Surrey’s Poetry Scene Shines Bright at End-of-Year Showcase

Dec 5, 20242 min read

The inaugural Surrey Poet Laureateship End-of-Year Showcase, held on Saturday at the ACT Theatre in Kingston College, was a triumphant celebration of poetry, community, and creative expression. The event marked not only the successes of the laureateship initiative but also the individual journeys of the poets who have joined the programme since its launch in May.

A Grand Setting for a Grand Occasion

The evening began with a warm reception in the beautifully decorated bar of the ACT Theatre, a venue generously donated by Kingston College's performing arts department. Surrey Poet Laureate and proud alumnus Adam Gary reflected on the significance of the venue:

"It was such a privilege to celebrate our evening in style, thanks to Marta, Ian, and the whole management team. How surreal to be back on the ACT Theatre stage after 14 years."

Distinguished guests added to the evening's prestige, including Mayor Councillor Med Buck (Spelthorne Borough Council), Councillor Tim Hall (Vice Chairman of Surrey County Council), Mary Huggins (Chairman of Mole Valley Arts Alive Festival), and Rosie May Jones (Artist and Poet in Residence at Leith Hill), among others.

A Celebration of Poetry in All Its Forms

The showcase featured a diverse lineup of talent, representing the breadth of the laureateship's initiatives. From readers in the newly published Surrey Poetry Anthology to the ambassadors of the laureateship’s poetry hubs, the stage came alive with voices and stories from across Surrey.

The event also highlighted the thriving Laureate’s Lounge Open Mic Night community, with performances from seasoned headliners and first-time poets alike. Speeches by Howard Jameson (Patron), Dorian Mead (Events Manager at Thames Side Brewery), and Mayor Councillor Med Buck underscored the evening’s importance as a milestone for Surrey’s literary arts.

The entire event was hosted with charm and enthusiasm by Adam Gary, whose role as laureate has been instrumental in nurturing Surrey’s growing poetry scene.

Adam Gary Surrey Poet Laureate — Photo by John Sherringham

Looking Ahead to 2025

During the showcase, the laureateship announced exciting plans for the upcoming year, including:

The Surrey Poetry Library: Launching as an online platform in Q4 of 2025, this resource will provide access to electronic poetry books for poets and enthusiasts alike.
Heritage Poetry Projects: Collaborating with five local museums, this initiative will capture Surrey’s rich history through verse.
Youth Poetry Programmes: Week-long courses designed to foster creativity in young poets, focusing on expression before diving into technique and form.
Expanding Poetry Hubs: Five new hubs are planned, with volunteer facilitators helping to bring poetry to more communities across the county.

A Night to Remember

The evening ended with glowing feedback from attendees, who praised the event as a celebration of creativity and community spirit. There is already excitement and encouragement for a 2025 showcase, with the laureateship team eager to build on this year’s success.