POTENTIAL poets and spoken word artists looking to get their first experience of live performing can do so in Whitchurch next week.

There will be a poetry open mic night on Monday, December 18, at Bargates Hall in Whitchurch, close to St Alkmund’s Church and will start at 7.30pm, organised by Poetry Whitchurch.

The guest poet will be Sian Hughes who, according to Harvey Vasey, chairman of Poetry Whitchurch, will round a great year for the group.

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He said: "Sian's reading is a great way to end what has been a terrific year of poetry in Whitchurch with the open mics, seminars, workshops, development groups and our first poetry slam.

“Do come along to the open mic if you are interested – you will get a really warm welcome".

Sian's first collection of poetry The Missing (Salt, 2009) was longlisted for the Guardian First Book Award, shortlisted for the Felix Dennis and Aldeburgh prizes, and won the Seamus Heaney Award.  

Harvey added: “All are welcome and can just come and listen, or put down their name to read a couple of their own poems in a supportive atmosphere.”

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Entry to the open mic night is £3. 

Poetry Open Mics are held every other month, and the next open mic will be in February with the guest poet Jean Atkin. 

More information can be found at www.poetrywhitchurch.com