I'm off to The Lake District for a week this Saturday and want to take advantage of any poetry/open mic nights but am struggling to find any on Write Out Loud or the wider internet.

Would anyone be able to recommend any?

Jess, go into the Wordsworth museum and buy a little book of the old man's verse. Then walk around Grasmere and read one piece at every bench seat to take in the views. You can read them out loud if you like!

Heh heh - I'm not sure that would do it for most performance poets, Graham. There is a certain buzz about getting up and doing it in front of a live audience - and it has to be your own work to feel good about it. I think it has something to do with ego or perhaps we are all failed musicians. I suppose anyone can get up and have a go at spouting poetry. Whether we do it well or not is another matter!

Helen Mort is the poet in residence at Dove Cottage. She was at Fell Foot and seemed approachable, and would probably know what was going on.

http://www.wordsworth.org.uk/information/index.asp?pageid=53

Hi Jess

This lady runs Poems & Pints in Ulverston. They don't have a session while you're there, but she may be able to recommend other stuff.
www.jennifercopley.co.uk

Russell, Apples & Snakes

Brilliant, thanks everyone!

Will let you know how I get on

Don't forget to wander lonely as a cloud.