Liver Bards poetry event 'seventeen...' featuring Tom Calderbank

Name: Liver Bards poetry event 'seventeen...' featuring Tom Calderbank
Start: 2026-03-03T20:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-03-03T22:45:00+00:00
Location: Ma Boyle's Alehouse & Eatery

Schedule

Tue Mar 03 2026 at 08:00 pm to 10:45 pm

UTC+00:00

Location

Ma Boyle's Alehouse & Eatery | Liverpool, EN

The next Liver Bards poetry event of 2026 is titled ‘seventeen…’ and is coming to the Rum and Rumour Kabaret Bar in the basement of Ma Boyle’s on Tuesday 3rd March, featuring the rejuvenated vibrant soul that is Tom Calderbank.
'LITERALLY back from the dead recently (and looking all the better for his brief stay in the Underworld!), Tommy Calderbank is a true Spirit of the City. Come hear his words of hope and renaissance!’
There will be space for other to share their words, too.
Please contact me (Ali) if you know you would like a poetry slot and will be there (5 minutes maximum). Please stick to the time!
Whether you’re a Liver Bards regular or new to sharing your poetry publicly, you are most welcome. Or if you simply wish to listen.
Performing bards and audience will come together at Ma Boyle’s L3 1LG.
Come speak your truth and listen to others speak theirs.
Choose to adopt, adapt or ignore the title.
Please be respectful of others and thoughtful about the words you share.
There may be the opportunity for poets to sign up on the night at the venue from 7.30pm if all the spots are not filled.
Jake Archer is due to start the music sometime after 7.
The poeteering begins at 8.
About the title ‘seventeen…’
Whilst on stage late in November last year, Tom had a heart attack. It wasn’t part of the show. Due to the care, expertise and skill of some incredible human beings around him, Tom survived. He was ‘dead’ for seventeen minutes. Hence ‘seventeen’. He is very much alive now.
Also, this year at Liver Bards I aim to draw attention to some poets of yesteryear who speak to today. This month seems fitting to visit Thomas Chatterton. Chatterton died aged seventeen. He was born in Bristol. His father died before he was born. Aged eight, Chatterton was admitted to Colston’s Hospital, a charity school for boys. Here he learned for seven years. He also spent time in St Mary Redcliffe church. Chatterton was publishing mature work by the age of 11. His poems include anti-slavery themes. He created poetry of an imaginary 15th-century poet called Thomas Rowley. At 17, he moved to London. It is widely thought he poisoned himself before he turned 18.
‘Blot out the stains and errors of our youth;
Whose smile is merry, and whose word is truth.’ (from ‘On the Immortality of the Soul’)
Hope to see you at Liver Bards.
Ali
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