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 17th June 2026 - - SUE BURGE
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Sue Burge is a freelance tutor, mentor and editor based in North Norfolk. Her poems have been published in a wide range of journals and feature in themed anthologies on science fiction, Modern Gothic, illness, Britishness, endangered birds, WWI and Laurel and Hardy.
Sue's first pamphlet, Lumière (2018 Hedgehog Poetry Press) explored Paris’s cinematic and literary legacy; her second, The Saltwater Diaries (Hedgehog Poetry Press) was published in 2020. She has three collections out with Live Canon: In the Kingdom of Shadows, Confetti Dancers and The Artificial Parisienne. The latter examines her edgy, ongoing relationship with Paris. Her eco-angst collection, watch it slowly fade, was published by Yaffle Press in July 2025.
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Website: https://sueburge.co.uk​
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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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Sue Burge