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SALISBURY’S NEW SPACE FOR * POETRY * SPOKEN WORD * SHORT PROSE * ORIGINAL SONGS & ACOUSTIC MUSIC

A playlist of some of the poets performing in this year’s People in the Park. Once playing, use the forward and backward buttons to skip between performers.

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 26th May
  • Tuesday 23rd June
  • Tuesday 28th July
  • Tuesday 25th August
  • Tuesday 22nd September

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

Events in May 2026

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
27 April, 2026
28 April, 2026(1 event category)


28 April, 2026

Jawbone@ Poet Laureate, Dorchester

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

5 Pummery Square
Poundbury
Dorchester, DT1 3GW
United Kingdom
01305267000


28 April, 2026

New SaRhyme, Salisbury

* 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
The Pheasant Inn
19 Salt Lane
Salisbury, Wilts SP1 1DT
United Kingdom
29 April, 2026
30 April, 2026
1 May, 2026
2 May, 2026
3 May, 2026
4 May, 2026
5 May, 2026(1 event category)


5 May, 2026

Poetry Platform @ The Railway, Winchester
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
19 St Paul's Hill
Winchester, SO22 5AE
6 May, 2026
7 May, 2026(1 event category)


7 May, 2026

The Platform, Bournemouth
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
46 Seamoor Road
Westbourne
Bournemouth, BH4 9AS
01202 540979
8 May, 2026
9 May, 2026(1 event category)


9 May, 2026

Writing from the Source: Free Poetry Workshop, Poole

Join Oxfam Bookshop Poole High Street for our first ever Poetry Writing Workshop! Hosted by Local Poet C.W. Blackburn.

Come along to this fun and informal Poetry Workshop! For anyone looking to share inspiration, spark creativity and try out writing your own poetry in a relaxed and supportive environment. This workshop is perfect for beginners and will examine some of the common blocks to creativity, give you ten 'special powers' you can utilise as a poet and offer you a variety prompts to explore your thoughts, feelings and emotions and shape them into words.

This event will be led by C.W Blackburn, organiser of local writing group Words for Wellbeing which is run in association with the Bournemouth Writing Festival. He is an experienced writer and poet, who has authored five collections and had his work published in numerous magazines and journals.

The tickets to this event are free, if you would like to support Oxfam then please consider donating with Cash or Card on the day.

Refreshments and snacks will be provided!

10 May, 2026
11 May, 2026(1 event category)


11 May, 2026

Write a Note, Southampton

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
Mayflower Studios
Above Bar Street
Southampton, SO14 7DU
02380 711811

Free - but booking recommended

Buy Tickets
12 May, 2026
13 May, 2026(1 event category)


13 May, 2026

And There It Was..., Southampton

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
FE This week's session: Wednesday 77 March, 7:30-8:45pm
Network Eagle Labs, Portland Terrace (opposite ASDA, next to Cex)
No booking needed. Just turn up and ring the buzzer
G Free, with all materials provided A safe, inclusive space for all
2026 dates:
March < • April 8. May 13. June 10 . July 8 . no session August . September 9. October 14 . November 11 . December 9

Network Eagle Labs, (opposite ASDA, next to Cex)
Marlands Shopping Centre
Portland Terrace
Southampton, SO14 7SJ
14 May, 2026(1 event category)


14 May, 2026

Salisbury Stanza

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.
Book to join, £5 + £1 compulsory donation

White Room, Salisbury Arts Centre
Bedwin Street
Salisbury, SP1 3UT
01722 320333
15 May, 2026(1 event category)


15 May, 2026

October Books Poetry Open Mic, Southampton

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)

Grab a ticket here

189 Portswood Road
Portswood
Southampton, SO17 2NF
United Kingdom
02380581030

Tickets £5

Buy Tickets
16 May, 2026
17 May, 2026
18 May, 2026(1 event category)


18 May, 2026

Play On Words, New Milton

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.

Old Milton Road
New Milton, Hampshire BH25 6DS
01425 619983
19 May, 2026(1 event category)

19 May, 2026

Getting Poetical, Bournemouth

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.

529 Christchurch Road
Bournemouth, BH1 4AG
01202251953
20 May, 2026
21 May, 2026
22 May, 2026
23 May, 2026
24 May, 2026
25 May, 2026
26 May, 2026(1 event category)


26 May, 2026

Jawbone@ Poet Laureate, Dorchester

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

5 Pummery Square
Poundbury
Dorchester, DT1 3GW
United Kingdom
01305267000


26 May, 2026

New SaRhyme, Salisbury

* 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
The Pheasant Inn
19 Salt Lane
Salisbury, Wilts SP1 1DT
United Kingdom
27 May, 2026
28 May, 2026
29 May, 2026(1 event category)


29 May, 2026

Moving Voices, Southampton

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.

30 May, 2026
31 May, 2026

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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If you’d like to be reminded of meetings and receive occasional information about other poetry events in the area, join our mailing list. Every newsletter has an unsubscribe link so it’s easy to leave at any time.

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