HOME OF FEN SPEAK AND THE FENLAND POET LAUREATE AWARDS 2012-2017
Fen Speak is Ely's long-running regular poetry, spoken word and storytelling open mic night where local writers come together to share their work in a friendly environment.
Who: all are welcome - poets, spoken word artists, non-fiction or fiction writers, or those just wanting to listen! The events include first time readers as well as regular contributors.
What: poetry, fiction, non-fiction - each reader gets a slot of around 3 minutes, depending on how busy the night is. It's free to attend, with donations taken to cover running costs. Just turn up and sign up, or email in advance to book your reading slot. There are also often special guest readers, such as local poets who have recently had new work published.
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Why: come to share your work, gain confidence in performing it, hear and meet other fantastic writers, and find out more about writing happening in the fens - the reasons to come are endless!
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Where: We mix online and in-person events. Online on Zoom (Feb, April, July, Nov), and in-person (Jan, March, May, June, Sept, Oct Dec) at our new venue: Centre E Community Hub, Barton Rd., Ely CB7 4DE (Map link)
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~ ~ BREAKING NEWS ~ ~
Commencing January 2026, ALL of our open-mic nights, whether in-venue at Centre E or on Zoom, will be held on the THIRD WEDNESDAY of the month. No more having to chop and change - hurrah!
Events on Facebook
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday 18th March 2026 - - TIMOTHY J. JARVIS
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Timothy J. Jarvis is a writer with an interest in the antic and strange.
His novel, The Wanderer, was first released in summer 2014 by Perfect Edge Books and republished by Zagava in 2022. Short fiction has appeared in various venues, including Best British Short Stories, Great British Horror, Conjunctions, and Harvard Review, and in 2023 a collection, Treatises on Dust, was published by Swan River Press. He currently lives in Bedford.
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Time: 7pm for a 7.30 start
Venue: Room 3, Centre E, Barton Rd., Ely CB7 4DE
FREE ENTRY - no tickets needed. Just turn up!
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To stay in the loop about what's happening at Fen Speak, please sign up to the newsletter HERE.
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Timothy J. Jarvis