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)
Events on Facebook
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday 18 November 2026 - - ASHLEY EDGE
Ashley Edge (xe/they) is a transmasc, non-binary, neurodivergent, Staffordshire-based poet, editor, publisher (editor-in-chief at Poetic Edge), writing tutor, mentor and event host, with a Cheshire twang and Spanish heart. Their collection Extroverted Introvert was published in 2026. Published in multiple anthologies, on BBC Upload and for National Poetry Day’s Speak Your Truth; featured across the UK and internationally, in person and online, they are a bag of All Sorts. From LGBTQIA+ and political poetry, to sports, cats and dragons, they have a poem for every occasion!
Ashley Edge - Extroverted Introvert - OUT NOW!
Buy here: https://amzn.eu/d/07FUPmck
Signed copies: follow me @ashleyedge.poet (FB/Insta/Threads) and send me a dm or email ashleyedge.poet@gmail.com
Eventbrite Profile:
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ashley-edge-66407590783
FB/Insta/Threads/TikTok/YouTube: @ashleyedge.poet
Poetic Edge with Ashley (fb group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/poeticedge/
Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/ashleyedge
https://linktr.ee/poeticedgepublishers
Websites:
https://www.ashleyedgepoet.wordpress.com
https://www.poeticedgepublishers.com
Time: 7pm for a 7.30 start
Venue: on Zoom
FREE ENTRY - tickets available from the EVENTBRITE PAGE.
To stay in the loop about what's happening at Fen Speak, please sign up to the newsletter HERE.
Ashley Edge