Finale Extravaganza: Join Us for a Virtual Poetry Gala to Close Out National Poetry Month!

Greetings, poetry lovers and wordsmiths! April is in full bloom, and what better way to celebrate National Poetry Month, an American tradition that we have unapologetically jumped on the bandwagon of this year, than by coming together for an evening of poetic magic? We invite you to mark your calendars for a special event that promises to be a celebration of creativity, expression, and unity, transcending borders and boundaries.

Event Details:

• Date: April 27th, 2024
• Time: 19:30 to 22:30 (BST)
• Venue: Online via Zoom
• Host: Alan Parry, Editor-in-Chief of The Broken Spine

This National Poetry Month, we’re thrilled to present our very own Open Mic Night, where poets and poetry enthusiasts from across the globe can gather virtually to share their words, their hearts, and their passion for verse. It’s a night where the power of words will resonate through screens, connecting us all in the beauty of poetry.

What to Expect:

• #PoemsAbout Poets: We’re excited to welcome some of our beloved #PoemsAbout poets to the virtual stage. These talented wordsmiths have graced our pages, and now they’ll grace your screens with their poetic brilliance.
• Open Mic Spots: Have you been inspired by our recent writing prompts? Fantastic! But even if you haven’t engaged with our initiatives before, you’re more than welcome to join us. We encourage all poets, newcomers and long-time readers alike, to bring their responses to life during the Open Mic.

A Celebration of Poetry:
This event is a celebration of the art of poetry and the vibrant international community that surrounds it. While National Poetry Month may have its roots in the United States, poetry knows no borders, and our readership and contributors span the globe. We’ve proudly published the works of two American writers in solo collections, Eli Horan and Kyla Houbolt, and many more have graced our anthologies as contributors and even guest readers. Poetry, as an art form, unites us across cultures and continents.

Participation Details:

• To secure a reading spot during our Open Mic Night, there is a small participation fee of £4. This nominal fee helps cover administration costs, as The Broken Spine is an independent press that relies on the support of our dedicated readership and fans to continue our literary pursuits.
• We understand that times can be tough, and no one should be excluded due to financial constraints. That’s why we have reserved spots for those facing the challenges of the cost of living crisis. If you’d like to participate but are unable to pay the fee, please reach out to us. We want to ensure that everyone who wishes to share their poetry can do so.
• Each participant is invited to share a maximum of three poems or up to five minutes of reading time. If we still have the appetite for more poetry at the end, we’ll even have an additional poem to savor.

How to Join:

1. Mark your calendar for April 27th, 2024, at 19:30 (BST).
2. Purchase your ticket: You can reserve your reading spot or general admission ticket by clicking here.
3. Prepare your poetry: Select your best pieces and get ready to share your words with a supportive and appreciative international audience.

This event is about more than just words on a screen; it’s about connecting with fellow poets, sharing your voice, and celebrating the boundless beauty of poetry. Whether you’re a seasoned poet, a newcomer to our initiatives, or simply someone who loves poetry, we welcome you with open arms to join us for an unforgettable evening.

Let’s come together on April 27th to raise our virtual glasses to the power of words and make this National Poetry Month one to remember. This Open Mic Night is how we want to end National Poetry Month, which we’ve made an extraordinary effort to celebrate this year, not just in the United States but with our international audience that knows no bounds.