Join Spork! for another brilliant Bloom Festival Special, stuffed full of poetry and celebrating all things spoken-word. Featuring silly stand-up poet Chris White and the incredible, life-affirming Harula Ladd, plus an open mic! (sign up now for a 5 min slot!)
Harula Ladd is a poet, performer and facilitator based in Totnes. She’s a former Exeter Slam Champion, and has brought her soulful and spellbinding poetry to festivals and events across the UK, from Teignmouth Poetry Festival, to the London’s South Bank Centre. She frequently runs writing workshops and retreats, and has made work with and for a huge amount of organisations and community groups, from Torbay Hospital to the choir Glorious Chorus. Herwork is deeply rooted in community, and she curates Poem in the Window at Totnes Community Bookshop, as well as running a monthly open mic there called Word Stir.
“Harula teases you into a world of family and thankfulness, as if pulling on a ball of yarn, with her assured gentle presence.” - the PRSD
Chris White is a poet, performer & 'submerging artist,’ as well as the host and founder of Spork! Poetry. He's performed his work at festivals & events from Tongue Fu to Latitude, is a multiple slam winner, a former 'Bard of Exeter,' plus the first Riddler in Residence at Exeter Cathedral. He regularly facilitates workshops in schools and community spaces, and in his silly, surreal way often talks about queerness, identity & ducks.
“White has a knack for humour that can make you sigh in embarrassment, while also crying with laughter. But this lovely comedic sense is artfully and beautifully punctured by the powerful spoken word.” - Bristol 24/7
The open mic!
The Bloom open mic is open to any and all writers, performers, poets, rappers, storytellers and musicians! To book a 5 min slot, email Chris at sporkpoetry@gmail.com
There will also be an opportunity for YOU (the audience) get get involved, and get creative, with a bespoke audience poem that we’ll put together on the night
Proudly presented as part of Bloom – A day of community activity in support of mental health and wellness.
Cost: Free
Accessibility Statement: The Exeter Phoenix is fully wheelchair accessible. This event will take place on the first floor in Studio 1, which is accessible via a lift. The event will feature open-mic acts, and may include some sensitive material and some strong language. For any other access related enquiries, please contact Chris at sporkpoetry@gmail.com
ACCESS TO THE BUILDING
There is a steep slope from the street leading to the main entrance and a flight of stairs up to the 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. Spaces on the first floor are accessible via lift or the main staircases with level floor access throughout. Unfortunately, the second floor is not accessible via lift. Access from the first floor is via one flight of stairs.
Seating at events in The Workshop & Studio 1 changes depending on the event; if you have any specific requirements we will do our best to accommodate them and advise getting in contact before you attend.
If you are a wheelchair user we have removable seats or appropriate spaces available in all event spaces to accommodate this.
PARKING
There is one accessible parking space for Blue Badge Holders. To reserve this for your visit, please call the box office team on 01392 667080 who will provide you with a parking permit upon arrival.
TOILETS
Level access to accessible toilets is available on all floors. The accessible toilet next to Studio 74 does not require a radar key. A radar key is required for the accessible toilet on the ground floor next to the Workshop and the first floor accessible toilet; the key is available from the box office.
There are gender neutral toilets available in Studio 74 and on the first floor.
GUIDE DOGS
Guide / Hearing / Assistance Dogs are welcome. If you wish to take your dog into the event, please let us know when booking so that we can arrange an adjacent seat.
COMPANIONS
Patrons with disabilities may also bring a companion free of charge to all events.
SENSORY NOTES
The cafe bar plays low level recorded music during the day, with moderately bright lighting. During the evening in the cafe bar the music is louder and the lighting is lower. The cafe bar can become busy at various times which makes it louder.
The building can be busy with multiple events happening at the same time, if during your visit you feel you need a quieter space please ask and we will try to accommodate this wherever possible.
VENUE VISUAL STORY
Exeter Phoenix are currently in the process of updating their visual story to more accurately reflect the building.