Monthly Poetry Open Mic Night to Open in Barrow-in-Furness
A new monthly poetry open mic night is set to launch in Barrow. Aiming to showcase local talent alongside established spoken word performers from across the UK.
The event, called Squawk Spoken Word, hopes to build on the town’s growing creative scene. And encourage more people to take part in live poetry.
When and Where the Event Takes Place
The first event will take place:
- Wednesday 29 April
- 7pm to 9:30pm
- Full of Noises, Barrow Park
The night will feature both an open mic section and a headline performance.
Tickets will cost £3, with a pay-what-you-can option also available to keep the event accessible to everyone.
Headline Poet for the Launch
The inaugural event will include a headline set from Wigan poet Louise Exactly. Alongside performances from local writers taking part in the open mic session.
Organisers say the event will give both emerging and experienced poets a chance to share their work with an audience.
Building a Spoken Word Scene in Barrow
The event is being organised by creative director Caleb Staps, who returned to Barrow several years ago after spending time in Manchester.
He said poetry nights had been an important part of his student years and he wanted to help bring a similar spoken word scene to Barrow.
In recent years, he and other local poets have hosted a number of smaller events in the town, including nights supporting charity Mind in Furness. Which raised more than £1,000.
Encouraging Local Performers
Organisers say the open mic element is key to the event’s aim of encouraging people in the community to take part.
Rather than simply attending as spectators, local residents are being invited to perform their own poetry and spoken word pieces.
Support from venues and local organisations has helped bring the new monthly event together.
