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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~ ~ 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 16 September 2026 - - STEVE POTTINGER
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Steve Pottinger is a writer, poet, and workshop facilitator, as well as being a founding member of Wolverhampton arts collective Poets, Prattlers, and Pandemonialists. He has performed at StAnza, WOMAD, Ledbury, and Morecambe Poetry Festival, as well as poetry nights across the UK, and his work regularly appears online in CultureMatters, Yorkshire Bylines, and the Morning Star. His seventh volume of poems, Snapshots from the fall of home, published by Ignite Books, is out now.
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https://ignitebooks.co.uk/product/snapshots-from-the-fall/
What other poets have to say about Steve:
‘Muscular, passionate, emotional, rational, compassionate’
- Brenda Read-Brown
‘Pathos, grace, and stone-cold contempt for the powerful and immoral’ - Laura Taylor
‘Ready as needs be to caress or deck humanity in all its beautiful stupidity’ - Jonny Fluffypunk
‘Brilliant.’ - Craig Charles, BBCRadio6
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Time: 7pm for a 7.30 start
Venue: Centre E, Barton Rd., Ely CB7 4DE
FREE ENTRY - No ticket required - 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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Steve Pottinger