Exeter UNESCO City of Literature, Spork! Poetry and Taking the Mic are joining forces to present the first ever City Slam; an exciting competition to find the best spoken-word artist in Exeter (and across Devon).
12 poets will battle it out across 3 rounds of fierce but friendly competition. With feature slots from some local favourites and an incredible headline performance from Bristol-based poet and rapper Craft-D (aka Danny Pandolfi).
The winner of the City Slam will be entered into this year’s Slamovision; an international slam competition featuring poets from UNESCO Cities of Literature all across the world, as well as receiving a cash prize of £150. Runners up will also receive some exciting prizes provided by local businesses in Exeter.
PLUS…
We’ll also have feature sets from Shaday Barrowes-Bayewunmi & Clare Morris! Shaday is a theatre maker and poet based in Plymouth, who won the ‘Spork! Slam’ in 2022. Clare Morris is a poet based in Devon who won the Exeter Poetry Slam in 2022, and then went on to represent Exeter in last year’s international Slamovision.
Sign up to Slam!
To enter the slam, you need to register an interest by 5pm on Friday 24th March. The 12 Slammers will be picked out of a hat at midday on the 25th. To register, just send an email to Tim on slam@speakinsong.co.uk with your name, age, and where you’re based. Slammers must be aged 16+ and based in Devon.
The Rules
After registering, you’ll receive a full list of rules. But, in short, all slammers must prepare 3 poems / pieces for the 3 rounds. These pieces must not exceed 3 mins in length, and slammers may get penalised for going over (this includes any introductions.)
The performances will be scored by a panel of judges, who will mark on writing, delivery, and the audience response. For any questions about the competition, email Chris on sporkpoetry@gmail.com
Cost: £8* Early Bird — £5* Student / Under 25s — £10* Standard
*Subject to a £1.50 ticketing system charge. Exeter Phoenix don’t charge this to make a profit. Find out more >>
Craft-D
Craft-D is a rapper and poet based in Bristol. His songs include iTunes UK Hip-Hop chart-topper Letter to Corbyn. He’s the Director of Raise the Bar, a spoken-word events platform championing a diverse range of writers, lyricists and storytellers. He’s performed at Ministry of Sound London, 02 Academy Bristol, Shambala, Cheltenham Literature Festival, Ledbury Poetry Festival, Camp Bestival, on BBC 1Xtra, and BBC Radio Bristol
Accessibility Statement: There is a steep slope from the street leading to the main entrance and a flight of stairs up to our front door. More level access is possible by approaching from Exeter Central Library on Castle street. Step-free access to the building is available via a ramped entrance on the side of the building. The side entrance is equipped with automatic doors.
All ground floor spaces are fully accessible with a mix of level flooring and gentle ramps. Level access to accessible toilets is available on all floors. Please ask Box Office for the radar key if needed. We have gender neutral toilets available in Studio 74 and on the first floor.
For any access related enquiries, please contact Chris on sporkpoetry@gmail.com