A poetry open mic event hosted by Heart n Soul.
Free to attend. BOOK VIA EVENTBRITE HERE.
A poetry open mic space, featuring music and poetry performances by Heart n Soul artists Sam Castell-Ward, Tilley Milburn and others. We’ll also be inviting members of the audience up on stage to have a go at performing something of their own, plus and a chance for the audience to get up on stage and have a go at performing too.
Presented in partnership with Heart n Soul.
Access information:
- All of our in-person events Friday-Sunday, including this one, will be BSL Interpreted for audiences that require it. For workshops, you will be asked when booking your free ticket if you require the services of a BSL interpreter. For all workshops where one or more attendees require BSL interpretation, we will arrange for an interpreter to be there.
- This event is wheelchair accessible, with accessible toilets.
- Deptford Lounge has Changing Place facilities, an induction loop and assistance dogs are welcome. For more information: deptfordlounge.org.uk/access
- A quiet space is available during the day at Deptford Lounge, in the Music Room, on the first floor.
- If you require additional access provision in order to attend or take part in the Festival, for example, larger print handouts at workshops, or a scribe, please get in touch before the Festival day at: [email protected]
- If you require assistance on the Festival day itself, please come to the Festival Hub in the foyer of Deptford Lounge where we will be happy to help you.
- For more information about the access provision available, please visit: spreadtheword.org.uk/access-at-deptford-literature-festival
About the artists, partners and funders
Sam Castell Ward
Festival artist
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Sam is a multi-talented artist—a poet, actor, playwright, and performer. As a singer/songwriter, Sam is celebrated for his distinct blend of folk punk. He draws comparisons to legends like Billy Bragg and Bob Dylan, using his music to spotlight social and political issues. In 2022 Sam released his first poetry EP ‘Trapped in this Life' and his latest music EP ‘In The Background’ explores themes of inequality, resilience, and the experiences of those often marginalised by society.
Through tactile, mixed-media techniques, Majek bridges the physical and spiritual, weaving together past, present, and future. She is deeply interested in how histories and futures are preserved, revitalised, and shared as tools for transformation. Alongside her studio practice, Majek leads workshops and community projects, using art to inspire play and wellbeing, foster connection, and cultivate individual and collective imagination.
Tilley Milburn
Festival artist
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Tilley is a singer-songwriter and performance artist. Their best friend is Del the Piggie, a soft toy, whom they always perform with. They work in a variety of art forms to express themselves including singing, hosting, acting and performance art. They continue to develop their piece Puffing and Wooling, which focuses on rest, relaxation and being in the moment. They also showcase their performance and facilitation skills working with other organisations including the Bubble Club and Square Pegs Arts.
Heart n Soul
Festival partner
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Heart n Soul is an award-winning creative arts organisation. We believe in the talents and power of people with learning disabilities and autistic people. Heart n Soul offers a place for people to create, connect and help to lead change. People can take part, train in a new skill or develop their artistic talents. At Heart n Soul everyone is valued, and leadership is shared. We can be ourselves, make change happen and have fun! For more information visit www.heartnsoul.co.uk
Laurie was shortlisted for Young Poet Laureate for London, The Sylvia Plath Prize, Bridport & Forward Prize & was the winner of The Moth Poetry Prize judged by global laureate Louise Gluck in 2023.
Laurie's latest publications include Box Rooms, Makeover & Spin celebrating the resilience of working class women, community, kindness & love. Laurie’s full collection Lady is due to be published by Nine Arches Press next year.