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WORKSHOP YOU WOULDN'T STEAL A POEM – a playful revolution Ellora Sutton LOCATION BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME ABOUT THE EVENT TIME Friday - 1:30pm PRICE £16 / £12 Book Tickets What is poetry if not the revolutionary moment of language? It is liberated language, language recovering its richness” – Situationist International “Poetry means taking control of the language of your life.” – June Jordan Often, we have no control over the language of our lives. The forms we have to fill, the emails we have to send, the music being played in the supermarket, the names of the roads we follow, the adverts we walk or scroll or flick past. In this workshop , we’ll take back control of the language we live by, exploring the Situationist technique of détournement to liberate language and release the unruly poetic potential in everything from reality TV to coding, online advertising to poetry submission guidelines. We’ll look at pieces by poets including Astra Papachristodoulou, Hala Alyan, and Chris McCabe as we set out on the playful work of taking back control. A NOTE ABOUT THE POET FROM THE POET I’m Ellora Sutton, my pronouns are she/her, and I am a poet living in the wilds of North East Hampshire. I have been the Poet-in-Residence at both Jane Austen’s House and Petersfield Museum, and I am currently the poetry reviewer for Mslexia . I am researching a PhD in English at Northeastern University London, using poetry to assess the impact of gender bias in urban planning on the lived experiences of those who inhabit the city. I have been published online and in print by The Poetry Review , Popshot , Poetry News , fourteen poems , The North, Oxford Poetry, Under the Radar , bath magg, and The Interpreter’s House , amongst others. I have won the Mslexia Poetry Competition, the Artlyst Art to Poetry Award, the Pre-Raphaelite Society Poetry Competition, and several Young Poets Network challenges. I have been highly commended in the Keats-Shelley Prize, commended in the Winchester Poetry Prize, longlisted for the National Poetry Competition, and shortlisted for the Bridport Prize.

VERVE Poetry and Spoken Word Festival hosts an annual Poetry Festival in Birmingham, Online Poetry Workshop series, and Poetry Book Shop. STAY IN THE LOOP SUBSCRIBE Subscribe to our newsletter Email* Join I want to subscribe to your mailing list. * subscription options I'd like to subscribe to Poem of the Month only. I'd like to subscribe to festival specific events, tickets and news. I'd like to subscribe for online workshops only. I'd like everything please! OUR PARTNERS

VERVE FESTIVAL of POETRY & SPOKEN WORD Experience more poetry for your money with one of our FESTIVAL PASSES . £60/£45 (cons) FESTIVAL PASS £35/£26 (cons) SATURDAY PASS £20/£15 (cons) SUNDAY PASS £50/£35 (cons) ONLINE PASS FEBRUARY 13th - 16th 2025 FULL LINE-UP & EVENT PROGRAMME BELOW ALL EVENTS POETRY SPOKEN WORD WORKSHOPS YOUNG PEOPLE SPOKEN WORD VERVE X LOUD POETRY SLAM Birmingham Heat Thursday - 7pm More Info Book Stream Book Tickets SPOKEN WORD BIG GAY POETRY NIGHT Joelle Taylor, Kandace Siobhan Walker & Sanah Ahsan Saturday - 8pm More Info Book Stream Book Tickets SPOKEN WORD POETRY PERFORMANCE LECTURE Susannah Dickey Saturday - 1pm More Info Book Stream Book Tickets SPOKEN WORD OUR POETRY FESTIVAL COMPETITION EVENT Hannah Lowe Sunday - 11am More Info Book Stream Book Tickets SPOKEN WORD POETRY UNBOUND SPECIAL Imtiaz Dharker with Padraig O Tuama. Saturday - 4:30pm More Info Book Stream Book Tickets SPOKEN WORD VERVE CLOSING GALA WITH OPEN MIC Hosted by Sam J Grudgings Sunday 4:30pm More Info Book Stream Book Tickets

The winning March poem In a Poetry Archive, Examining Box No. ——, Belonging To —— ——— - by Jane Burn for VERVE Poetry Festival's monthly poetry competition, Poem of the Month. £100 for winning poem, and ... Jane Burn In a Poetry Archive, Examining Box No. ——, Belonging To ————— What is to be done about secrets but keep them to ourselves, forever and ever, amen? Nothing makes us so lonely as our secrets. Perhaps we were all meant to fade, and these boxes are an abomination. Perhaps these boxes are our only chance for an afterlife. Perhaps this is heaven. Who decides which body is worth this buff embalming? For most of us, those scratches we shaped across the page will quickly heal. These boxes smell of prying, of patient gathering, of too-close scrutiny, of insurance policies against amnesia. Of oubliettes. Each yellowed sheaf has been combed and consecrated. Handled with gloves and laid to manila rest. Oh, for the chance to have your past reordered, relished, reshaped. I do not know if they smell like —— ———, for I never met them, and would not have smelled them if I did. Surprising how old and right it looks to see a typewritten manuscript— faded text where the ribbon has been struck too many times, rips in the corners, mothy staple holes, rubbed out pencil, bloody welts of corrective red. Yellow felt tip pen has left a circle of dissolving sun, and every so often, the pages wear the ley line of an opened fold. There are jokes in here that have not stood the test of time. The box is seagull grey. The contents are tied inside with thick, calico string. I’m thinking that this room is too much like a dungeon. Claustrophobic, exactly the sort of place where you might imagine everything in the end, submits to death. I’m bored with these sheaves of invoices—the way they remind me that everything to do with poetry has a price. I am glad when you text, but your message is crisp and cold. You are busy today. Much too busy for this. As I close the box, I slip a weary breath beneath the lid. This is the closest I shall come to such eternity. I imagine you wrote that message wearing your most professional smile. At least break my heart on paper, you bloody blasted b—. At least use sympathetic ink. Nothing makes us so lonely as our secrets – Paul Tournier SHORTLIST in the house of ruminants - Milla Van Der Have If sharks are older than trees then - KSMoore All my friends are floating away - Jack Houston Twin - Roberto Salvador Cenciarelli Threads - Khushi Bajaj READ ALL SHORTLISTED ON OUR SUBSTACK

Our Competition is now closed The Winners POEM OF THE FESTIVAL 2026 This year’s VERVE Poetry Competition explored the thorny issue of relationships and the heart. Centred on the well trodden theme of LOVE and judged by the brilliant Victoria Kennefick, the competition drew a dazzling range of entries — each a testament to how the emotions that connect us dominate us all. Pre-Order the Love Anthology edited by Victoria Kennefick First Place "Minutes after I confess I’m an arachnophobic, you show me" by Debmalya Bandyopadhyay 'I was completely enveloped by the gentle web of poetic persuasion offered in, ‘Minutes after I confess I’m an arachnophobic, you show me,’ – a brilliant extended metaphor that originally explores the delicate and intense dance of anxiety and avoidance in life and love. It is so well-balanced and measured in form and language yet also manages to convey the danger and vulnerability of acknowledging and sharing our deepest fears with those we love. Here the nerve-wracking experience of allowing ourselves to be truly seen, even through the multiple eyes of our greatest phobia, is laid bare, ‘There is so much to love here. So much to watch and weave and wave to. / And even in this spiderverse, all eight of my eyes are filling up with you.’ It is also funny and deeply tender because it is all worth it. I’ll never look at spiders in the same way again.' - Victoria Kennefick Minutes after I confess I’m arachnophobic, you show me A tiny white spider with eight beady eyes. You say, look at this little guy! I cannot,     the darkened topsoil of my mind swarming  with black widows, trapdoors, tarantulas—    sharp bristles prickly against my skin, threats of death,   poisoning, or living the rest of my life as Spiderman.     But when I manage to glance, this little guy, noodle hairs   drooping over his boba eyes like an early 2000s emo vocalist,    is from another world: where little white spiders are hard at work  all day weaving their little white webs, their faint silvery streamers     hung across the air. I imagine us there— authentic arachnids   crafting a life together with the silky parabolas of our smiles.     Dining at a cobweb highrise. Brunching in bed with last night’s leftover  housefly hummus. Taking the aerial tramway to our web designing desks.      There is so much to love here. So much to watch and weave and wave to.   And even in this spiderverse, all eight of my eyes are filling up with you.     My spiracles are gushing with you than ever before. My spinnerets are   spinning your tale. Some felty feature keeps brushing against my face    like daylight’s fingers. An epic dream that lingers, whose soft geometry   is threaded within me from ache to axis. I’m collecting all its trinkets.    I’m learning its charms to cast over our days. I’m stitching a net to hold joy— this octopod crawling from your heart to mine.  Pre-Order the Love Anthology edited by Victoria Kennefick 2nd Place "Boyband" by Laura Theis ‘Boyband’ is a gem of a poem – witty, extremely intelligent, and with layers of tones and harmonies to explore and ponder. The prose poem form is a perfect fit, giving us a sense of how unavoidable boyband’s overtures are – the speaker is boxed in – finally resorting to the reassuring rectangle of the bath, ostensibly having to enter another element to create some distance from these earnest crooners. The poem delightfully plays with contrived and commodified versions of attraction and identity through juxtaposing the lyrics of the songs with the everyday actions of the speaker. This culminates with the most intriguing of open endings that offers the reader so many possibilities to consider, ‘and when I scratched my head they sang about how they would gladly die for/ me and when I cried in the bath they twerked in a conga line and lord forgive me I just did not /have the heart to tell them then.’' - Victoria Kennefick Boyband I woke up one day and the boyband was just there, doing their best to adjust their complicated dance routine to what little floorspace there was on my ragged bedroom carpet. As soon as I opened my eyes they started complimenting me in five-part harmonies, you are my dream girl, baby and I didn’t have the heart to tell them because they really were singing their little hearts out while almost doing the splits without knocking over my precarious bedside lamp and they were beautiful and young, muscled to the hilt from all that dancing. They were indefatigable too, following me around all day with their cheering. When I frowned over my emails they sang about how much they loved my sweet sweet smile, and when I picked my nose they sang about my sexy sexy booty, and when I scratched my head they sang about how they would gladly die for me and when I cried in the bath they twerked in a conga line and lord forgive me I just did not have the heart to tell them then. Pre-Order the Love Anthology edited by Victoria Kennefick Third Place "The Not-My-Mothers" by Lisette Abrahams ‘The Not-My-Mothers’ brilliantly captures the voice of a child searching for a maternal figure to love them. Using the litany of the ‘not-my-mothers’ to explore the way the mysteries of the adult world of love and relationships have such a profound effect on the children involved, these ‘not mothers’ are observed by the speaker with detached and hopeful longing. There is a gentleness in the way these women are described and not necessarily judged, as can be so often the case in society and culture – so the fact of their unsuitability, for a variety of reasons, is all the more affecting as a result – making the final stanza more potent and joyful, ‘ The last not-my-mother let me choose which crisps I liked /and sewed Snoopy patches on my sister’s jeans…’ - Victoria Kennefick The Not-My-Mothers The first not-my-mother had horsey teeth and put her hand on my dad’s arm when she laughed and couldn’t wait for us to go to bed. The second not-my-mother plaited my hair like hers and called my brother handsome and hated our cat. The third not-my-mother loved Elvis and jived in the kitchen with my sister and cried when my dad stayed out. The fourth not-my-mother whispered on the phone and smoked cigarettes one after the other and gave us cider in egg cups. The last not-my-mother let me choose which crisps I liked and sewed Snoopy patches on my sister’s jeans and bought my brother a Dr Who book and didn’t tell my dad when I wet the bed and within a month I was calling her Mummy. Pre-Order the Love Anthology edited by Victoria Kennefick VERVE Poem of the Festival Online Winners' Showcase Sunday, May 10. 11 am to 12:30 pm. Hosted by competition judge Victoria Kennefick, and featuring our winners, our commended poets and those selected in the 11-17 category. The Verve Competition on the Theme of LOVE opened for entries late in 2025, judged by the wonderful VICTORIA KENNEFICK. We also opened to competition up to entries from 11-17 yearolds. This online event will feature all the winners and commended poets plus six 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 Victoria herself and will be a fun and lively affair, featuring poets of all kinds and levels of experience. NB Ticket sales close at 10.30am Sunday 10th May. Join Us

The winning September poem for VERVE Poetry Festivals monthly poetry competition, Poem of the Month. Heather Chapman Unsent Letter as Means of Transmutation Now I have known you an improbable couple of decades at last we can lie to each other, or at least beside each other. I picture you: staring at the ceiling, you pass a Renaissance hand over your ribs and everything is invention. In Vienna, now – you’ll recognise the stamp. Imagining us as the porcelain fountain in the market square, electric with wishes. I get my cavities filled with gold, jump to fifty. Remember our first year – our breath folded and fired like aeroplanes. Our fourth, silk – we linked pinkies, knuckled to a stitch. I can’t stop buying things for you: bottles of air from mountains, bottles of water from beaches. In twenty more years I will be a fistful of air and you will be that fist opening. SHORTLIST Axotol by Ben Rys Palmer Wish You Were Here, postcard to my unborn child by Angela Cheveau A list of things you don't want your colleagues to know by Khushi Bajaj Doings Coke with You by Ross McCleary To a Friend by Jennifer Wong READ ALL SHORTLISTED ON OUR SUBSTACK

Arts Council England supports Birmingham's only festival dedicated to poetry and spoken word. The festival operates with limited staff and depends on the support of dedicated volunteers. VOLUNTEER AT VERVE POETRY FESTIVAL APPLY VIA THIS GOOGLE FORM APPLY TO VOLUNTEER OUR PARTNERS

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

The winning February poem Pillow Book Talk: a Zuihitsu for Sei Shónagon — Alexandra Corrin-Tachibana for VERVE Poetry Festival's monthly poetry competition, Poem of the Month. £100 for winning poem, and Alexandra Corrin-Tachibana SHORTLIST Res Politica - Chiwenite Onyekwelu Clearly the journey would mean growing older* - Ruth Rosengarten Cherry Blossom Aubade - Geraldine Clarkson Three Girls in a Moving Car - Gillian Gilmore Silence After the Noise - Timothy Kiely READ ALL SHORTLISTED ON OUR SUBSTACK

The winning April poem Tina Will Choose You a Horse  by Vanessa Lampert for VERVE Poetry Festival's monthly poetry competition, Poem of the Month. £100 for winning poem, and ... Vanessa Lampert Tina Will Choose You a Horse  Because she knows how to choose a horse  Tina will choose a horse for you.  Regarding a hypothetical horse  Tina might say, this horse is a crib-biter and a box-walker. This is not your horse. When Tina says this is not your horse you must trust her. When Tina walks away from a horse you must walk away too.  You know nothing about horses.  When Tina says this horse is a Virgo  with a Taurus moon and mercury retrograde,  this is not your horse, look away from its long eyelashes, jaunty ears  and the way sunlight polishes its bottom.  Channel Tina saying this is not your horse. You must allow Tina to find you  something more scopey, a scopey horse, an easy keeper, a horse more rideable for the rider. When Tina says this horse is an unhappy hacker, a weaver, a tied up maintenance horse with windgall,  you must listen. Tina sees your loneliness.  Trot along behind her. Tina will choose you  a horse whether you want a horse or not. SHORTLIST Galatea- Jane Burn Isle of Tiles - Charlotte McDermott Nadine showed me a picture - Angela Cleland handsaw heart - Priyanka Sutaria resistance - S Reeson READ ALL SHORTLISTED ON OUR SUBSTACK

Arts Council England are the reason VERVE Poetry Festival exists and continues to deliver versatile, experimental poetry and opportunities for members of the poetry community. VERVE FESTIVAL of POETRY & SPOKEN WORD WHAT WE DO We platform emerging voices and bring internationally acclaimed poets to Birmingham. We champion access, diversity, and innovation in poetry. We believe that poetry can be an agent for connection, care, cultural representation and joy. '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 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. 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. 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 '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. OUR FESTIVAL PROGRAMME SCHOOL SLAM *a yearly initiative engaging schools across the city in writing & performing poetry. IMMERSIVE FESTIVAL ATRIUM *poetry on demand / poetry games / pop-up bookshop. POETRY COMPETITION *culminating in a published anthology every year! POETRY FILM CINEMA NIGHT *with popcorn! *selected from films submitted to our competition. THE POETRY SCHOOL LIVE POETRY LECTURES *alternative performance 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 WHO WE WORK WITH OUR YEAR ROUND COMMUNITY PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES MONTHLY COMMUNITY OPEN MIC *providing a free to attend platform for everyone to share: from first-timers to old hands. 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. '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. 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 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. 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.

VERVE Poetry Festival is excited to announce its Poem of the Festival competition judged by Victoria Kennefick! We invite poets of all backgrounds and styles to submit their most compelling work for a chance to win prizes and be featured in our festival. COMPETITION OPENS: DECEMBER 1st DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: JANUARY 20th Can You Write Our Poem of the Festival? BUY 1 £6 ENTRY BUY 3 ENTRIES for £14 BUY 5 ENTRIES for £20 Once you've paid for your poem/'s, submit them here... (this link is also available in the menu, in your inbox and post payment) SUBMIT YOUR POEMS This year’s theme, "LOVE," celebrates love in all its forms and poems in all their forms too! All love, any love. Love like you mean it. Messy, radical, platonic, self, destructive, chaotic, gooey, sustaining LOVE. There are SO many ways to love. What is your way? How are you held? How do you want to be held? Do the Love Poems that have gone before work now? What is special about your love? What is ordinary about it? How will the form you create relate to the form of love you address? Whether your style is traditional or experimental, we welcome your unique perspective on LOVE and all who sail in her! POEM OF THE FESTIVAL COMPETITION: with judge Victoria Kennefick THEME: 'LOVE' VICTORIA KENNEFICK VERVE Poetry Festival 2026 Judge Victoria Kennefick’s second collection Egg/Shell (Carcanet Press, 2024) is a Poetry Book Society Choice for Spring 2024. Her debut collection, Eat or We Both Starve (Carcanet Press, 2021), won the Seamus Heaney First Collection Poetry Prize and the Dalkey Book Festival Emerging Writer of the Year Award. It was shortlisted for the T.S. Eliot Prize, the Costa Poetry Book Award, the Derek Walcott Poetry Prize and the Butler Literary Prize. She has been appointed Cork County Council Writer-in-Residence 2024. www.victoriakennefick.com COMPETITION OPENS: DECEMBER 1st DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: JANUARY 20th CATEGORIES: ADULTS / YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 11-17 ENTRY FEE: ADULTS ONLY. First poem £6, 3 for £14, or 5 for £19 SUBMIT HERE (RULES BELOW) VICTORIA SAYS: 'I am so honoured and excited to be the judge of this year's VERVE Poetry competition. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to read the work of poets writing right now. I appreciate that those who submit are trusting me with their precious words so I take this responsibility very seriously. My judging process is an instinctual one in that I read each poem carefully and invite it to accompany me as I move through my day - drinking coffee, taking a walk or brushing my teeth. The poems that I remember, that surprise, shock, confront, move or soothe me are often those I shortlist - their energy lingers, reframing something for me in terms of theme, language, form or point of view. I've come to realise that the more the poet's unique perspective is present in the poem, the more unforgettable it is. So, I encourage the poets who enter the VERVE poetry competition to get weird and get real - to allow their idiosyncratic selves to find a space and a place on the page. Take risks! Be brave! I can't wait to read what you come up with.' BUY 1 £6 ENTRY BUY 3 ENTRIES for £14 BUY 5 ENTRIES for £20 Once you've paid for your poem/'s, submit them here... (this link is also available in the menu, in your inbox and post payment) SUBMIT YOUR POEMS WHY PARTICIPATE CASH PRIZES (ADULTS ONLY) First Prize of £500, second £250, third £100. It's not just about recognition; you'll have the chance to fund your next creative project! The winning poem becomes our Poem of the Festival! PUBLICATION OPPORTUNITY Selected poems will be published in our competition anthology, allowing your words to reach an even broader readership. Includes prize-winners, 21 commended poems and 10 selected 11-17 yearold poets. READ YOUR POEM AT THE FESTIVAL ALL poets featured in our anthology will be invited to attend the festival and read their poem at an event hosted by judge Victoria Kennefick at our festival and given a FREE Sunday Pass to attend the other events on the day. (Unfortunately we aren't able to pay your travel to get to the festival). WORKSHOP (11-17 Year-olds Only) Free ticket to a professional workshop via zoom. RECOGNITION Get your work in front of an esteemed poet and wider audience. Our judges are experienced poets and literary professionals who are eager to discover fresh voices CONNECTION Connect with fellow poets and poetry lovers through our vibrant poetry community. Share ideas, collaborate, and immerse yourself in the world of verse. BUY 1 £6 ENTRY BUY 3 ENTRIES for £14 BUY 5 ENTRIES for £20 Once you've paid for your poem/'s, submit them here... (this link is also available in the menu, in your inbox and post payment) SUBMIT YOUR POEMS COMPETITION RULES The deadline for entry is midnight on 20th JANUARY 2026. Winners Announced February 28th! Poems must be no more than 80 lines long excluding title, and be typed on A4 paper, either as a Word doc or PDF. For multiple entries, please send each in a separate document. Entries much not contain the poet's name either within the document or as a title. Please label your document with the title of the poem only. The adult competition is open to those aged 16+. The FREE to enter Young Person's comp is for 11-17 yearolds. Poems must be majority in English, unpublished and your original work/s. ALL poems will be read and judged anonymously by our 2026 Judge Victoria Kennefick. Poems cannot be altered after submission. The judge’s decisions are final. No person may win more than one prize. The copyright of each poem remains with the author, although the organisers have the right to publish winning and commended poems on our website, on online social media and in our competition anthology. There are three cash prizes: £500 for first place, £250 for second place and £100 for third place, for the adult competition only. The prize for ten selected 11-17 poets is to attend a FREE zoom poetry workshop at a date to be agreed after the festival. All winning, commended and selected 11-17 poems will feature in our competition anthology and poets will be invited to attend our Sunday festival (free Sunday event ticket provided) to read their poem at our Competition Event hosted by Victoria herself. (We cannot pay for your travel to the festival or provide accommodation for this) BUY 1 £6 ENTRY BUY 3 ENTRIES for £14 BUY 5 ENTRIES for £20 Once you've paid for your poem/'s, submit them here... (this link is also available in the menu, in your inbox and post payment) SUBMIT YOUR POEMS