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.
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!
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)
~ ~ DON'T FORGET ~ ~
Since January 2026, ALL of our open-mic nights, whether in-venue at Centre E or on Zoom, are now held on the THIRD WEDNESDAY of the month. No more having to chop and change - hurrah!
Events on Facebook
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday 20th May 2026 - - JAMES DOMESTIC
James Domestic has been wowing crowds across the country over the past few years with his quirky, funny, and often poignant observations on the minutiae of everyday life, effortlessly crafted into irreverent, punk-ish poems. He’s appeared on BBC Radio a number of times, guested on various podcasts, and even performed on BBC Breakfast telly as part of a feature on the 50th anniversary of Ceefax (!). He has several books to his name, most published by Earth Island Books, and has supported legends such as Luke Wright and Attila The Stockbroker, Subhumans, and Andy Riley to name but a few. He’s received much praise from highly regarded poets and musicians alike and will appear at a number of festivals throughout 2026.
“Words that bite, belch, and bleed in their brilliance” (Mark Grist)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_domestic/
Website: https://jamesdomestic.com
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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James Domestic