SPOKEN “Food is the Language of Care and a Basic Human Right”

About us: Spoken are a collective of change-makers who champion the power of creative and cultural expression as a catalyst for social action and positive change. The collective have been working tirelessly over the past years to facilitate opportunities for communities to engage with some of the biggest cultural, social and political conversations of our time.

Spoken explores how we live together, it is driven by cultural exchange and uses the power of community organising and collective creativity to help generate better futures - both locally and further afield.

Spoken: "Leading Cultural Conversations" is back at the Markfield Road Festival 2025 bigger, bolder, and brimming with flavour!

This year’s theme, “The Power of Food”, invites us to explore the many layers of what food means to us: care, culture, creativity, and connection.

"Food is caring. Food is sharing. Food is art. Food is identity. Food is fashion. Food is Ital. Food is vital. Most importantly, food is a basic human right — and everything in between."

Through a vibrant mix of workshops, discussions, performances, and community sharing, we will cook up conversations and connections that nourish both body and soul. Whether you come for the poetry, the learning, the porridge, or the open mic, prepare for a day where every flavour tells a story.

PART 1: WORKSHOPS

Workshops (2:30PM): Recipes of Love, World Porridge with Fooridge UK, Poetry Writing, Food Waste, and Forum Theatre.

From 2.30pmto3.30pm

🥣 From world champions to your bowl! Join James & Adam, winners of the 30th Annual World Porridge Making Championship, for a fun, hands-on workshop.

Travel the globe through porridge, experiment with toppings, and create your own masterpiece. Perfect for all ages (kids welcome with parents).

From 4pmto5.30pm

🌱✨ With Edible London UK CIC

From 5pmto6.30pm

🎭 Step into the story! Join acclaimed actor Suzette Llewellyn for an interactive theatre workshop exploring what food really means — care, culture, identity, justice, and joy.

No acting experience needed — just your voice, imagination, and energy. Come ready to move, play, and create together.

PART 2: PANEL DISCUSSION

Panel Discussions: (6:30PM): Theme: “Food is the Language of Care and a Basic Human Right”An interactive discussion featuring four keynote speakers, each offering their unique perspective on the theme. The audience will be encouraged to participate through live polls, questions, and reflections via Menti.

PART 3: SPOKEN NIGHT & OPEN MIC

Spoken Night (8:30PM): Hosted by Mark “Mr T” Thompson, with featured artists, open mic, music, and games.

**OPEN MICERS**

Please sign your name on the list when you arrive from 19.30pm

You will have a 5 minute maximum slot to perform your poem - your name will also be entered into a draw to receive a free ticket to perform or attend our next event!

**FEATURED ARTISTS**

All featured artist are PAID. You will also have a free dinner on us . All events will be recorded and you will receive a high quality performance video.

If you would like to be considered for a featured slot and would like to hear more about the awesome benefits, please email [email protected] with a link to your work (preferably this is a video of you performing on stage, or a poetry reel) any extra information helps such as website and/or social media.

**KEEP AN EYE OUT ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS FOR THE RELEASE OF OUR FEATURED ARTISTS** @ spokengift1 on Facebook and Instagram

See you there!

SPOKEN

Host or Publisher Spoken Collective