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Surrey’s Biggest Night of Poetry: A Spectacular End-of-Year Gala Celebrates a Year of Poetic Triumphs
- Surrey Poet Laureateship
- Dec 2
- 5 min read
The Surrey Poet Laureateship's sold-out showcase gala on 29th November 2025 united civic leaders, cultural champions, and poetic talent for an unforgettable night marking another milestone in Surrey’s growing poetry movement.
On Saturday, 29th November 2025, the Surrey Poet Laureateship hosted the most spectacular event in its history so far: the End-of-Year Showcase Gala. Held at the beautiful Nomad Theatre in East Horsley, this sold-out celebration brought together 120 guests, including civic dignitaries, cultural leaders, acclaimed poets, and community supporters, for a night that truly affirmed Surrey’s place as a rising force in the UK’s poetry and cultural landscape.
From left to right, Councillor Med Buck, Nicky Lawrence-Gravestock, Councillor Tim Hall, Brian Perry, and Councillor Jane Tyson. Photo By Michael Gibbs.
A Night of Unity, Inspiration, and Artistic Excellence
The Nomad Theatre, a gem of community-driven performance in East Horsley, proved the perfect setting for a night that celebrated the power of poetry to bring people together. The atmosphere was electric, buzzing with anticipation and pride. From the moment the lights dimmed and the first poem was spoken, it was clear that this was more than just a performance; it was a declaration of how far this grassroots movement has come.
Opening the evening was Deputy Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Jane Tyson, whose warm and heartfelt words set the tone for a night that honoured both tradition and innovation in Surrey’s poetic community. Closing the event was Councillor Tim Hall, Chairman of Surrey County Council, whose powerful and moving speech left the audience uplifted and inspired for the year ahead.
Also in attendance were:
Councillor Roger Adams, Chairman of Mole Valley
Deputy Mayor of Runnymede, Councillor Steve Ringham
Councillor Med Buck, former Mayor of Spelthorne and evening speaker
Councillor Dolsie Clarke, Runnymede
Mary Huggins, former Chair of Mole Valley District Council and Arts Alive
Tamsin Williams representing Surrey Cultural Partnership
Brian Perry, partner and speaker from Egham Literary Institute
Radio host and DJ Brea Gosling from Brooklands Radio
Nia Broomfield, Poet in Residence at Painshill Park.
Katie Griffiths, award-winning poet.
Jacky Power, performer and Poetry Hub facilitator.
A Showcase of Surrey’s Rising Poetic Talent
The evening's programme was a powerful celebration of the poets who have grown and flourished through the Surrey Poet Laureateship’s initiatives. From intimate reflections to bold declarations, the performances were a vivid reminder of the role poetry plays in helping people find their voice. Each poet on stage had been part of the Laureateship’s journey this year, writers who arrived curious and open, and who now stand confident, skilful, and proud in their creative identity.
From left to right, Sian Marie, Adam W. Venables, Laura Ellis, Jermaine Crockett, Katharina Wragg, and Kieran Edwards Hocking. Photo By Michael Gibbs.
Not all were seasoned circuit performers, but rather voices nurtured in community halls, library corners, and brewery backrooms. Their work spanned the personal and the political, the lyrical and the experimental, proving that when given space, support, and encouragement, creativity takes root and flourishes in extraordinary ways.
The programme featured readers from our 2025 Annual Surrey Poetry Anthology, a beautiful collection now available on Amazon or directly from us. We also welcomed performers from our monthly open mic night at Thames Side Brewery in Staines, which continues to grow from strength to strength, month after month, building a loyal following and offering a home for Surrey’s poetic voices to grow, perform, and connect.
The evening was a showcase of talent, yes, but more than that, it was a celebration of the community, dedication, and vision that make this work possible.
From Grassroots to County-Wide Movement
In just two years, the Surrey Poet Laureateship has transformed from a grassroots idea into a movement touching every corner of the county. What began in 2024 with just three Poetry Hubs has grown in 2025 to an incredible eight hubs, spanning Staines, Kingston, Farnham, Egham, Guildford, Dorking, Woking, and Esher.
These hubs are more than just weekly meetups. They are spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds come to write, reflect, and reconnect with themselves and with others. They are lifelines for those seeking expression, purpose, and community. And they are proof that poetry, when made accessible, can be transformative.
At the same time, our Laureate’s Lounge open mic night has become a fixture of Surrey’s cultural calendar, an event that sells out regularly, driven by the enthusiasm of performers and audiences alike. It's raw, it's joyful, it’s real - and it’s where the next generation of poets are finding their voices.
And we are only just beginning. In 2026, our Young Bards programme will officially launch, bringing poetry to young people across the county. With a focus on creativity before theory, we aim to show young people that poetry isn’t just something to study but something to live, to feel, and to use as a tool for self-expression.
Reflecting on the Gala, Surrey Poet Laureate Adam Gary said:
“This gala felt like a dream realised. Seeing the poets we’ve worked with take to the stage with such confidence and brilliance, surrounded by the leaders and supporters who have helped make all of this possible. It’s everything we hoped the Laureateship could be and more. The future is bright for poetry in Surrey.”
This movement is living proof of what happens when a county chooses to invest in creativity, in wellbeing, and in community. And as we look towards 2026, the Surrey Poet Laureateship stands ready to grow even further, building a legacy that will continue to enrich Surrey’s cultural life for years to come.
As the curtain closes on 2025, the Surrey Poet Laureateship is just getting started. With more Poetry Hubs planned, new programmes launching, and community projects on the horizon, 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger. If you believe in the power of poetry to change lives, we invite you to join us.
Join the movement. Discover upcoming events, get involved, or support our mission at www.surreypoetlaureateship.org
Follow us on social media @surreypoetlaureate for updates and opportunities.
Contact Information
For partnerships, press, or performance enquiries, please email us at info@surreypoetlaureateship.org.
The 2025 End-of-Year Showcase Gala was not only a night to remember, it was a powerful reminder of poetry’s place in the heart of Surrey. As we look ahead to 2026, the Surrey Poet Laureateship continues to grow, inspire, and lead with purpose making poetry a vital, living force across the county.
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