Port of Poems - Performance - Harbour Lights Theme

Port of Poems is a participatory poetry night rooted in Gosport’s maritime history and creative present. This is a welcoming performance evening where poets and audiences gather to share words, listen well, and gently compete, all with tea and biscuits.

Whether you’re reading or simply listening, this is a night for original poetry, thoughtful themes, and community energy. No prior performance experience required.

• A themed poetry - Harbour Lights
• Short performances by local poets (everyone welcome)
• Audience voting
• Warm, respectful atmosphere
• Tea and biscuits included

This is not an open-mic free-for-all. There is light structure, time limits, and a host guiding the evening to keep things flowing.

• £5 – Performer Ticket
  Includes entry, one performance slot, audience voting rights, and refreshments.
• £3 – Audience Ticket
  Includes entry, voting rights, and refreshments.

6:00pm – Doors Open
Arrival, sign-in, tea poured, performers register and place their names in the draw.

6:20pm – Welcome & How the Slam Works
Introduction to Port of Poems, the theme of the night, and a quick run-through of the format and ground rules.

6:30pm – Poetry Performance Begins
Performers are drawn at random.
Each poet performs one original poem on the theme (up to 5 minutes).

7:15pm – Short Breal
Refreshments topped up, informal conversation, audience voting continues.

7:30pm – Non-Competing Poetry Performances & Voting Closes

7:45pm – Winner Announced & Closing Words
Winner announced, cash prize given, thanks to performers and audience, and a preview of the next Port of Poems event.

8:00pm – Event Ends

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Host or Publisher Annelies James-Ryan