Join us for the annual Spork! Open Mic at Bloom Festival. A relaxed and vibrant space to showcase local poets, storytellers and songwriters. Plus a headline set from the brilliant Lewis Buxton, and our usual crowd sourced poem. A celebration of all things wordy, from the sublime to the downright silly! Hosted by Chris White and Harula Ladd. Come along to give it a go, or just to listen to some stonking spoken-word.

Sign up for a 5 min slot by emailing Chris: sporkpoetry@gmail.com. Spaces are limited, so it’s first come, first served.

Lewis Buxton

Lewis Buxton is a writer and theatre maker based in Norfolk. His work has appeared in The Independent, Poetry Review, and Magma amongst others. His first collection Boy in Various Poses was published by Nine Arches Press in 2021. His debut theatre show ‘BOY!’ toured in 2023, and his new show ‘FRIEND’ is touring in Autumn 2024. “a performer in full control of his craft, combining the confidence of an arena comedian with the sensitivity of a poet…brimming with talent…” – Eastern Daily Press

Chris White

Chris White is a poet, performer and the founder of Spork! The first Riddler in Residence at Exeter Cathedral, and a multiple slam winner, his poems about love, ducks and other wet things are soul-searching, subversive and silly.

Harula Ladd

Harula Ladd is a poet and facilitator, whose poems are cosy, contemplative and uplifting. She’s taken her performances, workshops and on-the-spot poems all over the UK, from the South Bank Centre to writing retreats.

Spork! Poetry is a regular producer of events, workshops and artist support in Exeter, with a focus on making live poetry affordable, accessible & fun.

This event is part of Bloom Festival

Bloom Festival is a day of free activities to promote good mental health and wellbeing. Bloom is here to encourage and enable discussion, raise awareness of local support services and to utilise creativity as a tool for self-expression.

Full Programme

With thanks to our sponsors

How to join in:

1. Click Book Now to let us know you’re coming

      2. Swap your digital ticket for a wristband to access activity on the day

3. Just drop in!*

VENUE: EXETER PHOENIX, AUDITORIUM