

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, and in-person at our new venue: Centre E Community Hub, Barton Rd., Ely CB7 4DE (Map link)
​
When: Online - 3rd WEDNESDAY of the month (Feb, April, July, Nov). In person - 3rd THURSDAY of the month (Jan, March, May, June, Sept, Oct, Dec) - - Please note: we take August off! See below for the latest dates. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30 start, and we usually finish around 9.30pm.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Next Event:
Weds 19th February, on Zoom with Charlotte Faulconbridge
7 for 7.30 start - - FREE ENTRY
Charlotte Faulconbridge is an autistic and chronically ill prize-winning poet, published author, musician and TEDx performer. Her book, Too High to Function, which tells the story of her life on the autistic spectrum, has sold in over 20 countries on every continent, and reached No.1 in the Amazon bestseller charts. She is an ambassador for the mental health charity MIND, was a finalist in the BBC Make A Difference awards 2024, and in 2025 she was named one of the Big Issue's top 100 Changemakers.
Her new book, The Warring Twenties, is her debut poetry collection themed around mental health.
​​
To get your tickets for this Zoom event, visit the EVENTBRITE PAGE
​
Forthcoming Events:
Fen Speak's in-person events have moved to a new venue at a new time. Please sign up to the newsletter here for more information.
