SALISBURY’S NEW SPACE FOR * POETRY * SPOKEN WORD * SHORT PROSE * ORIGINAL SONGS & ACOUSTIC MUSIC
Come to contribute or just listen to and support local poets, writers and other performers, in a comfortable and serene environment – with beer just a staircase away. Contribute, yourself, if you feel so inclined… Meetings are on the fourth Tuesday of every month upstairs in Shoemakers’ Hall function room at the Pheasant Inn (address below), all are welcome to attend, just to enjoy other’s work, or to take part.
Next dates:
- Tuesday 25th August
- Tuesday 22nd September
- Tuesday 27th October
- Tuesday 24th November
- Tuesday 28th December (tbc)
every 4th Tuesday of the month
Time:
7.30pm to 9.30pm
Venue:
The Pheasant Inn, 19 Salt Lane, Salisbury SP1 1DT directions
If you’re new to writing or reading your poetry, this is an ideal environment with a supportive and non-judgemental audience to try your hand – if you’re an old hand – we want to hear what you’ve written!
For further info contact john@newsarhyme.uk or edwin@newsarhyme.uk
Regional Participation Poetry Calendar
Click on events for more information and links
Events in October 2026
| MonMonday | TueTuesday | WedWednesday | ThuThursday | FriFriday | SatSaturday | SunSunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
28 September, 2026
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29 September, 2026
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30 September, 2026
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1 October, 2026
(2 event categories)
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Starts at Handlebar Cafe, SO23 9PAThursday 1st October | 4-5:30pm
Join Mark Rutter and roam St Catherine’s Hill and the water meadows to create short poems inspired by the landscape and National Poetry Day 2026 theme: wonder. This event is in partnership with University of Winchester. Why a ‘haiku walk’? The Japanese haiku focusses on a single moment, and is traditionally based upon close observation. Because of this, writing haiku can be a way to put aside the cares and concerns which tend to dominate our lives, and focus attention on the details of the natural world. Haiku poets like Basho and Issa were famous walkers, and wrote on the move – and this is precisely what we will be doing. Mark says: We will meet at 4.00pm at Handlebar Cafe, where I will hand out some translations of traditional and modern Japanese haiku inspired by nature, along with some contemporary English-language examples. There will be a writing exercise based on these, then we will split up and explore the hill and environs, on the look-out for inspiration. We will agree on a place to meet and exchange what we have written, in time for the event to end at 5.30. Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance Handlebar Cafe – 
Formerly known as Bards!, this is a monthly spoken word and poetry event held on the first Thursday of every month. The Bounty Inn – 
Bournemouth's premier poetry, music & prose open mic. Free to attend but ring £1 for the raffle to win a mystery book.
Sign up on the night for your 5 min slot.
See you there,
Abby G, S. Penny Smith & C.W. Blackburn
|
2 October, 2026
(1 event category)
– 
Reknowed poet and writer Millie Woodrow will guide us through an open mic session Come along and experience the atmosphere of a poetry open mic session with Millie Woodrow. Entry £10 at the door, £11.55 online. The Crafty Cup cafe will be open to to offer refreshments for poets and listeners alike at this special evening. All are welcome to participate or listen along - and be part of the creative energy. Millie Woodrow is a poet and writer from Wiltshire. She is a graduate of the University of Oxford’s Creative Writing MSt. Her work has been published in Acumen, Anthropocene, The Passionfruit Review, Motherlore and The Poetry Lighthouse. She reviews poetry for The Winged Moon. She also runs poetry events in the South West with her company Close Poetry. Her first pamphlet, Venus in the Forest, is published by Seedlings July 2026. You can find her online @milliewoodrowwriter. The Crafty Cup |
3 October, 2026
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4 October, 2026
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5 October, 2026
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6 October, 2026
(1 event category)
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We are looking forward to welcoming you to our poetry night for another night of heart warming, soul shattering and lung chuckling poetry,
Whether you are new to poetry or a seasoned bard come lend your ears and give your cheers at Winchester's most gorgeous poetry night! If you want to read or just listen, there will be space for you. Whether you are a serious poetry maestro or a witty language muddler there will be something for you! It's free for all, and everyone is welcome, so grab those notebooks and come join us for an evening of words, whimsy and madness .
7.30 sign up 8 start. See you there!
The Railway Inn |
7 October, 2026
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8 October, 2026
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9 October, 2026
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10 October, 2026
(1 event category)
– 
Winchester Poetry Day 2026
A day of poetry activities celebrating ‘performance and participation’ where everyone is welcome. Featuring: 📝A poetry workshop with Rachel Long 🏆The Hampshire Young Poets' celebration event 2026 🙌🏾Meet our Artistic Director: Erica Hesketh 🎤Poetry Open Mic 🌟The live announcement of the Winchester Poetry Prize 2026 winners with Julia Copus |
11 October, 2026
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12 October, 2026
(1 event category)
– 
Write a Note, in association with ArtfulScribe, is a monthly platform celebrating poetry, spoken word, and live literature at the Mayflower Studios café/bar. Designed to connect writers and performers with new audiences, the event offers a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment – perfect for trying out new work or refining the delivery of existing material. Entry is free, with donations encouraged at the end of the evening. MAST Free - but booking recommended Buy Tickets |
13 October, 2026
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14 October, 2026
(1 event category)
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And There It Was... For the Curious A totally free, friendly creative writing space for anyone who fancies giving words a go. Taking place every second Wednesday Of the month. Storytellers, poets, songwriters and the simply curious are welcome. Expect playful prompts, word games and good company. NO experience needed. Just bring your curiosity Network Eagle Labs, (opposite ASDA, next to Cex) |
15 October, 2026
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16 October, 2026
(2 event categories)
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The group will be a supportive space where you can share and workshop poems in progress, discuss poetry and explore different styles and voices, exchange constructive feedback in a friendly environment, connect with like-minded poetry enthusiasts, and celebrate each other's successes and creative journeys. By joining, you'll become part of a network of poetry lovers across the country, with access to news, opportunities, competitions, and events run by The Poetry Society. You'll develop your craft with supportive peers and build lasting friendships with fellow poets. White Room, Salisbury Arts Centre £5 Buy Tickets – 
Hosted by Amelia Simpson on the 3rd Friday of every month. Join us whether you're a seasoned poet or this is your first time sharing your work. Arrive by 6:45pm as we will start at 7pm sharp! Amelia will take your name on the door if you would like to perform. Any performances are welcome but times must not exceed 10 minutes, this is to give everyone ample opportunity and time. We are open to all poetry, prose, spoken work, and short stories. Tickets £5 (at time of writing) Tickets £5 Buy Tickets |
17 October, 2026
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18 October, 2026
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19 October, 2026
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20 October, 2026
(1 event category)
20 October, 2026 
Spoken Word Monthly Open Mic in The Cellar Bar, Chaplins. Hosted by Mayu Rousant. Free entry, donations welcome. Check with Chaplin's for times and to confirm dates. |
21 October, 2026
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22 October, 2026
(1 event category)
22 October, 2026 – 28 October, 2026 
Play on Words is the New Forest's festival encompassing a wide variety of events and activities celebrating reading and writing across the district. Founded by two New Milton residents in 2018, and led by a steering group of local residents, writers and cultural organisations, this year's festival celebrates local voices and the power of community across the New Forest. Includes dozens of events around New Milton - https://www.playonwords.org.uk/event-list |
23 October, 2026
(1 event category)
22 October, 2026 – 28 October, 2026
Play on Words is the New Forest's festival encompassing a wide variety of events and activities celebrating reading and writing across the district. Founded by two New Milton residents in 2018, and led by a steering group of local residents, writers and cultural organisations, this year's festival celebrates local voices and the power of community across the New Forest. Includes dozens of events around New Milton - https://www.playonwords.org.uk/event-list |
24 October, 2026
(1 event category)
22 October, 2026 – 28 October, 2026
Play on Words is the New Forest's festival encompassing a wide variety of events and activities celebrating reading and writing across the district. Founded by two New Milton residents in 2018, and led by a steering group of local residents, writers and cultural organisations, this year's festival celebrates local voices and the power of community across the New Forest. Includes dozens of events around New Milton - https://www.playonwords.org.uk/event-list |
25 October, 2026
(1 event category)
22 October, 2026 – 28 October, 2026
Play on Words is the New Forest's festival encompassing a wide variety of events and activities celebrating reading and writing across the district. Founded by two New Milton residents in 2018, and led by a steering group of local residents, writers and cultural organisations, this year's festival celebrates local voices and the power of community across the New Forest. Includes dozens of events around New Milton - https://www.playonwords.org.uk/event-list |
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26 October, 2026
(2 event categories)
22 October, 2026 – 28 October, 2026
Play on Words is the New Forest's festival encompassing a wide variety of events and activities celebrating reading and writing across the district. Founded by two New Milton residents in 2018, and led by a steering group of local residents, writers and cultural organisations, this year's festival celebrates local voices and the power of community across the New Forest. Includes dozens of events around New Milton - https://www.playonwords.org.uk/event-list – 
Play On Words, in association with ArtfulScribe, a monthly space for sharing poetry, fiction, non fiction, live literature and spoken word in a warm and supportive environment at Forest Arts Centre, New Milton. An ideal place to trial new work, perfect delivery of existing material, or share pieces by a favourite writer out loud. Depending on numbers and what the group would like to share, the event runs as either a sharing circle or a space to stand up to perform. Regular participants, occasional guests and those who’d just like to listen are all welcome. |
27 October, 2026
(2 event categories)
22 October, 2026 – 28 October, 2026
Play on Words is the New Forest's festival encompassing a wide variety of events and activities celebrating reading and writing across the district. Founded by two New Milton residents in 2018, and led by a steering group of local residents, writers and cultural organisations, this year's festival celebrates local voices and the power of community across the New Forest. Includes dozens of events around New Milton - https://www.playonwords.org.uk/event-list – 
The 4th Tuesday of the Month 7pm @ the Poet Laureate, Poundbury This is a uplifting, joyous, inclusive community event. An extremely encouraging place to grow in confidence. Jawbone @ the Poet Laureate - since August 2023 we have been hosted by Neil and the Team at the aptly called Poet Laureate in Poundbury. It's been an extremely well attended event right from the start. We have had the delight of watching an array of budding & talented poets, writers, storytellers and singer song writers perform. FREE – 
* POETRY * SPOKEN WORD * SHORT PROSE * listening and/or performing Come to listen and support local poets, writers and other performers, in a comfortable and serene environment - with beer just a staircase away!
A monthly acoustic Open Mic for poets, writers, singer/songwriters and more, held now on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Contribute, yourself, if you feel so inclined, your own work or something written by others that you enjoy, or just sit and listen.
We meet upstairs in the function room (the Shoemakers' Hall) of the Pheasant Inn from 7.30pm.
The Shoemakers' Hall |
28 October, 2026
(2 event categories)
22 October, 2026 – 28 October, 2026
Play on Words is the New Forest's festival encompassing a wide variety of events and activities celebrating reading and writing across the district. Founded by two New Milton residents in 2018, and led by a steering group of local residents, writers and cultural organisations, this year's festival celebrates local voices and the power of community across the New Forest. Includes dozens of events around New Milton - https://www.playonwords.org.uk/event-list – 
Open to all. You can read your own work or other people’s poems. Please bear in mind that this is a family dining venue so the material you choose will need to be appropriate for this audience. Delfino Lounge |
29 October, 2026
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30 October, 2026
(1 event category)
– 
Founded in 2008 by local poet Harriet Green, Moving Voices is a poetry and spoken word open mic which celebrates diversity, experimentation and first time performers. To connect with Moving Voices and see updates please like the Facebook Page here and join the Facebook group here Let the voices of local poets, storytellers and songsters move and inspire you at this evening of performance poetry and music. Usually held on the last Friday of the month, with a break over summer. For upcoming dates and locations, please visit our calendar. Booking is advised – you can book here. Moving Voices is a space where you can share other songs and poems you’ve written, or ones you like. You are also very welcome to just listen. |
31 October, 2026
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1 November, 2026
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Know of any other local poetry events coming up? Let us know john@newsarhyme.uk and we’ll list them here.
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