Surrey Poet Laureateship Celebrates Successful Launch with Inspiring Events

Surrey Poet Laureateship kicks off with two successful events, bringing poetry to the heart of the community with support from local leaders and passionate participants.

Launch of the First-Ever Laureateship Event: Staines Library Poetry Hub

The Surrey Poet Laureateship has officially launched with two highly successful events, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for Surrey’s cultural landscape. With the debut of the Poetry Hub at Staines Library and a vibrant open mic night at Thames Side Brewery, the Laureateship is already fostering a strong sense of community and creativity through the power of poetry.

Staines Library Poetry Hub Opens to Warm Reception

The inaugural Poetry Hub event at Staines Library, held on 20th May 2024, saw an enthusiastic turnout, with local poets and community members coming together to celebrate the art of poetry. The event was honoured by the presence of the Mayor of Spelthorne, Councillor Denise Saliagopoulos, whose attendance highlighted the cultural importance of the initiative for the local community.

Staines Hubbers Hard at Work

Attendees at the hub were treated to a morning of poetic inspiration, creative writing activities, and a welcoming environment where they could share their own work and ideas. The sense of community and support was palpable, as participants connected through their shared passion for poetry.

Reader Cedric von Taylor, Surrey Poet Laureate Adam Gary and reader Norman Miller

Open Mic Night Lights Up Thames Side Brewery

The first open mic night of the Surrey Poet Laureateship took place at Thames Side Brewery in Staines, drawing an incredible crowd of poets and poetry enthusiasts. Held on 20th May, the event featured an exciting mix of new voices and experienced poets, creating an electric atmosphere that celebrated spoken word.

Headliner: Briony Hughes, University of Surrey's Poet in Residence

The night was headlined by Briony Hughes, the Poet in Residence at the University of Surrey, whose performance captivated the audience. The event also saw a surprise appearance by international spoken word poet MSTR Samuel, whose dynamic performance was a highlight of the evening. Many first-time poets took to the stage, supported by an encouraging audience that celebrated their courage and creativity.

International Spoken Word Artist, MSTR Samuel

Adam Gary, the inaugural Surrey Poet Laureate, expressed his excitement about the event’s success: “The open mic night exceeded all expectations. The energy in the room was amazing, and seeing new poets step up to the microphone for the first time was incredibly inspiring. This is exactly the kind of community we wanted to build with the Laureateship.”

Poetry for All – A Community Initiative

With such a successful launch, the Surrey Poet Laureateship is already establishing itself as a cornerstone of Surrey’s cultural scene. The Poetry Hub at Staines Library will continue to meet every Monday morning, offering a regular space for poets and poetry lovers to gather, share their work, and participate in creative activities. Meanwhile, the open mic nights at Thames Side Brewery will be held on the second Tuesday of every month, providing a platform for poets to perform in a unique and lively setting.

Staines Library Poetry Hubbers

Beyond these events, the Laureateship is dedicated to bringing poetry to everyone in the county. Its outreach programme will work with vulnerable members of the community, including those in prisons, care homes, and schools, using poetry as a tool for expression and healing. Adam Gary’s vision is for the Laureateship to create a lasting impact, ensuring that poetry remains an integral part of Surrey’s cultural identity for generations to come.

Staines Library Poetry Hub - Mondays, 10am-12pm

If you’re interested in attending a Poetry Hub session or performing at an open mic night, visit www.surreypoetlaureateship.org for more information on upcoming events and opportunities to get involved. Follow us on social media @SurreyPoetLaureate to stay updated on all our latest news.

Contact Information

For more details on the Surrey Poet Laureateship and how to participate, please contact us at info@surreypoetlaureateship.org or visit our website.

The Surrey Poet Laureateship’s launch has set the stage for an exciting future filled with creativity, community, and the transformative power of poetry. With strong support from local leaders and the public, the initiative is already making waves in Surrey’s cultural landscape.