Poetry Slam 2026

Prepare to be entertained by 10 fabulous poets as they compete to become our 2026 Slam Champ.

The evening will be hosted by the award-winning poet and multiple slam champion, Rose Condo, with a guest spot from our 2025 Slam winner Loll the Poet.

First Prize: £50, and a guest spot at our 2027 Poetry Slam.

To apply: Send a video (max length 3 minutes, phone videos accepted) of you performing your work to [email protected] by Monday 13 April.

Access and Covid safety measures: if you have specific access needs or queries and/or prefer to be seated away from other audience members as a Covid safety measure, please contact our Admin at: [email protected] with your request.

Terms and Conditions

1. To apply please Send a video (max length three minutes) of you performing your work to [email protected] (it’s fine to use a phone to record your video). See above for deadline.

1. We will only view one application per person. Further applications will be ignored.

1. We regret that we cannot view any applications received after the deadline.

1. Successful artists should hear back from us by five working days after the deadline.

SLAM RULES

1. Poetry must be your own original work

1. No singing or props.

1. There will be two rounds. The poets will draw numbers from a hat and perform in that order. In the second round the order will be reversed.
2. Poets have 3 minutes to perform their poetry. The clock starts from the very first thing you say - including hello.

Points will be deducted for over-running as follows:

1-9 seconds minus 1 point

10-19 seconds minus 2 points

20-29 seconds minus 3 points

30 seconds minus 4 points, host will stop you, you’ll be judged on your incomplete poem.

1. The poets will be scored out of 10 in two categories. Written content and quality of performance. The highest total score over both rounds wins £50. In the event of a tie there will be a final sudden death round.
   
2. Judges’ decisions are final. Please remember the slam motto:“The points are not thepoint, the poetry is the point.”

Saturday 16 May

7.30pm-10pm

Amped, 29 Queensgate, HD1 2RD

£12 (£9 conc), free for essential carers accompanying a ticket holder (Early bird tickets £10 (£7) until midnight on Monday 6 April)

Age guidance: 16+

Access Guide: contact the venue on: [email protected]; 01484 361932

Access and Covid safety measures: if you have specific access needs or queries and/or prefer to be seated away from other audience members as a Covid safety measure, please contact our Admin at: [email protected] with your request.

Concession & Carers: For further information on concession and essential carer tickets, please visit our FAQ’s page.

Eventbrite note: When purchasing tickets please download the Eventbrite ‘app’ or ‘create an Eventbrite account’. This will facilitate quicker access to your tickets.

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Host or Publisher Huddersfield Literature Festival