Louise Fazackerley has triumphed at the Wigan/ Write Out Loud heat  in the Superheroes of Slam competition organised by Commonword. Louise who has previously been a runner-up, was the winner on an occasion that Write Out Loud's Julian Jordon described as "a wondrous night of stunning talent". Second was Rachel McGladdery, a previous winner, and third was Jess Green.  Wigan was the first of eight heats taking place all over the north for the Dike Omeje slam poetry award. Others are at Oldham (22 September),  Manchester - open (29 September), Manchester - youth (6 October), Newcastle (9 October), Leeds (12 October), Crewe (13 October), and Liverpool (14 October). The grand final is Manchester's Yard theatre on Thursday 20 October. More details on the Write Out Loud Gig Guide.  

Photograph: Darren Thomas