A PLACE FOR POETRY

The Laureateship’s Welcome Day

June 7th | 09:00 - 18:00

An all-day celebration of poetry, creativity, and community in our new home

About

A Place for Poetry: The Laureateship’s Welcome Day is a joyful, all-day celebration marking a historic milestone — the Surrey Poet Laureateship has found its first official home at the Egham Literary Institute.

This move is more than practical — it’s poetic in itself. We’ve found a natural home in an institution that, like us, champions community, creativity, and the shared power of words. It’s a space filled with history, heart, and now, poetry.

To mark the moment, we’re throwing open the doors and inviting poets, listeners, learners, and the poetry-curious to come and experience a full day of connection, creativity, and celebration.

All-day open mic – drop in to share your voice or simply soak up the words (no need to book in advance!)
Workshops every hour – from free beginner sessions to immersive paid experiences
Community & inspiration – a welcoming space to meet new people, learn something new, and fall in love with poetry all over again

Whether you're picking up a pen for the first time or you've got books on your shelf, this day is for you.

Come for the poetry, stay for the people — and help us write the next chapter of this story.

What’s On

All-day open mic - Join us in 'The Classroom' for an all-day open mic! 10:00am - 17:00pm. No booking necessary!

Tickets & Booking

A Place for Poetry: The Laureateship’s Welcome Day is free to attend, and many of our activities are open to all. However, some of our specially curated workshops require booking in advance due to limited capacity.

Free Activities

Opening Ceremony (9:00–9:30 AM)
Open Mic (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Free workshops throughout the day

Paid Workshops (£5 each)
Our ticketed workshops offer a deeper dive into poetry through movement, performance, and playful experimentation. Each session is just £5, and spaces are limited to keep the experience personal and high-quality.

Please secure your spot in advance via the What's On section above.

Walk-Ins Welcome (Subject to Availability)

If a workshop catches your eye on the day, feel free to drop in! We’ll always do our best to accommodate walk-ins, space permitting.

We recommend early booking to avoid disappointment — and to make the most of your day with us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What time does the event run?
The event runs from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with an opening ceremony from 9:00–9:30 AM and a closing showcase from 5:00–6:00 PM. Workshops and open mic sessions take place throughout the day.

Do I need a ticket?

A Place for Poetry: The Laureateship’s Welcome Day is free to attend, and the open mic is open to all — no ticket required. Just drop in any time between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to listen or share your words.

All workshops, including free ones, require booking in advance. This is to help us manage room capacity and make sure everyone has a seat and a great experience. Paid workshops are just £5 each.

If there’s space available on the day, you’re very welcome to join in — but we strongly recommend booking in advance to avoid missing out.

Please book your sessions through the What’s On section above. Walk-ins are welcome where space allows.

Can I just turn up on the day?
Yes! Walk-ins are very welcome for both free and paid sessions — but spaces for ticketed workshops are limited, so we recommend booking early to secure your place.

Where is the event taking place?
At the Egham Literary Institute, High Street, Egham, TW20 9EA — right in the heart of Egham.

Is the event suitable for children or families?
The event is primarily designed for adults and older teens, but everyone is welcome to explore, listen, and participate respectfully. Younger poets are especially welcome at the open mic!

Do I need to be a poet to come?
Not at all. This event is for everyone — whether you’ve never written a poem before or have been publishing for years. There’s something here for every level of experience.

Is the venue accessible?
Yes. The Egham Literary Institute is accessible via a step-free entrance. If you have specific accessibility needs, feel free to contact us in advance and we’ll be happy to help.

Will there be food or refreshments?
We recommend grabbing food from one of Egham’s many nearby cafés or bakeries. You’re welcome to bring your own lunch, and we’ll have water available on site.

Who can I contact if I have questions?
Please email info@surreypoetlaureateship.org with any questions, access needs, or group enquiries.