Exeter City of Literature, Taking the Mic and Spork! are co-hosting a third city-wide spoken-word poetry slam at Exeter Phoenix on Tuesday 29 April.
Twelve local poets will compete to win a £150 prize and a spot at this year’s Slamovision, an international slam competition featuring poets from UNESCO cities of literature across the world.
Special guests include previous Exeter City Slam winner Edward Tripp, UK slam champion Bradley Taylor and Mslexia prize winner Bryony Littlefair.
Exeter City of Literature is a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities network and one of 53 UNESCO Cities of Literature worldwide.
An independent charity since 2021, it collaborates with cultural organisations and local communities on a range of creative programmes.
Projects include a literary map of Exeter and Devon, a campaign to supply books to Warm Spaces in Devon and regular silent book clubs.
It also hosts an annual book market showcasing independent bookshops from across the county. Previously held at Powderham Castle and Positive Lights Project, the market now has a permanent home in Cathedral Green.
Taking the Mic
Founded in 2009, Taking the Mic holds monthly open mic sessions at Exeter Phoenix, with weekly sessions online.
Hosted by spoken word artist and former Bard of Exeter Tim King, the events are open to a variety of acts including poets, comedians and musicians.
Spork! is a community-led producer of spoken word works. It was founded in 2018 by Exeter poet and artist Chris White.
It holds events in Exeter venues that feature local talent with line-ups from across the UK and offers a programme of writing and performance workshops and an artist development programme.
Spork! has programmed drag queens, brass bands and rappers as well as some of the best spoken-word artists in the UK and beyond, including Buddy Wakefield, Vanessa Kissule and John Hegley.
This year’s City Slam begins at 7.30pm on Tuesday 29 April 2025 at Exeter Phoenix.
Tickets cost £10, or £5 for students or under-25s. Early-bird tickets cost £8 and are available until Tuesday 1 April.
For more information and to book visit the Exeter Phoenix website.
