another and share their work on stage. This Poetry Society Young Poets Takeover will feature headline sets from Foyle Young Poets Yousef Alawi , Lauren Lisk , and Tilly Wiggins . If you’re aged 25 or younger, we want to hear from you, too! Bring a poem and arrive early to sign up for our open mic. And join the community! We invite you to stay on afterwards for free refreshments and a chance to meet other young poetry lovers and find out more about Young Poets Network ! Learn more about Poetry Society Young Poets Network here: Young Poets Network – The Poetry Society. The Poetry Society is a celebrated partner of VERVE Poetry Festival.

< Back Exploring the many voices of poetry: the art of YOU. Sunday - 10am YOU. YOU. YOU. The Lyric Address in Poetry Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Birmingham, UK A poem is a word event going in many directions at once. Sometimes the you of a poem is a specific person, other times it's the poet, other times it's a general audience, and still other times, there's no you at all, so the poem addresses itself to the world, or an unnamed and unsummoned character. In this talk, Padraig O Tuama will explore the direction, implication and inspiration contained in the lyric address in contemporary poetry. ABOUT THE POET Pádraig Ó Tuama’s poetry and prose centre around themes of language, power, conflict and religion. His work has won acclaim in circles of poetry, politics, psychotherapy and conflict analysis. His formal qualifications (PhD, MTh and BA) cover creative writing, literary criticism and theology. Alongside this, he pursued vocational training in conflict analysis, specialising in groupwork. His published work is in the fields of poetry, anthology, essay, memoir, theology and conflict. A new volume of poetry — Kitchen Hymns — is forthcoming from CHEERIO in mid 2024. Profiled in The New Yorker , Pádraig’s poems have been featured in Poetry Ireland Review, Academy of American Poets , Harvard Review, New England Review, Raidió Teilifís Éireann’s Poem of the Week , and the Kenyon Review. Pádraig has told stories at The Moth , has been featured on NPR’s All Things Considered, has presented programmes on poetry and language for BBC Radio 4; and has extended interviews with On Being , with Kim Hill on Radio NZ , and Soul Search on Radio National (Australia). In addition, he has interviewed poets and public figures including former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, Hanif Abdurraqib, The Edge, Sarah Perry, Joy Harjo, Billy Collins and Martin Hayes. WORKSHOP £24.50 / £18.50 Sunday - 10am Book Tickets

POETRY THE PAMPHLET HOUR Laurie Bolger, Troy Cabida, Betty Doyle, Ellora Sutton LOCATION BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME ABOUT THE EVENT TIME Friday - 7pm PRICE £8 / £6 Book Tickets Book Stream BRAND NEW at VERVE is this pamphlet focussed event which brings four stellar pamphleteers from some of our favourite indie poetry presses together to chat about this glorious format and read some of their poetry! Laurie Bolger will read from Makeover (Emma Press, 2024), Troy Cabida will read from Symmetric of Bone (Fourteen Poems, 2014), Betty Doyle from her second pamphlet Fruits of Labour (Seren, 2024) and Ellora from her second pamphlet, Artisnal Slush (VERVE Poetry Press, 2023).

SPOKEN WORD OUR POETRY FESTIVAL COMPETITION EVENT Hannah Lowe LOCATION BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME ABOUT THE EVENT TIME Sunday - 11am PRICE FREE Book Tickets Book Stream This year we received more submissions than every before. The Verve Competition on the Theme of Poets and Poetry opened for entries late in 2024, judged by the wonderful Hannah Lowe. We also opened to competition up to entries from 11-17 year olds. This FREE to attend event will feature all the winners and commended poets plus ten selected from our 11-17 entries. The poets will read their poems on our subject and help launch our annual festival anthology. The event will be hosted by Hannah herself and will be a fun and lively affair, featuring poets of all kinds and levels of experience. Always a festival highlight!

< Back Write a poem on a moment of change in your own or someone else’s life. Saturday - 3pm THE SWERVE Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Birmingham, UK The point of this is to emerge with a poem about change which also embodies change. 1. Start out in sections or fragments and see how it goes. 2. Maybe look at other sequence /fragment poems like Wallace Stevens’ ‘Thirteen ways of looking at a Blackbird’ Warsan Shire’s ‘The House’ Robert Hass’s ‘Lines on Last Spring’ or (a really important poem of his, on his relations with his alcoholic mum as a child but also on love sex and evolution) Dragonflies Mating. These unfold in numbered sections, watch how they tell a story or stories, how the perspective might shift from one section to the next, how voice or speaker, length, shape or tone of each section vary. 3. Once you have a sequence of fragments, lay around with losing some, melding them together into one, reversing them... Maybe they done want to go into one - which is fine. ABOUT THE POET Ruth Padel is a writer of unusual range. She has close personal links to Greece, India, classical music, nature, wildlife conservation and science, but is first and foremost an award-winning poet. Her books include thirteen acclaimed poetry collections, two novels, and a wide sweep of non-fiction. She lives in London, is a Fellow of both the Royal Society of Literature and Zoological Society of London, and currently Royal Literary Fund Fellow at Magdalene College Cambridge. WORKSHOP £24.50 / £18.50 Saturday - 3pm Book Tickets

WORKSHOP THE SWERVE Ruth Padel LOCATION BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME ABOUT THE EVENT TIME Saturday - 3pm PRICE £24.50 / £18.50 Book Tickets Write a poem on a moment of change in your own or someone else’s life. The point of this is to emerge with a poem about change which also embodies change. 1. Start out in sections or fragments and see how it goes. 2. Maybe look at other sequence /fragment poems like Wallace Stevens’ ‘Thirteen ways of looking at a Blackbird’ Warsan Shire’s ‘The House’ Robert Hass’s ‘Lines on Last Spring’ or (a really important poem of his, on his relations with his alcoholic mum as a child but also on love sex and evolution) Dragonflies Mating. These unfold in numbered sections, watch how they tell a story or stories, how the perspective might shift from one section to the next, how voice or speaker, length, shape or tone of each section vary. 3. Once you have a sequence of fragments, lay around with losing some, melding them together into one, reversing them... Maybe they done want to go into one - which is fine. ABOUT THE POET Ruth Padel is a writer of unusual range. She has close personal links to Greece, India, classical music, nature, wildlife conservation and science, but is first and foremost an award-winning poet. Her books include thirteen acclaimed poetry collections, two novels, and a wide sweep of non-fiction. She lives in London, is a Fellow of both the Royal Society of Literature and Zoological Society of London, and currently Royal Literary Fund Fellow at Magdalene College Cambridge.

POETRY MAGMA MATTERS: Past, Present and Future Various Magma Regular and Specific Issue Editors LOCATION BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME ABOUT THE EVENT TIME Saturday - 2:30pm PRICE £8 / £6 Book Tickets Book Stream Join us for a live version of the magazine with editors and poets who have been part of the Magma journey. This LIVE version of Magma looks at recent issues, including Obsidian and Performance, and the current Grassroots issue, and explores what future issues aim to achieve through a dynamic showcase with audience interaction. A great line-up of poets will share their work and link it to Magma features. Elontra Hall and Sim Pereira-Madder will discuss performance poetry, taking their lead from the exchange in the Performance issue. Co-editor Josiane Smith will lead the discussion and take questions from the audience. The Reviews element of Magma, delivered by reviews editor Aoife Lyall, pays tribute to Gboyega Odubanjo’s Adam, his posthumous collection published by Faber. Gboyega was Magma’s co-Chair and is now its Presiding Spirit and while Magma misses a dear friend and colleague, we celebrate his legacy and urge people to support the Gboyega Odubanjo Foundation for low-income Black writers. Magma’s Inspired Feature will be performed by Amy Acre - a good friend of Magma and Judge of this year's annual competition. She will share insights into what she looks for in competition-winning poems and take questions from the audience as well as reading from her celebrated first collection, Mothersong (Boomsbury Poetry). Magma is proud to make Nafeesa Hamid our Selected Poet for the Verve Poetry Festival.

< Back In this workshop the unsaid takes form and silence speaks volumes. Friday - 1pm SPEAKING THE SILENCES : language of the lacuna Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Birmingham, UK We will draw inspiration from the unspoken narratives that shape our lives, and write around the lacunas we have learned to carry. What secrets do we haul, whose voices are missing, and what effects does it have on our identities when large cavities form in our histories? ABOUT THE POET Scarlett Ward is the Staffordshire poet laureate 2024-2026. Her debut collection ‘Ache’ was released by Verve Press in 2019, and she went on to be a finalist for the women’s poets prize by the Rebecca Swift foundation. As well as performing at Derby Literature Festival and Verve Festival, her poetry can be found in Nine Arches, 21 poems and Broken Sleep anthologies. WORKSHOP £16 / £12 Friday - 1pm Book Tickets

WORKSHOP SOUNDSCAPE IN POETRY Aoife Lyall LOCATION BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME ABOUT THE EVENT TIME Sunday 2:30pm PRICE £24.50 / £18.50 Book Tickets An exciting and invigorating workshop on how to write, edit and elevate soundscape in poetry. Starting with some light terminology and a heady mixture of classic and contemporary poems to draw inspiration from, this is a workshop for anyone and everyone who is enamoured, baffled, or bewildered by the concept and significance of sound in poetry. Guaranteed to deepen your love and understanding of every syllable you give to the page, this session will give you the confidence to go deeper into the poems you love, and to make your own words sing. Not to be missed! ABOUT THE POET: Aoife Lyall is the author of 'Mother, Nature' (Bloodaxe Books, 2021), shortlisted for the Scottish First Book Award 2021, and 'The Day Before' (Bloodaxe Books, 2024), poems from which were shortlisted in the Bridport Poetry Competition and Highly Commended in the Forward Prize for Poetry. Previous accolades include an Emerging Scottish Writer residency by Cove Park in 2020 and being twice shortlisted for the Hennessy New Irish Writing Awards. She has received generous National Lottery funding through Creative Scotland to support the writing of her collections. She is reviews editor of Magma Poetry, and has worked as a guest curator and young makar mentor for the Scottish Poetry Library. She has also worked with the Saltire Society as a judge, and Butcher’s Dog as a guest editor. Her poems have inspired music, film, sculpture and artwork across the UK and Ireland. Lyall lives and works in the Scottish Highlands with her family and her work focuses on motherhood, queerness, lockdown, and emigration. Praise for 'The Day Before' ‘Her theme is ‘heaven in the ordinary’ – moments of illumination in everyday life. Written during the pandemic (chillingly evoked in the poem ‘Moss’), these moments become necessary for survival. There’s an imagist precision here, with real emotional power.’ – Graeme Richardson, The Sunday Times, on The Day Before 'There's an undercurrent of suffering to Aoife Lyall's second collection, The Day Before, much of which coheres around the disorientating days of lockdown; its odd rituals, barriers and a looming atmosphere of bureaucratic dread ... There's an elegiac tone to some of the work...and here, the use of gesture and withholding, of feeling by absence, is...effective.' – Declan Ryan, The Irish Times 'The Day Before is remarkable for the assured, luminous quality of each of its poems .... The Day Before is a deceptively complex collection - though its beautiful language and celebration of the everyday create a quiet magic, there is a pervading sense of melancholy as Lyall uncovers the loss in our lives, including the loss of childhood and innocence; the environmental losses we see around us every day; the loss of security in a world marked by pandemic.' – Rosamund Taylor, Poetry Ireland Review